Episode 157: Pro Wrestlers and Uchiwa Fans
September 22, 2026
The new series: 【Pro Wrestlers and 〇〇】. The theme for this 3rd edition is "Uchiwa Fans" (rigid paper fans).
With mid-September now behind us, the evening breeze has gradually begun to mix in a hint of autumn. Pouring a bit of melancholy into this "passing summer," allow me to share a story about wrestlers and uchiwa fans this time.
When speaking of uchiwa fans at a pro wrestling venue, they are now precious cheer goods packed with the love of all the fans. Scanning the audience seats, uchiwa, decorated with the name or photo of a fan's favorite wrestler, along with their own heartfelt messages, sway sparkle and shine.
Walking down the entrance ramp from the entrance gate, when an uchiwa with your own name written on it catches your eye, that alone makes a wrestler's heart burn with heat, and energy wells up from the absolute bottom of their body: "Alright, full power today too!" An uchiwa can be called a bridge connecting the hearts of the fans and the wrestlers directly.
On the other hand, "Summer" for professional wrestlers is the harshest, and hottest season of the year. When speaking of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's summer, it's the traditional G1 CLIMAX, isn't it?
Day after day, clashes of bodies surpassing human limits unfold. Even in a venue with the air conditioner blasting, on top of the ring, wrestlers break a sweat in seconds, and by the time it ends, they are dripping with sweat. Dripping-dripping-dark-with-sweat! *Crayon Shin-chan (Seta Dakudaku)
Finishing the match, covered in sweat, the wrestler returns backstage to deliver their comments.
Welcoming the autumn,
On the close-up camera,
Gleaming beads of sweat.
—【Ikkyu】 (Tanahashi as Haiku Master)
Furthermore, looking at it from a business perspective as well, rolling out summer-exclusive goods centered around uchiwa fans in our summer event strategy serves as an important hook for all the fans to take home "seasonal memories."
With the intense summer tournament finished and the signs of autumn drawing near, looking at an uchiwa from my active ring days placed in a corner of my desk in the executive board room makes me feel just a little bit lonely.
That midsummer frenzy, the cracking cheers of the massive crowd, and the sweat shed. The wind fanned by an uchiwa brings back those "burning hot memories" to my mind.
The seasons turn, and the battles of pro wrestling transition into the autumn series as well. However, the passionate feelings you all put into those uchiwa fans will continue to burn inside the wrestlers' chests 365 days a year...
...Oh wait, that was an uchiwa (inside / fan) story, wasn't it?