Japanese volleyball player Rui Takahashi comes out as gay
Japanese volleyball player Rui Takahashi has come out as gay, revealing how his brother Ran helped him accept himself ahead of the new season.
Rui Takahashi has come out as gay, sharing how support from his younger brother helped him accept a part of himself he had struggled with since childhood. The Japanese volleyball player announced the news on 29 September 2026, ahead of the new season.
The 26-year-old plays for Suntory Sunbirds Osaka in Japan’s top-level SV League. His brother Ran Takahashi is a Japan international, and Rui explained that spending around two years together as club teammates had been especially important to him.
In a personal statement shared on social media, Rui described years of feeling afraid to confront his sexuality and denying that part of his identity. Conversations with Ran became a turning point, helping him acknowledge feelings he had previously found difficult to face.
Rui explained that expressing those feelings aloud helped him organise his thoughts and gradually become more comfortable with himself. He thanked his family, teammates, team staff and others who had supported him, recognising their part in helping him reach that point.
His announcement brings greater visibility to gay men competing in professional team sport in Japan, where publicly out LGBTQ+ athletes remain uncommon. Rui is sharing his experience while continuing his playing career, with another club season ahead of him.
Originally from Kyoto, Rui plays as an outside hitter, a position combining attacking duties with receiving the opposition’s serves. He joined Suntory after attending Nihon University and now competes for the Osaka club in Japan’s leading domestic volleyball competition.
The approaching season was part of his decision to speak publicly now. Rui wanted the supporters who follow his career to hear directly from him, explaining that his commitment to volleyball and his determination to grow as a player would continue.
He also hoped the announcement could help people who find it difficult to accept themselves, even if their backgrounds or circumstances differ from his own. By speaking openly about his experience, Rui wanted to give others encouragement as they work through their own feelings.
