The former IBF strawweight titlist stepped into the ring with Pedro Taduran in a bid to regain his title.

It was for the last time. The Japanese fighter collapsed in the ring after losing a 12-round split decision and had to undergo a craniotomy.

In late June 2025, he was moved from intensive care to a general ward and on August 6 he was transferred from the hospital in Osaka to one in his hometown of Kumamoto. In total, he spent 303 days in hospital before being released on March 25 but requires full-time care.

His older brother, Yudai, who held the WBC 105-pound title before retiring amid his stricken sibling's ongoing struggles, says it's a slow process but his brother is getting there.

"He's gradually improving — he's now able to eat little-by-little, and he smiles more than before," Yudai Shigeoka told The Ring.

"His rehabilitation remains very intense, but he truly is a fighter. It's clear that he still needs a lot of support, and as his older brother, I know I must step up and take responsibility."

As well as being integral to Ginjiro's care, he also became a father and runs his own cafe, called Shinonome cafe which keeps him extremely busy.

"I want my dear wife to be here [at the cafe] with me and run together all the time but since we have small baby, she needs to take care at home sometimes," he said.

"I miss them very much when I am working alone. She helps me in terms of making menu, she even made logo of the café, she is good with accounting which I am not so she is a great help."

As well as giving Yudai sanctuary, he also hopes it serves another purpose.

"Not only boxing related people come to café but many mothers with small children come and spend time, often by wife and our baby are here in the café was well," he said. "I also made this café for Ginjiro to come and sit in the café which I brought couch that he was using to make him feel at home while he is in the café."

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him on X @AnsonWainwr1ght.