Episode 115: Harmony Jackson
July 24, 2026
The other day, we held a joint event with the Kyoto Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra at Tokyo International Forum.
Classical melodies and professional wrestling entrance themes—on the surface, it seems like an oil-and-water combination. But once the lights went up and the performance began, wouldn't you know it, a surprisingly fantastic chemical reaction took place.
However, in terms of attendance, we weren't able to pack this massive hall to capacity. While I have no intention of making excuses, I view this result not as a "failure," but as an "investment."
When you start something new, scorecards rarely show a perfect 100 on the first try. In fact, jumping onto a grand stage like this has immense value in and of itself...
Why am I so insistent on these cross-industry events? Because I want to expand the entry points into pro wrestling.
For people who aren't familiar with wrestling, music can serve as a "bridge" (kakehashi)—or should I say, a Tanahashi.
If even one classical music fan in attendance thought, "Maybe I'll check out a show at Korakuen Hall next time," then I consider that a resounding success.
An event that struggles to sell out brings out all kinds of opinions on whether we should continue it.
Yet, if New Japan Pro-Wrestling is to remain a beloved promotion over the next 10 or 20 years, we need to plant seeds not just for our current fans, but for the fans we haven't met yet.
An organization that stops evolving has no future.
To everyone in the Kyoto Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, thank you so much for the magnificent performance. New Japan Pro-Wrestling will keep innovating so we can build a lasting relationship and reach even more people next time.
This endeavor where music and pro wrestling joined hands was our second time running the event. Towards the latter half, they played a "Tanahashi Entrance Theme Medley," and I listened to it with my eyes closed.
As the music washed over me, a wave of memories and emotions overflowed, and I just couldn't stop the tears. I sure cry a lot, don't I?
Yeah... I guess the person who was moved the most might have been me.
Listening to entrance themes played by a full orchestra—I'm going to keep conveying how good, magnificent, and fun that truly is.
Who knows, maybe I'll even join in on the air guitar next time! (laughs)