Episode 125: Ogaki High
August 6, 2026
Today, let's talk a little bit about Yuto-Ice.
I think a lot of people look at him and feel, "Man, he really lives his truth, doesn't he?"
If I had to guess, that way of living isn't something he consciously forces; it comes naturally to him, and that's his true strength.
Now, time for a quick explanation break.
His real name is Yuto Nakajima. He hails from Ogaki City in Gifu Prefecture, and amazingly, he's actually my junior from Ogaki City Higashi Junior High School! To think a fellow wrestler would come out of the very same junior high school... That place is practically one of Japan's premier elite junior high schools!
Now then, I did a little analysis of my own on the reasons behind Yuto's popularity.
First: He doesn't hide his emotions.
When he's frustrated, he shows it. When he's happy, he rejoices genuinely.
Wrestlers tend to put on an "armor of bravado," but he fights with that armor completely stripped away. Because he shows everything—including his weaknesses—it's easy for the fans to project themselves onto him.
Second: He created the concept of "Pro-Wrestling High" himself.
There aren't many wrestlers who strike you not with a physical move, but with a concept.
His self-definition of "ice that shines when illuminated by the sun or moon" is also brilliant. He realizes he doesn't always have to be the main character—shining bright by reflecting someone else's light is just fine. I’m deeply impressed by that flexible, modern-generation sense of self-awareness.
Third: His timing.
The day after I retired, a certain kind of "void" was left in the ring. The one who dove right in without worrying about the existing pecking order was him.
Perceiving the anxiety among the fans the day after Tanahashi's retirement (fan anxiety / fan fuan), he delivered a passionate promo to reassure everyone. I found that immensely reliable.
A junior from my very own junior high school.
His name is 【Yuto-Ice】.
Show us that 【Ogaki High!】 somewhere down the road, alright?