Arisa Higashino (28, BIPROGY), who won a bronze medal in mixed doubles badminton at the Paris Olympics and announced her marriage on the 28th of last month, updated her Instagram Stories on the 4th. She shared that she had received wedding gifts from her badminton friends.
The first gift was from Nami Matsuyama (26), a fellow bronze medalist in women’s doubles at the Paris Olympics, part of the “Shida-Matsu” pair. Matsuyama gifted Higashino a knife from the long-established cutlery maker Nihonbashi Kiya and a cutting board made of Kiso Hinoki (Japanese cypress). Additionally, Matsuyama also gave her a birthday present—a cap and bag—that she couldn’t deliver during the Olympic period on August 1st. Higashino expressed her gratitude: “Thank you, Nami-chan. The adorable description was so sweet! The bag and cap are super cute! I’ll improve my cooking skills with these. Let’s go out for dinner soon!!!”
Higashino also shared the thoughtful message from Matsuyama:
“Thanks for everything! I’m glad it arrived safely. Let me introduce the gifts! The cutting board and knife are for your wedding. I tried to go for something a bit different rather than the usual gifts, so I hope it’s unique! The knife can be sharpened monthly at the shop, so if it gets dull, feel free to give it a try!! The cap and bag are for your birthday. I picked something street-style and cute, keeping you in mind. Honestly, after choosing them, I kind of wanted them for myself, too! Use them often (laughs). That’s all for my introduction! Haha.”
The message conveyed their close friendship.
Additionally, Yu Hirayama, the coach of BIPROGY (39), gave a pair of matching bathrobes in navy and pink, meant for Higashino and her husband, Yu Igarashi (29), who is also a coach on the same team. Higashino wrote, “Thank you so much for the lovely bathrobes. I’m looking forward to wearing them after my baths,” expressing her appreciation with a heart emoji.
