Akari Watanabe (Japanese: 渡邊 星, Watanabe Akari, born December 8, 2003), more popularly known by her ring name AKARI, is a retired Japanese professional kickboxer. She was the 2021 RISE NEXT QUEEN Tournament winner and a two-time RISE Women's Mini Flyweight title challenger.

AKARI
BornAkari Watanabe[1]
(2003-12-08) December 8, 2003 (age 20)
Adachi, Tokyo, Japan
Native name渡邊 星
NicknameBeautiful Exploding Legs Cinderella [2]
NationalityJapanese
Height163 cm (5 ft 4 in)
Weight49 kg (108 lb; 7 st 10 lb)
StyleKickboxing
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofToshima, Tokyo, Japan
TeamTARGET
TrainerErika Kamimura[3]
Years active2019–2024
Kickboxing record
Total13
Wins10
By knockout1
Losses3
By knockout0

Between November 2023 and May 2024, she was ranked as one of the ten best women's strawweight kickboxers in the world.[4][5]

Kickboxing career

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Akari made her professional kickboxing debut against Eriko at RISE WORLD SERIES 2019 Final Round on September 16, 2019. She won the fight by unanimous decision, with two scorecards of 30–28 and one scorecard of 29–28 in her favor.[6]

Akari faced Wakana Miyazaki at the inaugural RISE GIRLS POWER event on November 8, 2019.[7] She won the fight by unanimous decision.[8] Akari next faced Ran at RISE GIRLS POWER 2 on February 11, 2020. She won the fight by unanimous decision.[9]

Akari was expected to face Moe Okura at RISE 141 on August 23, 2020.[10] Okura withdrew from the bout on August 7, after contracting COVID-19, and was replaced by Maki Goto.[11] She won the fight by unanimous decision, with two ringside officials awarding her a 30–28 scorecard, while the third judge scored the contest an even 29–29.[12]

Akari faced Yurika Jimbo at Rise 144 on December 18, 2020.[13] She won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 30–28, 30–28 and 29–28.[14]

On February 22, 2021, it was announced that Akari would face Wakana Miyazaki in the semifinals of the RISE NEXT QUEEN Mini Flyweight (-49 kg) tournament, held on March 28, 2021.[15] She won the fight by unanimous decision and advanced to the finals of the one-day tournament, where she faced Moe Okura. Akari won the fight by split decision, with scores of 30–29, 29–28 and 28–29.[16]

Akari challenged Hinata Terayama for the RISE Women's Mini Flyweight (–49 kg) Championship at RISE on Abema 2 on May 16, 2021.[17] Terayama won the fight by unanimous decision, winning 48–47 on all three judges scorecards.[18]

Akari faced YAYA in a flyweight (-52 kg) bout at RISE Girls Power 5 on September 12, 2021.[19] Akari was able to knock her opponent down with a left straight near the end of the opening round. This knockdown caused an ankle injury, which forced YAYA to retire from the contest 10 seconds into the second round.[20]

Akari faced erika♡ at RISE 153 on December 12, 2021. The fight was ruled a draw by unanimous decision after the first three rounds were contested.[21] erika was awarded a unanimous decision win after an extra fourth round was fought.[22]

Akari faced Wakana Miyazaki in the semifinals of the RISE Mini Flyweight Championship tournament at RISE 157 on April 24, 2022.[23] She was able to overcome Miyazaki by split decision, with scores of 29–28, 29–28 and 29–30.[24] Akari faced erika♡ in the tournament final at RISE 159 on June 24, 2022.[25] She lost the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 50–48, 49–47 and 50–46.[26]

Akari faced the #4 ranked RISE mini-flyweight contender Eriko at RISE 162 on October 30, 2022.[27] She won the fight by unanimous decision.[28]

Akari announced her retirement from competition on September 20, 2024.[29]

Championships and accomplishments

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Amateur

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  • RISE
    • 2018 KAMINARIMON All Japan Women's Flyweight (-52 kg) Tournament Winner[30]

Professional

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  • RISE
    • 2021 RISE NEXT QUEEN Mini Flyweight (-49 kg) Tournament Winner
    • 2022 RISE Mini Flyweight (-49 kg) Championship Tournament Runner-up

