Episode 168: Ryogoku Analysis

October 13, 2026

6,422 people. That was yesterday's attendance at Ryogoku Kokugikan. How do you read this number?

First, the facts. Attendance for the October Ryogoku show was 9,234 in 2017, 9,152 in 2018, and 9,572 in 2019. The other side of the COVID pandemic, it was 5,002 in 2023, 6,211 in 2024, and 5,372 in 2025. This year, it was 6,422 people, making it the highest number since the COVID pandemic. This is an increase of 1,050 people from last year, which is about a 20% increase. Compared to 2023, it's about a 28% increase, so the direction is undeniably pointing upward (I'm bad at math though, laughs).

However, that means that there were more people this year than during my retirement tour last year. That was a bit of a shock (￣(工)￣).

Still, I accept that this is a sign of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's current strength. On the other hand, there are also numbers we must look at calmly. Compared to the 9,572 in 2019, this year is at about 67% of that high point. We are still short by 3,150 people. It doesn't come close to the average of about 9,300 people from 2017 to 2019 either.

Even if year-over-year numbers are growing, a company that satisfies itself right there won't be successful. Do we set our benchmark at "last year," or at "past peaks"? If the benchmark changes, the view you see changes as well. I am setting our benchmark at the pre-COVID era. I'll stop rejoicing about it being "the highest since COVID."

Now then, this year's increase surely doesn't have just a single reason. The match card lineup, the growth of the wrestlers, the support from all the fans. It's the result of everything clicking into place together.

That's precisely why I can't let it end as a coincidence, and instead change it into something inevitable. I won't say "someday." I will absolutely accomplish it. Let's try putting the goal into numbers. Another 3,150 people. Since this year's increase was 1,050 people, if we keep growing by that same amount, it will take exactly 3 years to catch up to 2019. Even I managed to calculate this somehow. However, I don't just want to get back to where we were, I want to aim beyond that.

What's necessary are two things: delivering the fun of pro wrestling to those who haven't been to a venue yet, and making those who visited once feel like they want to come again. Did all of yesterday's 6,422 people feel like they want to come again? That right there is where the battle lies. What will this number look like next October? I will take it as a report card for myself as President. I'm aiming for straight A's.

Numbers are honest. That is precisely why it's worth taking on the challenge. Together with all the wrestlers and staff, we charge toward the Tokyo Dome. And quietly... I'll do something about my body too.