5 Things To Know About Japanese Kickboxing Star Shintaro Matsukura
One of Japan’s most decorated kickboxers is about to step into the ONE Championship ring for the first time. Shintaro Matsukura will make his highly anticipated promotional debut on home soil, one of the most significant moments of his storied career.
The 34-year-old Japanese striker faces former ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Sinsamut Klinmee in a lightweight kickboxing matchup at ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17. The event takes place at Tokyo’s iconic Ariake Arena.
This isn’t just another fight for Matsukura. After dominating Japan’s highly competitive striking circuit and collecting multiple titles, he’s ready to test himself against the world’s best. His arrival in the world’s largest martial arts organization represents the next chapter in an already legendary career, and Japanese fans have their eyes firmly fixed on what he’ll accomplish in the ring.
Here are five things you need to know about Matsukura before his ONE debut.
A Bridge Between Two Cultures
Matsukura’s story begins on the opposite side of the Pacific. The Tokyo-based striker was born in Miami, Florida, a result of his father’s overseas work assignment at the time. However, his life in America was brief. When his father’s job posting concluded, young Shintaro moved back to Japan with his family during his infancy.
Growing up in Kanagawa Prefecture, Matsukura became rooted in Japanese martial arts culture and education. He attended Keio Senior High School, where he began building his name in the local striking scene. While Miami may have been his birthplace, Japan became his home and the foundation of his identity as a kickboxer.
This shaped Matsukura into a well-developed striker that would eventually win championships across multiple organizations and promotions.
Training With Team Vasileus
Behind every great fighter stands an exceptional training environment, and Matsukura’s home is Team Vasileus, one of Japan’s most elite gyms. This world-class facility has trained some of the country’s most legendary kickboxers and continues to breed champions.
Alongside Matsukura at Team Vasileus are some of Japan’s best. Former ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri, two-division RISE Champion Toki Tamaru, and former K-1 Champion Yuki Yoza all train under the same roof. Most significantly, the gym was founded by Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa, a former ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion whose legendary status in striking is unquestioned.
All these superstars sharpen their skills together under the guidance of striking coach Masakazu Watanabe. Remarkably, Matsukura, Noiri, Tamaru, and Yoza will all showcase their talents at ONE SAMURAI 4, putting Team Vasileus squarely in the spotlight.
To complement his training at Team Vasileus, Matsukura regularly travels to Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand. This cross-training approach with some of Thailand’s elite fighters has prepared him well for his upcoming bout against Sinsamut, ensuring he’s equipped to handle the unique challenges of fighting a Thai athlete.
A 15-Year Brotherhood With Takeru
Takeru isn’t just Matsukura’s gym founder and training partner. He’s one of his closest friends, and their bond spans more than 15 years of mutual support, competition, and growth. The two first met when they were just 20 years old, and their friendship has deepened through every phase of their careers.
Through their nearly decade-and-a-half friendship, Matsukura and Takeru have been present for each other’s greatest victories and most difficult moments. They’ve trained together almost daily, supported each other through injuries and setbacks, and celebrated titles together.
After Takeru’s stunning knockout of former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon at ONE SAMURAI 1 in April, the Japanese megastar had his first training session with Matsukura following his retirement from competition.
On Instagram, Takeru wrote a touching message that captured their bond:
“We met when I was 20, and it’s been about 15 years since then. Even though we weren’t originally at the same gym, we somehow ended up seeing each other almost every day. He was there for me not only during the good times, but also through the difficult and painful moments. He was the person who watched over me and supported me more closely than anyone else.”
A Devoted Family Man
Beyond the striking scene, Matsukura is defined by his role as a devoted family man. His Instagram feed showcases a life balanced between the demands of professional kickboxing and the joys of family time. Whether spending quiet moments at home, exploring new destinations, enjoying meals together, or simply taking walks through streets, he puts family at the center of his world.
Matsukura is married to Minori Indo, a former gravure idol and television personality who stepped away from entertainment in October 2021. The couple share a life balanced between his demanding kickboxing career and family time.
The Matsukura family has grown beautifully since their marriage. Their first son was born in 2022, and their second son arrived in 2026. Balancing the demanding schedule of a professional kickboxer with fatherhood and marriage is no small feat, yet Matsukura consistently showcases that his greatest achievements extend far beyond titles. For him, family comes first, and that foundation of love and support fuels everything he accomplishes inside the ring.
Building Toward A ONE World Title Shot
Matsukura’s resume is a testament to his dominance in Japan’s highly competitive striking landscape. Over nearly two decades, he has captured prestigious titles across multiple organizations, establishing himself as one of Japan’s most elite strikers.
His championship collection includes the K-1 Koshien -70kg title in 2009, the Krush YOUTH GP -70kg Championship in 2012, the WPMF World Super Middleweight Championship in 2020, and the KNOCK OUT-BLACK Super Middleweight Championship. Each title represents years of dedication and technical mastery.
However, his crowning achievement came in 2023 when Matsukura claimed the prestigious K-1 World Grand Prix Middleweight Championship. This victory cemented his status as a complete striker capable of dominating in any organization and at any level.
Now, at 34 years old and with 38 career victories, Matsukura is ready to write the final chapters of his legacy in ONE Championship. His ONE debut represents not an ending, but a new beginning. He’s hungry to capture ONE gold and complete his trophy case. The lightweight kickboxing division has no idea what’s coming.
