On March 22, 2025, former Japanese national soccer player and talent Marukuma Keiri appeared alongside her husband, Motoiso Kenji, on the MBS TV show "It's Refreshing! Akashiya TV." The episode, aired locally from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, featured a popular segment where participants share personal life choices transformed into a two-choice quiz format, hosted by the charismatic Akashiya-san.
During the episode, Marukuma revealed the moment she fell in love with Motoiso—when she saw him eating pizza. She recounted, "I saw someone stretching the cheese for the first time," which bewildered the show's audience. This whimsical revelation not only showcased their romantic journey from coach and player to life partners but also added a relatable touch that elicited laughter from the audience.
Further into their family dynamics, Marukuma expressed insights about their parenting life. On her Instagram, she shared snapshots of their two-year-old daughter demonstrating unexpected but commendable soccer dribbling skills, highlighting that little ‘Pukupuku-chan’ inherited her parents' athletic prowess. "Wow, she kicked it. And, even though she's 2 years old, her kicking style and accuracy are amazing!" Marukuma exuberantly wrote, also mentioning, "I'll try not to put the ball down as much as possible!" This playful approach underlines her endearing pride and perhaps hopes for their child's future in sports, blending humor with sincerity.
On Instagram, as the couple shares glimpses of their life, Marukuma emphasized the need for gratitude between parents, stating, "Dads are having a hard time too. I know moms are having a hard time, but dads are having a hard time too." This poignant message struck a chord with many of her followers who offered supportive comments, praising their mutual appreciation.
Their distinctive engagement showcases the depth of their relationship, which transforms into a supportive partnership as they navigate parenthood together. Marukuma's playful yet insightful posts reflect the couple’s warmth and humor, qualities which evidently resonate with their social media audience.
As both former athletes turned public figures, the couple continues to inspire many in the sports community and beyond. Their interactions offer not only a glimpse of their personal lives but also a broader commentary on modern parenting and relationships.
As spectators tune in to their story through various platforms, including social media and television appearances, Marukuma and Motoiso exemplify the balance of personal vulnerability and public engagement, presenting a relatable human experience.
It's clear that both Marukuma and Motoiso bring their backgrounds in sports into their family life, fostering an environment that encourages talent and perseverance. Their daughter’s early affinity for soccer may very well hint at a promising future, stirring hope and excitement among fans who have closely followed the couple since their playing days.
As they venture through the ups and downs of family life, it's evident that Marukuma and Motoiso have built a foundation supported by love, laughter, and, most importantly, gratitude, continuing to engage admirably with their followers.
As we celebrate their journey, fans and followers alike are left wondering just how far their daughter can go given her lineage, inspiring numerous messages that echo sentiments of hope for the future star of women's soccer in Japan.
