Story perspectives

Japanese national player’s brother comes out publicly as gay

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Rui Takahashi, 26, publicly came out as gay on social media with a black-and-white portrait.
His brother, national team star Ran Takahashi, prompted the decision to announce his sexuality.
He hopes his coming out will help other LGBTQ+ people in Japan.
In March 2026, Japan’s Supreme Court agreed to hear six lawsuits challenging the same-sex marriage ban.

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Story summary

Rui Takahashi, 26, publicly came out as gay on social media with a black-and-white portrait.
His brother, national team star Ran Takahashi, prompted the decision to announce his sexuality.
He hopes his coming out will help other LGBTQ+ people in Japan.
In March 2026, Japan’s Supreme Court agreed to hear six lawsuits challenging the same-sex marriage ban.