On June 22, 2026, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles vs. Saitama Seibu Lions game was held at Tokyo Dome as a "Rakuten Eagles Super Nighter," a game sponsored by Rakuten Eagles Group.
For fans who can't easily make it to Rakuten Mobile's Saikyo Park Miyagi, the home stadium of Rakuten Eagles Rakuten Eagles, this special game featured the Rakuten Girls, the official cheerleading group of the Taiwanese professional baseball Rakuten Monkeys, as guests. Among the six members who came to Japan was Kaho Takahashi, the team's only member of Japanese descent.
After working as a member of Rakuten Eagles official cheerleading squad, the "Tohoku Golden Angels," Ms. Takahashi crossed the ocean alone. When we spoke to her, what she told us was the strong determination and resolve of a woman who ventured into a foreign land.
Taiwanese cheerleading shines with individual talent. A different form of entertainment than in Japan.
Takahashi studied classical ballet in her hometown of Shizuoka Prefecture from the age of 3 to 18, and was a member of the cheerleading club during her university years. In 2023, she joined the "Tohoku Golden Angels" and performed at a game in Taiwan as part of her activities. It was there that she was impressed by the unique cheering style of Taiwanese professional baseball, where cheerleaders danced and chanted along to each player's cheering song from the stands above the dugout, and fans sang and danced along. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in Taiwan.
Having achieved her long-held dream of joining "Rakuten Girls," she is now in her third year with the team. When asked about the appeal of Taiwanese professional baseball cheerleaders, she says it lies in the different "system" and "passion" compared to Japan.
Takahashi: Each member has their own aura and personality, and I've come to realize again that the fact that each individual stands out as an "idol" is a unique charm of Taiwanese cheerleading. In Taiwan, it's common for people who already have an entertainment career to become professional baseball cheerleaders. The members belong to different talent agencies, and they come together to work on game days, but otherwise they each pursue their own talent activities.
In Taiwan, another appealing aspect is that each visitor can enjoy the stadium in a relaxed atmosphere, and the excitement can be felt regardless of the outcome.
Takahashi: In the seats in front of where we dance during the game, fans enjoy taking pictures with their cameras, and these are then shared on social media, further fueling the excitement. Cheerleading itself has become established as a major form of entertainment. In Taiwan, "individual expression," such as ad-libs and poses during dances in the stands, is also essential. I feel that while there is a high degree of freedom, it is also quite challenging.
"It changed everything—my life, my language, everything"—what sustained me in my challenge in a foreign country
Takahashi, who opened the door to "Rakuten Girls" through her own persistent efforts, says, "I am where I am today thanks to the connections that so many people have made for me." When asked about what gives her a sense of fulfillment now, her extraordinary passion for pursuing her dreams in a foreign land was evident.
Takahashi: Every game in Taiwan is truly meaningful to me. Unlike the other members who were born and raised in Taiwan, I crossed the ocean from Japan because I was determined to become a cheerleader in Taiwan. That's why I put more passion into every single game than anyone else. I changed my entire life and learned the language for this dream. I'm sure that determination and resolve are reflected in my attitude towards my work. I hope that this is conveyed to the fans, and that the number of people who support us is gradually increasing. That is what gives me the greatest reward right now.
When she decided to go to Taiwan, she told her family afterward. "My dad encouraged me, saying, 'Don't die,' and my mom respected her daughter's wishes, but she also sent me off with a hint of sadness that I was going to a different country," she says.
Her mother also came to Tokyo Dome that day, and at the "Rakuten Girls" fan meeting held before the game, she was seen in the front row, holding up her daughter's merchandise and with tears in her eyes. Takahashi smiled a little shyly and said, "I made sure not to look because I knew I would cry if I did."
The “Rakuten Eagles Super Night Game” at Tokyo Dome this time also marked a triumphant return to his former home for Mr. Takahashi. He says that, despite his busy schedule, there were some heartwarming reunions.
Mr. Takahashi: The Tohoku Golden Angels, who performed with us this time, NOA Properly KOTOHA Chan is a former student of mine from when I taught at a cheer dance school during my time with the Tohoku Golden Angels. It was incredibly moving to be able to create a routine together with those two.
"One of my dreams was to perform in Japan as a member of the Taiwan Cheerleading Team," Ms. Takahashi once said. Now that she finds herself in a different situation than she was three years ago, she speaks about her future ambitions in Taiwan as follows.
Mr. Takahashi: Right now, there’s a huge boom in Taiwan for the Korean Professional baseball (KBO) cheerleaders, but I want to make my presence felt as a Japanese cheerleader that’s every bit as impressive.The fact that I was able to come from Japan’s Rakuten Eagles to Taiwan’s Rakuten Eagles Monkeys is truly thanks to a wonderful connection, so I hope that in the future, there will be even more exchanges between Japanese and Taiwanese Rakuten Eagles cheerleaders. And I’m going to work hard to become a Japanese person well-known in Taiwan—so much so that one day my face might even appear on the packaging of products at Taiwanese convenience stores.
Finally, a message to our readers.
Mr. Takahashi: Thank you so much for reading all the way to the end. Taiwan’s “baseball” culture and cheerleading culture have so much charm that I can’t possibly cover it all in just this short talk. Please, everyone, come visit Taiwan! And be sure to come find Kaho Takahashi. I’ll be waiting for you♡
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Kaho Takahashi continues to captivate fans by overcoming the loneliness and pressure of being in a foreign country and breaking through the language barrier. Behind her radiant smile lies an unwavering determination: “I came here to give it my all.”Why not pay a visit to a Taiwanese ballpark to experience the unique atmosphere and entertainment—a little different from what you’d find in Japan—and see for yourself how she shines in a foreign land?
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【Rakuten Girls】
Founded in 2005 as the first cheerleading team in Taiwan's professional baseball, this year marks their 21st anniversary. Having undergone two name changes due to the acquisition and renaming of their parent team, they have been operating as "Rakuten Girls" since the 2020 season. As of July 2026, their 27 members include some from Japan and South Korea. In addition to performing cheerleading routines at stadiums, they have gained popularity through a wide range of activities, including releasing CDs and photo books, and are considered one of the most influential girl groups in Taiwan's entertainment industry.
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