Unseen Side of Keita Inagaki Revealed in Joyful Moment with Wife

“You’re laughing so much!”

A young man waiting at the traffic signal on the opposite side of the street murmurs to his friend. What caught his attention was Keita Inagaki (34), a member of the Japan national rugby team. He is a strong rugby player who gained fame as “the man who doesn’t laugh.

On a summer evening past six o’clock, as the intense heat continues, this area, lined with upscale restaurants and stylish cafes, is particularly lively due to its proximity to the station, attracting many passersby and heavy traffic. Amidst the bustle of the main street, a trio of men and women are engaged in conversation in front of a certain building, seemingly having a great time. Standing out is a large man with an exceptionally broad chest—Keita Inagaki, known as “Gaki,” a member of the Japan national rugby team.

Next to him, dressed in a somewhat revealing outfit, is his wife, model Kiko Arai (33). While it seems they are chatting with an acquaintance, occasionally, when a joke hits the mark, Inagaki reveals his white teeth with a smile. When his beloved wife strikes a pose that makes her lean back, he bursts into laughter. It appears that the “driving force” behind his laughter is his wife, as he bursts out laughing at each of her words and gestures, never letting go of his smile while she speaks. Even the “man who doesn’t laugh,” who has maintained such a poker face, seems to reveal his true self in front of his wife.

 

He doesn’t smile even after scoring a try.

“Currently, Inagaki serves as a prop for the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights. After graduating from Kanto Gakuin University, he joined Panasonic and earned his first cap for the Japan national team in 2014. He has participated in three consecutive World Cups since 2015, showcasing overwhelming defensive skills and boundless stamina. Notably, during the 2019 World Cup held in Japan, he made a significant contribution by scoring a go-ahead try against Scotland. This cool demeanor, where he didn’t even smile after scoring a try, became the basis for his nickname ‘the man who doesn’t laugh’” (rugby official).

In his private life, he scored a “try” with Arai in January 2022, and they are now in their third year of marriage. In June of this year, he reported on his social media that they held a Shinto ceremony at Meiji Shrine in Shibuya.

“The Shinto ceremony has been passed down in Japan since ancient times. I felt an even deeper connection between our families as we made our vows. I want to continue living without forgetting this important aspect of Japanese culture. Keita Inagaki, Takako Inagaki,” he added, including a sincere message that reflects his integrity and manliness.

He was not afraid of being seen. 

Inagaki has always had the image of a cool and robust rugby player, but as you can see, on this day, he is a man who sometimes laughs heartily, a “man who suits a smile.” When asking residents in his neighborhood about him, it seems that his true self is one that always maintains a smile, making him a highly likable rugby player.

“I often pass by that guy and thought he might be an athlete given his build, but it was only after seeing him on TV that I learned he is Inagaki from rugby. He seems really close with his wife, and he greets people cheerfully without caring about others watching. And of course, he’s always smiling (laughs),” said a local housewife.

Until now, on the pitch, Gaki has tackled with his strong physique and solidly formed scrums to defend against attacks. However, in front of his beloved wife, it seems that his “defense” against laughter is completely ineffective.