‘Truly Grateful To Him’ – The Japanese Stars of ONE SAMURAI 1 Share Emotional Takes On Takeru’s Retirement
The curtain is about to fall on one of the most storied careers in the history of Japanese martial arts.
On Wednesday, April 29, Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru Segawa will step into the ring for the final time at ONE SAMURAI 1, which broadcasts live on pay-per-view from Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.
Standing across from him will be former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon. The two clashed once before, and now they will run it back in the main event with the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title on the line.
For Takeru, it is the final chapter of his legendary kickboxing journey.
The 34-year-old has built a legacy that few athletes in any combat sport can match. A former three-division K-1 Champion, Takeru has compiled a remarkable professional record of 45-5, finishing 26 of those victories by knockout.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound kickboxers in the sport, a distinction earned through an almost mythical 35-bout winning streak that established him as the undisputed king of the Japanese circuit.
Takeru’s impact stretches far beyond titles and records.
The man known as the “Natural Born Krusher” became the face of kickboxing in Japan, a crossover megastar whose charisma and dominance brought legions of new fans to the sport and inspired an entire generation of fighters to lace up their gloves.
Ahead of this historic night, some of Japan’s finest athletes competing at ONE SAMURAI 1 shared what Takeru has meant to them, the martial arts industry, and the future he leaves behind.
Yuya Wakamatsu
“What Takeru has accomplished is something truly extraordinary. It’s something no one else can replicate. His fights and his presence are uniquely his. He’s announced his retirement, but I’m truly grateful to be competing on the same event as him.
“I’m really looking forward to it. Like I said, he’s done things only he could do. He’s been an irreplaceable presence. Now, it’s up to us to carry on what he built.”
Nadaka Yoshinari
“Takeru’s retirement, honestly, in Japan’s striking scene right now, how should I say … it’s a really big deal, and it will have a huge impact.
“To improve the perception of martial arts after Takeru’s retirement, it’s not just about results, but also charisma and star power. I want to be in that position.”
Itsuki Hirata
“He’s someone you could call the face of martial arts, with that level of influence and so many people watching him. Because of that, a lot of kids wanted to become like Takeru, and I think he helped grow the sport a lot.”
Hyu Iwata
“My feeling toward Takeru is that this big ONE event is happening in Japan now only because he has consistently kept the martial arts scene exciting all these years.
“Since he said this will be his retirement match, I just hope he gives it everything he’s got against Rodtang. I really want him to go all out for his last fight. That’s how I feel.”
Chihiro Sawada
“Seeing Takeru has inspired so many people to become fighters and kickboxers. I think ONE as an organization is amazing, and Takeru is a truly great athlete for bringing this stage to Japan.
“As someone competing on the same card, I hope it ends on a good note for him. But I don’t know if it will end. Since he announced his retirement, I hope he can finish satisfied. That would be a great way to end his career.”
Ayaka Miura
“Well, it’s really sad that Takeru is retiring. But thanks to him, ONE Championship has become well known in Japan, so I’m truly grateful to him.
“I hope he gets a solid win in his final fight. It’s sad that he’s retiring, but I hope he beats Rodtang in his final fight and finishes his career on a high note. That would make me really happy.”
