Episode 138: Horoyoi Hiroshi (Tippy-Top Hiroshi)
August 24, 2026
The other day, we held a collaboration event with the TV Asahi Summer Fest called New Japan Pro-Wrestling x Suntory Nama Beer Dream Beer Garden Ariake. It turned out to be a passionate night truly fit for NJPW! Events with this kind of close distance where you can raise a mug and toast directly with the wrestlers don't come around very often, after all.
However, last Saturday... the session with Shota Umino and me was unfortunately cancelled due to bad weather (sadness).
Hearing that there were fans who were looking forward to it, even some who travelled all the way from far away to be there, fills me with deep, apologetic feelings. While you can't help the weather, I really want to make it up to everyone somewhere down the line.
Thankfully, for the sessions that were successfully held, we received numerous heartwarming comments, mostly on social media, such as "I was so moved by how close the wrestlers were," "The beer went down way too easily, I nearly got plastered!" and "Please do this again next year!"
When I can feel joy from your kind words, I become so happy that my chest swells with emotion every single time.
Collaborations with different industries like this serve as a vital gateway for people who aren't yet familiar with New Japan Pro-Wrestling to discover us. It's especially useful for attracting those who think that pro wrestling is scary or looks painful (which it is). I want them to get to know the wrestlers as people first.
Talking to a wrestler with a beer in hand, anyone would surely be amazed by the gap between the intensity inside the ring and their personality outside of it. Back when I first joined the Dojo, Kotetsu Yamamoto-san taught me: "Listen here, Tanahashi. Wrestlers are big and give off an intimidating vibe, so make sure you always speak politely." That's something I've continued telling my juniors all along.
Getting back on track... being brought to tears by an uncertain factor like the weather made me acutely realise that holding an event is never something to be taken for granted. The weather, the venue, and the fans taking the time to come out: only when all of those align does an event truly come together.
Now then, how should we make good for Saturday, when the event got rained out? Umino and I both agree: "Let's do something about this."
Next time, let's do it somewhere with a roof, in a location where rain won't force a cancellation. We'll hold a revenge toast instead of a revenge match somewhere!
By the way... after the event cancellation was decided, please keep it a secret that I drank two beers backstage, got nicely buzzed, and went home feeling good (￣(工)￣).