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Who Is Nicolas Cage's Wife? All About Riko Shibata

September 4, 2026 by
Who Is Nicolas Cage's Wife? All About Riko Shibata
Lewis Calvert

Nicolas Cage's wife is Riko Shibata, a 31-year-old Japanese actress and entrepreneur from Kyoto, Japan. The couple married on February 16, 2021, in Las Vegas and share one daughter, August Francesca, born in 2022. This is Cage's fifth marriage, and he has stated "I think I got it right this time."

Key Takeaways

✅ Riko Shibata is a 31-year-old Japanese actress and entrepreneur from Kyoto, Japan

✅ She married Nicolas Cage on February 16, 2021, in Las Vegas

✅ The couple has a 31-year age difference but maintains a strong, committed relationship

✅ They share one daughter, August Francesca, born September 7, 2022

✅ Shibata and Cage met in Japan in 2020 during the filming of Prisoners of the Ghostland

✅ This is Nicolas Cage’s fifth marriage, and he has stated he believes he “got it right this time”

✅ The couple balances public appearances at major events with a private family life in Las Vegas

✅ Shibata has seamlessly blended her Japanese heritage with American life

Who Is Riko Shibata? 

Joe Scarnici/Getty

Riko Shibata is a 31-year-old Japanese actress, model, and entrepreneur born on January 10, 1995, in Kyoto, Japan. She gained international recognition as the fifth wife of Academy Award-winning actor Nicolas Cage. Despite the significant age gap of 31 years, the couple has built a strong relationship since their meeting in Japan in 2020.

Riko Shibata at a Glance

Detail Information
Full Name Riko Shibata (芝田梨子)
Date of Birth January 10, 1995
Age (2026) 31 years old
Birthplace Kyoto, Japan
Nationality Japanese-American
Occupation Actress, Model, Entrepreneur
Known For Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021), Wife of Nicolas Cage
Married February 16, 2021
Children 1 daughter (August Francesca)

How Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata Met

Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata met in Shiga, Japan, in 2020 through mutual friends while Cage was filming his action-horror movie Prisoners of the Ghostland. The Oscar-winning actor revealed in an October 2021 interview with Flaunt Magazine that their connection was instant and meaningful.

The Meeting Story

The couple’s first meeting occurred during the production of Prisoners of the Ghostland, a Japanese-American action film that brought Cage to Japan. According to Cage, he was immediately drawn to Shibata, and their shared love for animals became an early bonding point.

“She likes animals, too, so I asked her, ‘Do you have any pets?’ And she said, ‘Yes, I have flying squirrels.’ She had two sugar gliders… I thought, ‘That’s it. This could work out,’” Cage told Entertainment Tonight.

First Public Sighting

The couple made their first public appearance together in February 2020 when they were photographed holding hands in New Orleans, Louisiana. They visited Cage’s famous nine-foot pyramid tomb that he purchased for himself in 2010—a notable location that holds personal significance for the actor.


Their Engagement and Wedding Story

A FaceTime Proposal During COVID-19

Nicolas Cage proposed to Riko Shibata over FaceTime in August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The unique proposal came after the couple was separated due to travel restrictions—Shibata returned to Kyoto, Japan, while Cage went back to Nevada.

Cage announced the engagement on his brother Marc Coppola’s radio show, explaining the circumstances:

“She left New York and went back to Kyoto, Japan, and I went back to Nevada and I haven’t seen her for six months. We were really happy together and we were really excited to spend that time together so I finally just said, ‘Look, I wanna marry you,’ and we got engaged on FaceTime.”

Michael Kovac/Getty

The Unique Black Diamond Engagement Ring

Following the proposal, Cage had a custom engagement ring designed and sent to Japan via FedEx. The ring featured a black diamond set in black gold—specifically chosen because black is Shibata’s favorite color.

“Her favorite color is black so she wanted the black gold, and the black diamond. I found it and I customized and personalized it and I actually sent it to her via FedEx,” Cage revealed.

 

Las Vegas Wedding: February 16, 2021

Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata married on February 16, 2021, in a small, intimate ceremony at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. The wedding date held special significance—it was the birthday of Cage’s late father, August Coppola.

