Episode 117: Ten Perspectives
July 28, 2026
To everyone looking forward to enjoying this year's G1 CLIMAX to the absolute fullest: thank you so much. You've earned a raise. Yes. In spirit, at least.
Jokes aside, as someone who holds the record for the most appearances in the G1 CLIMAX, allow me to share a few key points with you.
1. Track both "Win-Loss Records" and "Physical Toll"
While the standings table is important, the block tournament is a brutal war of attrition back-to-back. How will today's match affect a wrestler's body tomorrow and beyond? Once you start imagining that, the G1 stops being just isolated points and transforms into a connected line.
2. Listen closely to the entrance themes
Even with songs you've heard hundreds of times, if you focus and listen to them again, the wrestler’s whole way of life overlaps with the music, and you'll catch yourself thinking, "Man, this part of the melody... hits so hard!"
3. Focus on what happens to the defeated wrestler
While the camera follows the winner, deliberately watch the loser's expression as they head back down the ramp. That is precisely where the fighting spirit for their next battle resides.
4. Keep an eye on the referee's movements
Pay attention to the timing of the pinfall counts and their footwork, and you'll begin to notice the unique skills required of a referee.
5. Find your own personal favorite match
Out of all the many tournament matches, if you discover a hidden gem where you think, "Whoa, incredible match!" or "That was awesome!", the sense of satisfaction doubles.
6. Savor the "different atmosphere" at each venue
Sapporo has its own unique air, and Osaka has its own. Even within the same G1, as the city changes, the flavor of the enthusiasm changes too. Following the tour with the feeling of traveling is highly recommended.
7. Try making win-loss predictions with friends
Seeing if you can gather convincing evidence to persuade your friends actually ends up being useful for work skills.
8. Watch a second time with commentary off
In the silence with no play-by-play or commentary, you can fully focus on the professional wrestlers' expressions and movements.
9. Decipher "matchup chemistry" through history
If you watch after looking back at past head-to-head records, the storylines and rivalries will jump out in every single match. Watching after doing a little homework gives it a whole different flavor. Pure flavor!
10. Project "yourself this year" onto the wrestlers
Try overlaying your current self onto the wrestlers fighting through a scorching series of back-to-back matches. It becomes a cheer—or maybe an energy boost?—for your work, family, and daily life.
How did you find these tips? If you head to the venue with even just one of these perspectives in mind for this year's G1, you're bound to see a whole new side to the action.
And...
Tanahashi might even start looking slim to you... or maybe not.