Rika Izumi & Shogo Taniguchi Tie the Knot After 10 Years of Love — Inside Their Semi-Cohabiting Relationship

Rika Izumi, who rose to fame as a “mogura joshi” (a model–gravure hybrid idol)

“I apologize for the personal nature of this announcement, but I would like to inform you that I have married Shogo Taniguchi, with whom I have been in a relationship for some time.”

On June 25, model and actress Rika Izumi (36) updated her Instagram to announce her marriage to Shogo Taniguchi (33), a defender for Japan’s national soccer team who currently plays for Sint-Truidense VV in Belgium’s first division league.

“Around the summer of 2015, the two met through a mutual friend and began dating shortly afterward. Their relationship was made public in 2017 when it was reported by a sports newspaper. At the time, Izumi was making waves as a model and gravure idol with the catchphrase ‘ero-fuwa body’—a blend of sexy and soft—earning her fame as a so-called ‘mogura joshi’ (model-gravure hybrid). On the other hand, Taniguchi was also gaining attention as one of the most handsome players in the J.League. The couple was often described as a perfect match of beauty and charm,” said a sports newspaper reporter.

FRIDAY spotted the couple shortly before their relationship was first reported, enjoying a cozy dinner at a stylish Chinese restaurant in Ebisu (Shibuya Ward), as published in the September 22, 2017 issue. A customer who happened to be there at the time recalled:

“They were seated at the counter, enjoying a coarse meal. Izumi looked like she was trying to avoid attention—she wore glasses and kept her head down most of the time. But she was so beautiful, she still stood out. She was drinking beer, but Taniguchi was sticking to non-alcoholic drinks, probably because he had to drive. They were speaking in hushed tones, clearly trying not to be noticed.”

At the time, however, Taniguchi denied the relationship when approached by “FRIDAY.”

Three years later, in August 2020, “FRIDAY” witnessed what appeared to be a semi-cohabitation situation. The two were seen living in separate apartments located just steps apart in Tokyo and were photographed returning together to Izumi’s residence (“FRIDAY”, September 25, 2020, issue).

“(Her apartment is this way.)”

Taniguchi browsed through an antique shop that sold stylish kitchen tools and tableware. Perhaps intending to buy a gift for Izumi, who enjoys baking and cooking, he purchased a few items before heading toward her apartment. By that time, they had already been dating for over three years, and talk of a possible marriage was growing—so “FRIDAY” approached Taniguchi once again. At the time, he was playing for the J.League club Kawasaki Frontale, which was in excellent form.

—Mr. Taniguchi, this is “FRIDAY.”

“(Smiling) I totally figured it was you guys.”

—Your team is doing great this season (2020 season). Do you think you can win the title?

“Nah, not yet. Winning the league isn’t that easy.”

—Would you say your strong performance is due to things going well in your private life?

“Haha. I really can’t say.”

—Any plans to get married?

“No, no.”

—Since when have you been living together?

“We’re not living together either.”

—But you’ve been seen returning home together?

“I live somewhere else. (Pointing to the building across from her apartment) Over there. We do go home together sometimes but we’re not living together.”

—So the three-year relationship is accurate?

“Sounds about right.”

—Sorry for bothering you after practice.

“If we lose the next match, I’m blaming FRIDAY. Just kidding (laughs).”

Despite just finishing practice, Taniguchi answered our questions with a cheerful demeanor—he truly was a handsome guy. At the time, Izumi’s agency responded to FRIDAY’s inquiry with, “We leave matters of her private life to her.”

Although there were rumors of a breakup afterward and some unclear points about their relationship, their 10-year love ultimately blossomed into marriage. Taniguchi had suffered a major injury in November last year—a torn left Achilles tendon—and had only just returned to action in the final match of the Belgian league on May 10.

At the team’s season wrap-up event held in Tokyo on June 12, he said that what kept him going during rehab was his aspiration to return to the national team. While he didn’t mention it out loud, it’s easy to imagine that Izumi’s devoted support was also a major source of strength.

From here on out, the two will surely walk forward hand in hand toward new goals. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness together.