They were both in Kanjani8 and in NEWS, so they know each other from many years and they're really great friends (that is.. lovers i mean ....lol)

In an interview i read that at the beginning, when NEWS didn't exist and Kanjani8 were just a unit, they didn't chat with each other because Uchi was afraid of Ryo (actually he was afraid of all Kanjani8 who weren't in V.West with him XD poor cute Uchi *-* ghgh)

Anyway, the first time they talk each other was when shared the same room; actually Hiroki (who was still afraid of Ryo *-*) was never in their room (he used to go to Yassu and Maru's room) or if he was in, he always sleep.
Ryo, who noticed to be avoiced by Uchi, was really angry, so a day he started to say to him "Hey Uchi! Where are you going? Isn't your room this one?" Uchi stopped in front of the door and looked at Ryo... they started to argue, and then only talk, for all the night long, and so they understood to be similar (both shy XD) and have much in common.

From that day Ryo and Uchi became inseparable *__*

Ryo, who is the older, felt really responsible for Uchi, almost like an elder brother does (or a lover .. X°°D) and when Hiroki was expelled from Kanjani8 and NEWS, Ryo felt really really really guilty of not being able to help his best friend (because that night, when Uchi drank and was photographed with a girl, Ryo was with him but left first)

Anyway they continued to be in contact and meet each other, and Ryo encouraged Uchi a lot during that bad and difficult period.