The ceremony was attended by close friends and family, including Cage’s ex-wife Alice Kim, with whom he shares son Kal-El. The friendly attendance of Cage’s former spouse demonstrates the amicable relationships he maintains with his previous partners.

Cage’s representative confirmed to People Magazine: “It’s true, and we are very happy.” On the marriage certificate, Shibata’s name was listed as Riko Cage.

Age Difference and Relationship Timeline

The 31-Year Age Gap

Nicolas Cage, born January 7, 1964, is 31 years older than Riko Shibata, born January 10, 1995. This significant age difference has been a topic of public discussion, but both Cage and Shibata have demonstrated a mature, committed relationship that transcends age.

Relationship Timeline

Date Milestone
2020 Met in Shiga, Japan during filming
February 2020 First photographed together in New Orleans
August 2020 Engaged via FaceTime
February 16, 2021 Married at the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas
July 2021 Red carpet debut at Pig premiere
January 2022 Pregnancy announcement
September 7, 2022 Daughter August Francesca born
January 2024 Attended Golden Globes on Cage’s 60th birthday
March 2024 Attended the Oscars together
May 2026 Appeared at Spider-Noir world premiere

Riko Shibata’s Career and Background

Acting Career

Riko Shibata is an actress known for her role in Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021), the same film where she met Nicolas Cage. She has also appeared in Mannequin Woman (2021). While her acting career is still in its early stages, she has shown interest in expanding her presence in the entertainment industry.

Entrepreneurship and Modeling

Beyond acting, Shibata is described as an entrepreneur and has participated in modeling work. She maintains a relatively low public profile, focusing on her family life while selectively engaging in professional opportunities.

Cultural Background

Originally from Kyoto, Japan, Shibata now lives with Cage in the United States but maintains strong connections to her Japanese heritage. She has been proactive about understanding and visiting places significant to Cage’s American life, including his Hollywood Walk of Fame star and his New Orleans tomb.

Language and Adaptation

Shibata has adapted to life in America, learning to navigate both Japanese and American cultures. This bicultural perspective brings a unique dimension to her relationship with Cage and their family life.

Their Daughter August Francesca

Birth Announcement

Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata welcomed their daughter, August Francesca Coppola Cage, on September 7, 2022. This is Shibata’s first child and Cage’s third, making her a first-time mother at age 27.

Name Significance

The baby’s name, August Francesca, holds special meaning:

  • August honors Nicolas Cage’s late father, August Coppola, a renowned literature professor and scholar
  • The name also connects to the February 16 wedding date, chosen to honor August Coppola’s birthday
  • Francesca is a classic name with Italian roots, reflecting the Coppola family’s Italian heritage

Family Statement

Following the birth, the couple’s representative told People Magazine: “Nicolas and Riko are happy to announce the birth of their daughter. Mother and daughter are doing fine.”

Nicolas Cage’s Three Children

August Francesca joins Cage’s two sons from previous relationships:

  1. Weston Coppola Cage (born December 26, 1990) – Son with actress Christina Fulton, now 35 years old
  2. Kal-El Coppola Cage (born October 3, 2005) – Son with Alice Kim, now 20 years old (named after Superman’s Kryptonian birth name)
  3. August Francesca Coppola Cage (born September 7, 2022) – Daughter with Riko Shibata, now 3 years old

Public Appearances and Red Carpet Moments

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

2021: Red Carpet Debut

Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata made their official red carpet debut in July 2021 at the Los Angeles premiere of Cage’s film Pig. This marked the couple’s first major public appearance as husband and wife, just five months after their Las Vegas wedding.

2021: First Magazine Cover

Following their wedding, the couple posed for their first-ever joint magazine cover for Flaunt Magazine in October 2021. This artistic photo shoot showcased their chemistry and marked a significant moment in their public relationship.

2023: Renfield Premiere

In March 2023, Shibata accompanied Cage to the New York City premiere of Renfield, where Cage played Dracula. The actor turned heads in zebra-print pants and a sparkly black blazer, while Shibata looked elegant in a black gown with beaded detailing.

2024: Golden Globes

On January 7, 2024, Nicolas Cage’s 60th birthday, the couple attended the Golden Globes in Los Angeles. Shibata looked stunning in a black dress and faux fur jacket, while Cage wore a distinctive black and gold suit. Cage was nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical or Comedy.

