Episode 163: Rain, Then Rain, Then Fine Weather
October 1, 2026
Thirty-five consecutive days of rain, they say. Considering the title of this serialized column is "Fine Weather, Then Fine Weather," this is quite the trial.
In Tokyo, it has rained every single day since August 27th. They say it surpassed the 33-day record from 2019, setting the longest record in recorded observation history.
Hearing that it rained on all days in September with sunshine hours at only about 40% of an average year, as the former "Sun's Genius Child," I cannot simply remain silent. Sun-san, it's about time for your turn to shine, I say.
Now then, what's surprisingly troublesome about the rain is weight management.
Opportunities to go outside have decreased, and I haven't been able to do my walking either. My path toward the target weight of 87.7 kg has been postponed due to rain for 35 consecutive days. Every time I look at the weather forecast, I think, "Not today either, huh..."
As President, this is a grave state of affairs (laughs).
However, on rainy days, there is something I always think about.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling shows are held even on rainy days. Holding an umbrella, getting their feet wet, sometimes transferring between trains and buses—and yet, some customers still come all the way to the venue.
There is nothing more deeply appreciated than this.
During August's Dream Beer Garden at Ariake, the Saturday session had to be cancelled due to bad weather, which was a truly frustrating experience.
Thinking about everyone who was looking forward to it, even though we cannot win against the weather, it was frustrating nonetheless.
That's precisely why, for those who came out through the rain, I want them to feel: "I'm so glad I came, even if I got wet."
Yes. Delivering enough heat from the ring to dry those clothes off—that is our job.
A venue becoming full on a sunny day is, in a sense, a given. Even on a rainy day, customers feel motivated to set foot in the venue. Even on a rainy day, they feel, "I wanna watch New Japan." In that very fact lies the strength of professional wrestling.
Pro wrestling is an indoor sport. Regardless of the weather, you can get fired up.
On rainy days, the sun rises right on top of the ring.
The wrestlers' sweat, voices, techniques, and the cheers of the customers gathered at the venue—every single one of those turns into the heat of the ring.
I myself have no business using the rain as an excuse either. Toward that target of 87.7 kg, I will do whatever I can. If I can't walk outside, I'll think of another way. As President, it's the exact same thing.
We cannot change the weather. But we can prepare so that we aren't defeated by the weather.
According to the weather forecast, sunshine is expected to return around October 2nd. They say, "After rain comes fair weather" (Rain makes the ground firm).
After rain, Tanahashi's determination becomes firm too, so to speak.
While "Rain, then rain" has continued, my column is "Fine Weather, Then Fine Weather."
By the weekend, it should be clearing up right about now, shouldn't it?
Yes. Take back... the clear skies!
Take... Kaisei (clear weather)! Just kidding ♪