Takeru and Aoi Kawaguchi Enjoy Trendy Café Date Before Heading to the U.S.

Pre-U.S. trip café date

“Not just for myself, but fighting for someone else gives strength, and being supported by someone makes me stronger both as a human and as a fighter. Meeting her allowed me to realize that.”

On July 29, former K-1 three-division champion Takeru (34) and actress Aoi Kawaguchi (26) announced their marriage. The words Takeru shared on social media reflect the deep bond between him and Kawaguchi. FRIDAY had repeatedly spotted the couple since the early days of their relationship.

Their story rang the gong in early February 2023. Kawaguchi, casually dressed in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, left Takeru’s apartment in Tokyo. She got into a luxury car matching—but in a different color than—Takeru’s and headed straight to the K-1 gym in Jiyugaoka. After training intensely for about an hour, she returned to Takeru’s apartment. At that time, FRIDAY approached Takeru to confirm the nature of their relationship, and he responded that we are not dating yet.

Over the next two and a half years, their love grew, culminating in marriage. In fact, FRIDAY Digital had already witnessed the couple together in June of last year. The setting was a stylish café in Setagaya. Around midday, the couple arrived and sat facing each other at the center table.

“They looked like a married couple who had been together for years. They were looking at the menu, occasionally glancing at their phones, but sometimes locking eyes and smiling at each other—it was striking,” said a nearby customer.

After enjoying lunch for about an hour, the couple left in Takeru’s car parked nearby. Just a few hours later, Takeru posted on his social media:

“Heading to a solo training camp in the U.S. from today. For the next fight, I’ll build the best mind and body and come back. Here I go!”

Right before flying to the U.S. for training ahead of his second fight in ONE Championship, he likely wanted to spend a relaxed moment with his beloved.

As they begin a new chapter as a married couple, we warmly watch their next round—both in life together and in Takeru’s career as a fighter strengthened by the one, he now protects.