Episode 160: Bus Travel
September 28, 2026
The other day, I accompanied the tour on their Hokkaido excursion for just a little bit. The shows I attended were the New Chitose Airport show and the Muroran show. It was only two events, but for the first time in a long while, I was able to travel around Hokkaido together with the wrestlers.
During last year's Hokkaido excursion, I had my last singles match against Yano-選手 (Toru Yano) at the Noboribetsu show. One year has passed since then. This time, rather than stepping into the ring, I was on the side, seeing the wrestlers off as President.
Holding a pro wrestling event inside New Chitose Airport is also very typical of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, isn't it? An airport as a location holds all kinds of people's "encounters" and "farewells."
Holding pro wrestling in such a place. Someone who just happened to stop by looks at the ring and thinks, "Pro wrestling is so interesting." Feeling the potential for that kind of encounter to be born makes me realise the power that pro wrestling possesses.
And another thing that made me happy was being able to ride the wrestlers' bus for the first time in a while, from Sapporo all the way to Muroran.
Back in my wrestler days, it was a bus I rode as if it were second nature. Finishing a match, boarding it, and travelling to the next venue. Some wrestlers sleeping, someone playing video games, someone reviewing their match. Including those long travel times, that was the life of a professional wrestler.
Stepping onto that wrestlers' bus after so long... It felt nostalgic somehow, and it made me genuinely happy.
However, there was also a sensation that felt a little different from the past. Looking at the wrestlers, everyone was so full of life.
When they step into the ring, each of them brings out their own unique flavour and fights with all their heart. Watching that sight, I felt: "They are so dependable."
The me during my wrestling days was always thinking about how I would fight, how I would win, and how I would stand out (laughs). That was all I thought about.
But now, I am in a position to watch the wrestlers from a slight distance away. That's precisely why there are things I can understand. And that is...
Wrestlers fighting vibrantly and lively is, above all else, the greatest asset for the company.
Just because I no longer step into the ring doesn't mean my passion for pro wrestling has changed.
Rather, now I want to build an environment where the wrestlers can challenge themselves to their heart's content. And I want to see even more of each individual shining through their own strength.
Accompanying the two shows in Hokkaido made me feel that way all over again.
I was glad I could ride the wrestlers' bus. I was glad I could see the wrestlers in action. However, my one and only regret was that I couldn't eat miso ramen (crying).
Reflection is only meaningful if you learn from it. Next time for sure, miso ramen... visiting multiple shops in a row ♪