Episode 43: Echi-GO!" (Off to Niigata!)

March 24, 2026

I’m currently on the Joetsu Shinkansen, heading toward Nagaoka. By the time this column is updated, the finals of the NEW JAPAN CUP 2026 will already be over. I wonder who will have been crowned the "Spring Man"!?

Now, do you ever find yourself wondering, "What exactly is Tanahashi doing at the venue?" (lol). Well, even if you don't, please pretend you do for my sake. (￣(工)￣)

When I was an active wrestler, it was easy to imagine: I’d go straight to the locker room, do my "preparation for the warm-up" (I love saying things like that), get ready for the match, change into my costume... and so on.

Next, we have the "President Version." I arrive at the venue. I meet with all the wrestlers, greet them, offer words of appreciation, and give them a "Go for it!" to fire them up. After that, I check the status of things with the sales staff at the headquarters.

Even so, I’m not exactly tied down to one spot; I’m free to move around. Up until now, as part of my "learning process," I’ve visited the same-day ticket booths and the merchandise stands. I also watch the wrestlers as they warm up and make sure to greet the arena staff. I started greeting the facility management staff so that we can ensure a smooth and pleasant relationship for our next visit. Sometimes I'm even at the merch booths, consulting with the staff there.

However... to be honest, I have to clear these movements with my staff first. Yes, it turns out that if Tanahashi just wanders around on his own, it causes trouble! Everyone has their assigned stations, and even if I’m the President, if I’m roaming around, someone has to be assigned to follow me. I really just want to be helpful, but I wonder if I actually am? (Who am I even asking? lol).

Another thing I consider is wanting the wrestlers to feel motivated. Back in the day, whenever legends like Inoki-san, Fujinami-san, or Choshu-san were around, I always felt extra fired up. But there’s one problem. Does the atmosphere turn "sharp and tense" just because I’m at the venue? As most would predict... not really. (￣(工)￣)

What I make a point of doing is personally telling the wrestlers, "Good luck!" Today, once again, the President is counting on the wrestlers to shine.