Behind Takeru and Aoi Kawaguchi’s Wedding — The Secret Stay Caught Before Dating

The too-cute Bonbi Girl

〈I, Takeru Segawa, am getting married to Ms. Aoi Kawaguchi.〉

On July 29, former K-1 champion Takeru (34) updated his Instagram. In a handwritten message, he announced his marriage to actress and model Aoi Kawaguchi (26), with whom he had been in a relationship. At the same time, Kawaguchi also updated her Instagram.

〈From now on, we will continue to support each other while staying true to our work. We would be happy if you could warmly watch over us.〉

Along with her handwritten note, she released wedding photos.

“Kawaguchi appeared in the variety show Shiawase! Bonbi Girl (NTV) in 2020, where she drew attention as the too-cute Bonbi Girl. After that, she took on reality shows such as Who Is the Wolf in Love? (ABEMA) and also tried gravure modeling, gaining support from younger audiences. In 2021, she was even appointed as a K-1 support ambassador,” said an entertainment editor from a sports newspaper.

FRIDAY had previously reported on the couple’s just-before-dating situation (Feb 24, 2023, issue).

In early February 2023, around 3 p.m., Kawaguchi was seen leaving a luxury apartment in Tokyo. It wasn’t her own residence, but Takeru’s. Dressed casually in sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt, she got into a luxury car and headed to the K-1 Gym in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo—a gym directly run by K-1, where Takeru himself had trained. After about an hour of working out, Kawaguchi returned to the car with a refreshed look and went straight back to Takeru’s apartment, where she spent the night.

In fact, their relationship had already become a hot topic among fans about a month earlier.

“There was a time when Takeru’s championship belt accidentally appeared during one of Kawaguchi’s livestreams on social media. Since then, fans on both sides had been buzzing about their possible relationship,” said a K-1 insider.

To confirm their relationship, FRIDAY directly approached Takeru. Here is a short Q&A with him:

—How did the two of you meet?
“Since our hometowns, Tottori and Hyogo, are close, we were introduced by a mutual acquaintance about five or six years ago. But we only started seeing each other more often recently.”

“We’re not in a relationship.”

──Did your relationship only begin recently?

“Well… we’re not actually dating. She does come over to my place, but we’re not at that stage yet.”

──But Ms. Kawaguchi has stayed overnight at your apartment, hasn’t she?

“Yes. We can’t really meet outside much. For the past month or two, she’s come by when I’ve been busy, sometimes cooks for me, does laundry. She’s been supporting me.”

──So, what does Ms. Kawaguchi mean to you?

“She’s a little absentminded at times, but she’s also a very strong-willed person. Even the first time we met, she spoke very openly. I trust her a lot.”

──Is her training at the K-1 gym because of your influence?

“No, that’s not because of me. She said she started after becoming a K-1 support ambassador. For me, before anything romantic, I need to build a relationship of trust with someone as a person. That’s the stage I’m at with her right now.”

──So, eventually the two of you might become a couple?

“Please give us a little more time (laughs). She’s an incredibly important friend and precious to me, so I want to build trust slowly and carefully before moving into that kind of relationship.”

──So no official relationship announcement here today (laughs)?

“That’s right, we’re not dating yet (laughs). If we do, I’ll tell my fans properly in my own words. I’ll make sure FRIDAY gets the first report!”

That promise wasn’t exactly kept, but over time, they built a solid bond of trust and eventually tied the knot.

Right after our initial report, ABEMA, operated by CyberAgent, announced an exclusive PPV fighter contract with Takeru. In May 2023, he also signed a multi-fight deal with the international martial arts organization ONE Championship.

Currently, Takeru’s ONE record stands at one win and two losses. In March of this year, at ONE 172, he suffered a first-round KO loss to Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Rumors now swirl about his participation in ONE 173, set for November 16 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena. With Kawaguchi’s wholehearted support, he’ll surely step into the ring in peak condition. Wishing them both lasting happiness.

Takeru continues to take on new challenges, with Kawaguchi devotedly supporting him. We look forward to the day the two share their happy news.