Episode 24: A Wonderful Archive

February 26, 2026

On NJPW World, we have a program called "PRESIDEN-TALK."

It’s a show where I welcome a guest each time to discuss their current thoughts and dreams for the future.

The first guest was Yota Tsuji, and I’ve just finished recording the second episode with Shota Umino.

What I felt after the recordings is that both Tsuji and Umino have a clear vision for the kind of wrestling they want to do and where they want to go.

Yeah, they’re really something else.

What’s that? Are you asking if I didn’t have a vision back then? O-of course I did!

See... it was like, everyone goes "Whooo!" and then they go "Kyaaa!" and sometimes even "Gyaaa!" but basically, as long as the fans were happy at the end, that was my greatest joy... (stares blankly into the distance).

Joking aside, to keep working with such passion, you need an unwavering reason—a fire in your heart that never goes out.

These two definitely have that. It’s very reassuring.

I wonder what I was like when I was their age?

Do you remember? Hiroshi Tanahashi at 29 or 30 years old. That would be around 2006 or 2007.

Yeah... I was incredibly shallow and flashy (lol). And the boos from the crowd were intense.

Time flows on, and even as the circumstances surrounding New Japan Pro-Wrestling change, the one thing that remains universal is the battle inside the ring.

One of the mysterious things about pro-wrestling is that [old match footage is still entertaining when you watch it today].

It’s strange, isn't it? If anything, it’s like a fine wine—the more you let it age, the more depth it develops.

Maybe it’s because the "you" who was watching back then, along with the surrounding environment of that time, all comes rushing back into your brain.

On NJPW World, there are plenty of matches featuring Tanahashi from the days when his abs were actually ripped, so please check them out! (says with a tearful voice).