ShigeQueen (Full Story) : Reinvention, Resilience, and a Love Story That Crossed Borders

When you meet ShigeQueen—known as Shigeko to Japanese fans and @ShigeQueen on Instagram—it feels like meeting a force of nature. Charismatic, radiant, and unapologetically authentic, ShigeQueen is a pole star, a dreamer, and an artist who has lived a thousand lives in one body. From dazzling television audiences in Japan to chasing love across continents, and from heartbreak on one of Europe’s biggest talent stages to the birth of a new dream in Rotterdam, the journey is nothing short of cinematic.

A Star Born in Japan

Before Rotterdam’s skyline became her new home, ShigeQueen was already a household name in Japan. A Japanese Pole Exotic Old School Men Champion and a former television personality, she spent over a decade shaping the pole dance scene at Polish Tokyo Studio—helping it expand from a single space to a five-branch success. With students who adored her fierce elegance and unapologetic glamour, ShigeQueen embodied the art of performance: bold, emotional, and unforgettable.

Holland’s Got Talent: A Bittersweet Dream

In 2025, destiny led her to the stage of Holland’s Got Talent (HGT). Cameras, lights, rehearsals, and weeks of mental and physical preparation culminated in a qualification-round performance that promised to be unforgettable. The producers were fascinated not only by her artistry but also by her personal story—one of cross-border love and reinvention.

And yet, after all the energy, costs, and sleepless nights, came the most brutal twist: ShigeQueen’s performance was not selected to be aired on television. The decision left behind exhaustion, disappointment, and a sting that still lingers. “It was traumatic in some ways, because we invested so much—emotionally, mentally, financially. And in the end, nothing aired. But it reminded me: I truly belong in front of the camera. Entertainment is where I live.”

Despite the heartbreak, ShigeQueen speaks with deep gratitude about the kindness of the HGT production team, insisting it was still a beautiful collaboration. “Even in pain, there is always beauty.”

A Love Story Written on Tinder

Behind this journey lies the heartbeat of another story—one not about pole, but about love.

While still in Tokyo, ShigeQueen switched her Tinder Gold location to the Netherlands. A swipe, a spark, and suddenly there was Elroy, a Dutch marketing expert with a warm smile and a curious heart. Within a week of chatting and late-night video calls, Elroy booked a flight to Tokyo. Their first meeting was electric.

Over the next year, Elroy visited Tokyo three more times. Each reunion deepened their bond and their vision for the future. By Christmas and New Year’s Eve of 2023, ShigeQueen traveled to Rotterdam, where the couple decided: their lives belonged together in the Netherlands.

This modern LGBTQ+ love story—rooted in courage, travel, and commitment—did not just inspire HGT producers. It continues to inspire fans worldwide who believe in the power of connection, destiny, and the kind of love that defies distance.

From Pole Star to Entrepreneur and Beyond

Now based in Rotterdam, ShigeQueen is writing a new chapter as the founder of PoleExclusief.nl—a studio unlike any other in the Netherlands. Exclusivity, privacy, and luxury define this intimate space in Zalmhaven, designed for clients who seek not only world-class pole training but also inspiration, empowerment, and self-discovery.

“PoleExclusief is more than a studio. It’s a place where confidence is built, where you can feel glamorous, strong, and free. That’s what pole gave me, and that’s what I want to give my students.”

But pole is just one facet of her ever-expanding universe. ShigeQueen has begun learning Dutch to embrace her new culture and community. She is also quietly exploring a second dream—a career as a singer, blending her love for jazz and performance into something entirely new.

Representation & Identity

Born to Japanese and Indonesian heritage, and identifying as gender-neutral, ShigeQueen gracefully embraces both he and she pronouns. This openness has made her a beacon of authenticity for LGBTQ+ fans in Japan and beyond. “Identity is not about boxes—it’s about freedom. I was born he, I live as she, and I exist as both. I am ShigeQueen.”

Her story is not only about stages, competitions, or television shows. It is about belonging—to art, to love, and to oneself.

A Queen’s Message

For fans who have followed her from Tokyo to Rotterdam, ShigeQueen’s message is clear: “Dreams sometimes break you, but they also shape you. Love sometimes hurts, but it also saves you. Life is about believing—in yourself, in love, and in the stage that is waiting for you.”

With a future filled with pole, music, and endless reinvention, one thing is certain: whether in a studio, on a stage, or behind a microphone, ShigeQueen will always be where the spotlight shines brightest.

Follow her journey on Instagram: @ShigeQueen