Fight record

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Professional Kickboxing Record
10 Wins (1 (T)KOs), 3 Losses, 0 Draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2022-10-30 Win   Eriko RISE 162 Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2022-06-24 Loss   erika❤️ RISE 159 Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
For the RISE Women's Mini Flyweight (–49 kg) Championship.
2022-04-24 Win   Wakana Miyazaki RISE 157 - Tournament Semifinal Tokyo, Japan Decision (Split) 3 3:00
2021-12-12 Loss   erika❤️ RISE 153 Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2021-09-12 Win   YAYA RISE Girls Power 5 Tokyo, Japan TKO (Injury to ankle) 2 0:04
2021-06-15 Loss   Hinata Terayama RISE on Abema 2 Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
For the RISE Women's Mini Flyweight (–49 kg) Championship.
2021-03-28 Win   Moe Okura RISE 147, Tournament Final Tokyo, Japan Decision (Split) 3 3:00
Wins the RISE NEXT QUEEN Mini Flyweight (-49 kg) Tournament.
2021-03-28 Win   Wakana Miyazaki RISE 147, Tournament Semifinal Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2020-12-18 Win   Yurika Jimbo RISE 144 Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2020-12-18 Win   Maki Goto RISE 141 Tokyo, Japan Decision (Majority) 3 3:00
2020-02-11 Win   Ran RISE Girls Power 2 Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2019-11-08 Win   Wakana Miyazaki RISE Girls Power Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2019-09-18 Win   Eriko RISE WORLD SERIES 2019 Final Round Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes
Amateur Kickboxing Record
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2019-06-02 Win   Sakika Ito KAMINARIMON Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 2 1:30
2019-06-02 Win   Yukari Kobayashi KAMINARIMON Tokyo, Japan TKO 1
2019-04-14 Win   Moe Shimizu KAMINARIMON Tokyo, Japan Decision (Majority) 2 1:30
2018-10-21 Loss   Koko Ohara KAMINARIMON Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 2 1:30
2018-08-05 Win   Megumi Inoue KAMINARIMON All Japan Tournament, Final Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 2 1:30
Wins the 2018 KAMINARIMON All Japan Women's Flyweight (-52 kg) Tournament.
2018-08-05 Win   Satsuki Murakami KAMINARIMON All Japan Tournament, Semifnal Tokyo, Japan Decision (Majority) 2 1:30
2018-03-11 Win   Miyu Nakamura Shootboxing Tokyo, Japan KO 1
2016-12-11 Loss   Koyo Highashi KAMINARIMON Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 2 1:30
2016-10-09 Loss   Bunto Takasaka KAMINARIMON Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 2 1:30
2014-12-14 Loss   Shota Noda KAMINARIMON Tokyo, Japan Decision (Majority) 2 1:30
2014-10-19 Loss   Renichi Hishinuma WPMF & BOM Amateur Tournament Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 2 1:30
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "AKARI". TGTロゴ. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  2. ^ ""AKARI",RISE". rise-rc.com. 26 April 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  3. ^ "【RISE】18日に試合を控えたAKARIが17歳の誕生日「感謝を伝えるには私がRISE QUEENのベルトを獲るしかない」". ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  4. ^ "Kickboxing Rankings November 2023". Beyond Kickboxing - The Home of Kickboxing. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Kickboxing Rankings May 2024". Beyond Kickboxing - The Home of Kickboxing. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  6. ^ "【RISE】那須川天心が世界トーナメント制覇、試合後に「待ってます」。白鳥大珠は梅野源治を初回KOして優勝". ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  7. ^ "RISE GIRLS POWER 11.8 新宿フェイス:TRY HARD期待の宮崎姉妹、神村エリカの弟子・AKARI 直前インタビュー | BOUTREVIEW". boutreview.com (in Japanese). 7 November 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  8. ^ "AKARI、判定勝利でデビューから2連勝". スポーツ報知 (in Japanese). 8 November 2019. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  9. ^ "【RISE】"8頭身JKファイター"AKARIが満を持してTwitterを開始". efight.jp. 17 February 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  10. ^ "【RISE】"美脚炸裂シンデレラ"AKARIが注目集める新人・大倉萌と対決、佐藤レイナは小林愛理奈と". ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  11. ^ "【RISE】"美脚炸裂シンデレラ"AKARIの対戦相手がコロナの影響で欠場。後藤まきが対戦=8月23日・後楽園". ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  12. ^ "【RISE】AKARIが後藤まきの執拗な顔面パンチくぐり抜け、4連勝達成". efight.jp. 23 August 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  13. ^ "【RISE】無敗の8頭身女子高生AKARI、MIOや紅絹らと戦ったユリカと5連勝かけて対戦". ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  14. ^ "【RISE】"8頭身"の17歳JKファイター・AKARIが完勝で無敗記録を更新". efight.jp. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  15. ^ "RISE 3.28 後楽園ホール:寺山日葵の王座挑戦懸けAKARI、大倉萌、山本ユノカ、宮﨑若菜が1DAYトーナメント。アーツの弟子・内田雄太初参戦 | BOUTREVIEW". boutreview.com (in Japanese). 22 February 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  16. ^ "AKARIが宮﨑若菜、大倉萌を破りトーナメント優勝。寺山日葵への挑戦権を獲得【RISE147】". tokyoheadline.com. 28 March 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  17. ^ "RISE 5.15 大田区総合体育館:志朗、Sフライ級王者の大﨑一貴と対戦。寺山日葵、AKARIと防衛戦。DoA Sフライ級T選抜マッチで大﨑孔稀×風音、政所仁×溜田蒼馬。OFG着用特別マッチも". boutreview.com. 15 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  18. ^ "【RISE】戦うジャニオタ・寺山日葵が初防衛「課題を潰し圧倒的な王者になっていきたい」". tokyo-sports.co.jp. 16 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  19. ^ "YAYAの「もうすでに後ろから圧力をかけている」にAKARI「右隣りのエリカ先生からのほうが圧を感じている」【RISE GIRLS POWER】". tokyoheadline.com. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  20. ^ "【RISE】AKARIが左ストレートでダウンを奪った末のTKO勝利、YAYAは自力で立ち上がれず退場". efight.jp. 12 September 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  21. ^ "RISE 12.12 後楽園ホール:erika♡「49kgは自分の力を思う存分発揮できる体重」×AKARI「10戦の中で一番しんどい試合になる」 | BOUTREVIEW". boutreview.com (in Japanese). 10 December 2021. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  22. ^ "erikaがランキング1位のAKARIを破りミニフライ級王者・寺山日葵への挑戦をアピール【RISE153】". tokyoheadline.com. 12 December 2021. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  23. ^ "【RISE】唯一の敗戦相手・AKARIと3度目の対戦に宮﨑若菜「乗り越えなければいけない」=4.24ミニフライ級王座T". efight.jp. 19 April 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  24. ^ "寺山日葵が返上したミニフライ級王座決定トーナメント。決勝は6月にerika♡ vs AKARI【RISE157】". tokyoheadline.com. 24 April 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  25. ^ "【RISE】"美脚炸裂シンデレラ"AKARI、erika♡との雪辱戦に「どん底に突き落とし返す」公開練習では強烈なパンチも披露". efight.jp. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  26. ^ "erika♡がAKARIの気持ちを折っての判定勝ちで悲願の王座獲得。「うれしいが満足はしていない。最強を目指す」【RISE159】". tokyoheadline.com. 24 June 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  27. ^ "【RISE】AKARIがERIKOと再起戦、寺山遼冴が約1年半ぶり出場、空龍vs.空龍対決". ゴング格闘技 - GONKAKU. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  28. ^ "【RISE】計量オーバーのAKARI、ハンデありで完封勝利も"異例"の申し出「ノーコンテストに」". ENCOUNT (in Japanese). Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  29. ^ "【RISE】"美脚炸裂シンデレラ"AKARI、引退発表「去年の5月頃からずっと思っていた」". efight.jp (in Japanese). September 20, 2024. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  30. ^ "2018年8月5日 東京・大森ゴールドジム ワンマッチ大会". KAMINARIMON(カミナリモン) | RISEアマチュア大会 | 立技格闘技 (in Japanese). Retrieved 3 November 2023.