Who is Kai Asakura's brother, Mikuru Asakura? Story of two siblings growing up in Japan's fighting scene

Mikuru Asakura and Kai Asakura are prominent names in the Japanese MMA community. The Asakuras have lately garnered considerable attention in America after Kai's UFC signing.

Former RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asakura will make his UFC debut against UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja in the headlining match of UFC 310 on Dec. 7, 2024. On the eve of his high-stakes title showdown, we look at Kai's sibling Mikuru and their brotherly bond in the Japanese fighting scene.

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Who is Kai Asakura's brother, Mikuru Asakura?

Mikuru Asakura was born in Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan, on July 15, 1992. Mikuru's younger brother, Kai was born in the same city on Oct. 31, 1993. Mikuru was no stranger to sports right from his childhood, dipping his toes into the martial arts realm with karate and playing other sports as well. He extensively competed in the sport of volleyball.

Apparently, he and Kai would routinely get into street fights. They'd sometimes even fight one another. Eventually, their mother enrolled them in boxing classes to help them devote their energy to something constructive. A watershed moment in the two brothers' respective martial arts journeys is when they entered the Zen Dokai Toyohashi Dojo, wherein they were introduced to MMA.

Mikuru Asakura is believed to have played a crucial role in encouraging Kai Asakura to further train in MMA. Mikuru competed under 'The Outsider' banner of the Fighting Network Rings organization. After making his debut in February 2013, he amassed a 7-1 record in the amateur MMA realm under 'The Outsider' banner. He also competed in and won an exhibition under the E.P.W. Heroes banner in 2019.

Mikuru's professional MMA debut came in September 2012. He amassed a pro MMA record of 17 victories, five defeats, and one NC (No Contest). The 32-year-old competed in various promotions at featherweight, lightweight, and catchweight. He was beheld as one of RIZIN's most prominent stars. Mikuru last suffered a first-round KO defeat against Ren Hiramoto at Super RIZIN 3 in July 2024.

Moreover, Mikuru Asakura is regarded as a highly-accomplished social media influencer, particularly in Japan. His brother Kai Asakura, who's viewed as a major influencer himself, boasts 1.36 million subscribers and over 627 million views on his YouTube channel, 'KAI Channel.' Meanwhile, Mikuru has 3.42 million subscribers and over 2.08 billion views on his YouTube channel.

The brothers' aforementioned channels and other social media handles feature content including fashion, lifestyle, pranks, training, social events, and more.

Mikuru Asakura has also competed in the sport of kickboxing, losing his lone match via knockout in 2023. Mikuru's only exhibition boxing bout came against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. It headlined 'Super Rizin & Rizin 38' at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on Sept. 25, 2022.

Mikuru started well, but Mayweather turned the tide and ultimately won via second-round TKO. The individual who was to present a bouquet of flowers threw it at Mayweather's feet, which became a rather infamous combat sports moment.

Speaking of his fighting career, Mikuru announced his MMA retirement in July 2024. Furthermore, on the UFC 310 Countdown episode, Kai Asakura recalled how a street fight with his brother encouraged him to realize his potential and seriously pursue his career.

Watch the brothers' street fighting footage below (6:55):