TOKYO – Kenji Tanigaki, the martial arts director who gained international acclaim for his work on the blockbuster action film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, married Japanese actress Fujimoto Runa on Wednesday, the couple announced on social media.
Tanigaki, 48, and Fujimoto, whose age was not disclosed, shared wedding photos on their respective accounts, confirming the ceremony had taken place. The pair did not specify the location or date, but said the wedding was held in a private setting.
“We have known each other for ten years,” Tanigaki wrote in a joint statement posted on Instagram. “We are each other’s best friends, partners who inspire each other at work, and life companions who walk side by side.”
The choreographer, known for his explosive, hyper-kinetic fight sequences, rose to prominence after Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In became a box-office sensation in Asia in 2024. The film, set in the infamous Kowloon Walled City, featured a cast led by Louis Koo and Raymond Lam, and earned Tanigaki praise for blending traditional kung fu with modern cinematic techniques.
A Decade-Long Bond
Tanigaki’s post went on to express gratitude for the couple’s enduring relationship. “We hope to walk together for many more years, far longer than these ten,” he wrote. “We sincerely thank everyone who has supported us and cheered us on. We will cherish this bond and continue to be sincere and dedicated in our respective work. We hope to receive your warm care and attention in the future.”
Fujimoto, a TV and film actress in Japan, has appeared in dramas such as The Hero of Times and Sakura no Yume. She shared a similar message on her own account, writing in Japanese and Chinese: “I am filled with happiness. Thank you for your blessings.”
Impact and Next Steps
The marriage marks a personal milestone for Tanigaki, who has long worked behind the camera. His choreography in Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In has been credited with reviving interest in Hong Kong-style action cinema, and he is currently attached to several international projects, including a Hollywood action thriller.
Fans and industry peers have flooded social media with congratulations. The couple said they plan to continue their respective careers while balancing their new life together.
For those following Asian cinema, the wedding underscores a growing trend of cross-border collaborations in the entertainment industry. Tanigaki’s work, which blends Japanese precision with Hong Kong’s gritty realism, has already opened doors for more joint productions between the two film markets.
No further details on honeymoon or family plans were disclosed.
