Takeru (34), a former K-1 champion who achieved titles in three different weight classes, announced on July 29 via Instagram that he has married actress and TV personality Aoi Kawaguchi (26). The announcement coincided with his 34th birthday.
Takeru, whose real name is Takeru Segawa, rose to prominence as one of Japan’s leading kickboxers, having won the K-1 Super Featherweight title in 2018, followed by the Featherweight and Super Lightweight titles. He gained widespread attention in June 2022 for his high-profile bout against Tenshin Nasukawa at “THE MATCH 2022.”
Aoi Kawaguchi first gained public attention as the “too cute girl from the countryside” on the Japanese TV variety show Shiawase! Bonbi Girl, and has since been active as an actress, gravure model, and creative director of her own apparel brand.
Handwritten message shared on Instagram
Takeru posted an image of a handwritten letter on Instagram to announce the marriage:
“To everyone who has always supported me, I, Takeru Segawa, have married Aoi Kawaguchi,” he wrote.
In the message, Takeru reflected, “I’ve been fighting alone in the world of martial arts since I was a child. But through meeting her, I realized the strength that comes not only from fighting for oneself but for someone else—and the growth that comes from being supported by someone.”
He added, “As I enter the final stage of my career, I want to fight with all I have, without regrets, supported by her as my wife.”
Aoi Kawaguchi’s announcement: “Supporting each other as a married couple”
Aoi Kawaguchi also made the announcement on her Instagram account the same day:
“Though it’s a personal matter, I am pleased to announce that I have married martial artist Takeru. From now on, we will support each other as a married couple and devote ourselves fully to our respective work,” she commented.
Born on November 26, 1998, Kawaguchi is 26 years old and hails from Akashi City in Hyogo Prefecture. After graduating high school, she moved to Tokyo in 2020 to pursue a career in entertainment. Her appearance on Bonbi Girl in June that year brought her instant fame.
Since then, she has expanded her career with roles in films and TV dramas, gravure modeling, variety show appearances, and more. In 2021, she further boosted her popularity by appearing on the ABEMA reality show Who Is the Wolf in Love?. In February 2022, she launched the apparel brand LA.VIE.ELU, serving as its creative director.
Rumors of relationship surfaced two years ago
Rumors about their relationship began in February 2023, when weekly magazine FRIDAY published photos of Kawaguchi entering and leaving Takeru’s apartment. After that, social media users frequently pointed out potential clues—such as matching items or similar photo backgrounds—hinting at their relationship.
In one notable incident, Takeru’s championship belt was seen during one of Kawaguchi’s livestreams. Despite mounting speculation, Takeru had previously denied being in a relationship.
Fighting on with family as motivation
Now 34, Takeru is in the latter half of his career and used expressions like “the final chapter of my career” and “I’ll carry the weight of having a family” in his announcement, suggesting both a strong desire to continue and an awareness of his career nearing its end.
Takeru made his K-1 debut in 2016, capturing the Super Featherweight title in 2018. He went on to win the Featherweight title in 2019 and the Super Lightweight title in 2021, becoming the first fighter in K-1 history to win championships in three weight classes.
Though he lost to Tenshin Nasukawa by decision in their June 2022 match, he left a powerful impression on the nearly 50,000 fans in attendance. With this marriage, he appears to have gained new motivation heading into the final stages of his career.
Fans flood social media with congratulations
Following the announcement, fans of both Takeru and Kawaguchi posted congratulatory messages across social media. Supporters of Takeru wrote comments such as “Congratulations!” and “She’s a wonderful wife,” while fans of Kawaguchi chimed in with messages like “Wishing you happiness” and “Such a beautiful couple.”
The couple now embarks on a new chapter as husband and wife, continuing their respective careers while supporting each other.
