Tomoya Kakihara is a professional poker player from Japan who has established himself as a prominent competitor on the international circuit, particularly within the Asian and US markets. Residing in Japan, he has become a recognized figure in high-stakes festivals, moving seamlessly between the booming Asian poker hubs and the world’s most prestigious stages in Las Vegas.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Tomoya Kakihara has amassed total live earnings of $38,156. His career-best live score was recorded in August 2024 at the P1-CIRCUIT in Incheon, South Korea, where he finished as the runner-up in the Mini Main Event for KRW 14,971,950 (∼$11,012).

Kakihara enjoyed a prolific 2025 season, highlighted by multiple deep runs at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Manila Championship. In October 2025, he secured a 23rd-place finish in the APPT Manila Championship for PHP 505,000 (∼$8,650) and a 2nd-place finish in the Last Chance High Roller Turbo for PHP 208,000 (∼$3,547). He also showcased his talent at the 56th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2025 in Las Vegas, recording cashes in both the $1,500 No Limit Hold’em Freezeout ($4,012) and the $1,500 Monster Stack ($3,018). These consistent results have seen him climb to the 599th position on the Japan All Time Money List.

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from Japan, Kakihara has transitioned into a global professional, frequently traveling to major poker destinations including the Philippines, South Korea, and the United States. While he began making a name for himself in local and regional series like the Manila Megastack, his recent trajectory shows a focus on championship-level fields within the APPT and WSOP. He is part of a rising wave of Japanese talent making a significant impact on the international tournament scene, often competing in marquee events like the PokerStars Red Dragon.

Play Style & Strategy

Kakihara is recognized for a disciplined and resilient tournament approach, a strategy that has served him well in both large-field championships and high-variance turbo formats. His success in “Last Chance” High Roller events suggests a strong understanding of short-stack dynamics and the ability to apply pressure during critical late-game phases. Known for his calm table presence, his strategy often centers on outlasting elite international fields through calculated aggression and strong ICM awareness, making him a formidable opponent at any final table.