“I’m just looking at this whole experience as one big birthday party. It’s my surrealist birthday party. I’m excited to see everybody; everybody’s invited to my birthday party,” Cage said on the red carpet.

2024: The Oscars

Two months after the Golden Globes, in March 2024, the couple walked hand-in-hand down the red carpet at the Academy Awards, further solidifying their status as a Hollywood power couple.

2026: Spider-Noir World Premiere

In May 2026, Nicolas Cage and Riko Shibata made a rare public appearance at the Spider-Noir world premiere in New York City. The couple continues to make selective but impactful red carpet appearances, balancing their public life with privacy as they raise their young daughter.

Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Nicolas Cage’s Previous Marriages

Nicolas Cage has been married five times, with Riko Shibata being his fifth and current wife. Understanding this context provides perspective on why Cage has stated he believes he “got it right this time.”

Marriage History Overview

Wife Marriage Duration Details
1. Patricia Arquette 1995–2001 Actress; married for 6 years
2. Lisa Marie Presley 2002–2004 Daughter of Elvis Presley; married for 2 years
3. Alice Kim 2004–2016 Former waitress; married for 12 years; one son (Kal-El)
4. Erika Koike 2019 (annulled) Makeup artist; marriage annulled after 4 days
5. Riko Shibata 2021–present Japanese actress; married since 2021; one daughter (August)

Cage’s Reflection on Marriage

When asked about his five marriages, Nicolas Cage told the Los Angeles Times: “I know five is a lot, but I think I got it right this time.”

Friendly Ex-Relationships

Notably, Cage maintains amicable relationships with his ex-wives. His third wife, Alice Kim, even attended his wedding to Riko Shibata—a testament to the mature, respectful approach Cage takes to his past relationships.

Life Together in 2026

Current Family Life

As of 2026, Nicolas Cage (62) and Riko Shibata (31) continue their life together in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they are raising their 3-year-old daughter, August Francesca. The family maintains a relatively private lifestyle, making only selective public appearances.

Las Vegas Home Base

Cage has long been a Las Vegas resident and has expressed his appreciation for the city. He told Jimmy Kimmel Live!: “Vegas has been good to me, it really has.” The couple has established their family home in the entertainment capital, providing stability for their young daughter.

Balancing Privacy and Public Life

While both Cage and Shibata occasionally attend high-profile events and film premieres, they prioritize their family’s privacy. Shibata does not maintain a highly visible social media presence, and the couple rarely shares personal family photos publicly.

Cage’s Continued Career

At 62, Nicolas Cage continues to be active in Hollywood, with projects like Spider-Noir demonstrating his ongoing commitment to diverse and interesting roles. Shibata has been a supportive partner, regularly attending premieres and industry events with him.

Cultural Blend

The couple’s relationship represents a beautiful blend of American and Japanese cultures. Shibata has embraced American life while maintaining her Japanese heritage, and Cage has shown deep respect for his wife’s cultural background.

Conclusion

Riko Shibata represents a new chapter in Nicolas Cage’s life—one marked by stability, happiness, and family. Despite the significant age difference and the scrutiny that comes with being married to a Hollywood legend, Shibata has carved out her own identity while supporting her husband’s career and building a loving home for their daughter.

Their relationship, which began on a film set in Japan and was tested by pandemic-era separation, has grown into a solid partnership that continues to thrive in 2026. As Nicolas Cage enters his seventh decade and Riko Shibata navigates her early thirties, the couple demonstrates that love, respect, and shared values can transcend age, culture, and public expectations.

Sources:

  • People Magazine
  • Flaunt Magazine
  • Entertainment Tonight
  • Los Angeles Times
  • Wikipedia
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live!
  • Clark County Clerk’s Office Marriage Records

Last Updated: September 2026


Who Is Nicolas Cage's Wife? All About Riko Shibata
Lewis Calvert September 4, 2026

Lewis Calvert is the Founder and Editor of Big Write Hook, focusing on digital journalism, culture, and online media. He has 6 years of experience in content writing and marketing and has written and edited many articles on news, lifestyle, travel, business, and technology. Lewis studied Journalism and works to publish clear, reliable, and helpful content while supporting new writers on the Big Write Hook platform. Connect with him on LinkedIn:  Linkedin

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