As a young pro wrestling fan, I was enamored with many of the stars from Japan who would pop in on WCW shows. At the top of the list for me was Jushin Thunder Liger followed by others like the Great Muta, Ultimo Dragon, Masahiro Chono, Bull Nakano, Akira Hokuto, Kensuke Sasaki, and others. I remember listening to “The Professor” Mike Tenay running down the list of accomplishments and backgrounds of the performers. These appearances were a gateway to wanting to consume more from them.
This was before the explosion of YouTube or any streamer service. I know it’s hard to believe today. The idea was that if you wanted this type of content, you needed to hunt down tape traders, and or some early marketplace websites including eBay or Highspots. Some of my favorite finds were the Super J-Cup from 1994 and 1995, as well as some compilation sets like those wars between Vader and Stan Hansen. I also remember spending many nights going to a friend’s house who happened to have “King of Colosseum,” which wasn’t easy to get and play in the States.
All this compounded into a grand desire and probably unattainable fantasy to one day visit Japan and get a taste of the culture firsthand. Now years later I can say I had that opportunity to cross a trip to the “Land of the Rising Sun” off the proverbial bucket list. A truly surreal experience and something that I didn’t know would ever happen after COVID. It exceeded all expectations. The country is a truly wonderful place. I encountered some of the nicest people right from the moment I landed. Basically, Japan is as magical as its toilets.
Before I continue on, I would be remiss not to thank Jim Valley and his wonderful wife and travel agent extraordinaire Kari. They made planning the trip seamless and fun while also alleviating a lot of stress and answering many questions I had.
Also, helping make my wife and I’s time in Japan especially memorable was Fumi Saito. One of the most respected pro wrestling journalists and arguably the foremost historian in Japan. He carved out a lot of his time over three days to connect. Fumi and I initially bonded over WrestleMania 24 weekend in Orlando when we happened to sit next to each other during a Ring of Honor show. We would see each other almost every year since then when he’d come over to America to cover the events. Pro wrestling really does bring people together.
I was honored that Fumi would open up his home to me for an incredible tour. He could charge museum admission. The history was felt the minute you walked through the doors. Photos from his interactions with everyone from Chris Jericho to Hulk Hogan. A library of written pieces, books, and pretty much every issue of the Wrestling Observer. One of his most cherished possessions is a note from Lou Thesz! His knowledge of the business and all he has done in his career is pretty inspiring.
You could also sense what a gutwrenching blow it was when Hana Kimura passed away. Besides having a dedication to her in his home, he even wore a shirt celebrating her and bringing awareness to mental health born out of the tragic loss. Fumi felt she could have been a huge crossover mainstream star in Japan on the level of The Rock. High praise from someone who’d seen so much in his decades-long career.
Of course, going to Japan a portion of the trip was dedicated to hitting many of the hot spots as a fan. Among them was the Tokyo Dome. Unfortunately, I did not get to attend a wrestling show there, but I did get to see Coldplay with opener YOASOBI! The band just happened to bring their world tour over two nights during my stay. Aside from it being a truly immersive concert-going time, I got to take in the legendary venue.
It was so cool to stand outside before going in where I pictured everyone from Antonio Inoki to Okada making history. There is also so much to do around the Tokyo Dome City like riding the Thunder Dolphin rollercoaster. I was taken aback by the fact you could bring food and drink into the venue. I can’t remember any stadium in the United States with such leniency. Although leaving the place you might get caught in a tailwind at one of the main exits. It was entertaining watching people leave through that specific door. Leaving, I also got an outside look at Korakuen Hall next door.
Within walking distance was also the New Japan Pro Wrestling store. I picked up a location-specific t-shirt, but they had other merch from the usual top stars. There was some fun decor. At the same time, it was your typical pro shop you’d find near a stadium for say your local football team.
Then there was my stop at the Toudoukan store. It has two floors of goodness. A fan’s ultimate dream. You could spend hours and all of your money at this place. The bottom floor alone one could get lost in all the vintage programs, magazines, and other pieces from pretty much any decade you can think of. And they are all pretty reasonably priced.
I managed to track down a 1991 program from a WCW/NJPW Super Show and a 1997 Osaka Dome show during the glory days of the nWo. The top floor has various action figures, tons of masks, and shirts, and a space where the store hosts events like talks in an intimate setting. They are constantly getting new items, so no trip will ever be the same. I wish I could have packed the store in my bag and taken it home with me. It truly needs to be seen to be believed.
A special moment came when I got to sit in Ribera Steakhouse. The restaurant was made famous by the late Bruiser Brody. Over 50 years and counting, it has been this rite of passage for those in the business who are lucky enough to receive one of their famed jackets. I was just happy to take home a shirt. Just sitting there, you can look around and see so many of the top names in the industry lining the walls and ceiling. The menu is as simple as can be. A sizzling steak, corn, and white rice. It’s a barebones formula that has clearly worked. I’m happy I got to experience Ribera on the trip.
I didn’t have many days to spend in Tokyo, and it was mostly during the week. So, I knew it would be hard to see an actual show. Luckily, there was one that worked out well. Ikemen, who was just released by WWE, was making his triumphant return back to Japan and helped promote two shows at the Shinjuku Face. A small venue that hosts events of the pro wrestling and martial arts variety.
It was pretty impressive to see Ikemen in his element as he anchored the entire show appearing in just about every match or segment in some form or another. It was awesome to witness Minoro Suzuki in Japan and the energy of the crowd just for his entr
ance. He brings such a legendary aura to him. There was also a fellow legend Masato Tanaka (still in amazing shape and with one of my favorite entrance music) on the card, as well as Kaz Hayashi. The same one from WCW! It’s about coming full circle. The show was a reminder of just how pro wrestling connects no matter what language is spoken.
I’ll never forget my first trip to Japan and can honestly tell you everything you’ve heard is exactly true. A place like nothing else in the world. One that should truly be experienced to really appreciate.
