Episode 46: The Chronicles of Toh-Shopi
March 27, 2026
"Toukon Shopping." Abbreviated as "Toh-Shopi." To put it simply, it’s New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s very own home shopping program.
Just the other day, we had the "Third Generation" trio—Tenzan-san, Kojima-san, and Nagata-san—appear on the show. As a way to drum up excitement for this episode, I was tasked with drawing their caricatures. When I was first asked in the office, "President! Can you draw caricatures for us?" I was genuinely surprised.
I mean, it’s not like I didn’t want to do it. I’ve loved drawing since I was a kid, but you know, when it comes to turning those drawings into actual merchandise, that’s a whole different story! Regardless, I gave it my absolute all. Then again, if I draw them too well, it’s not really funny either (not that I’m in a position to brag about my skills, haha). I was aiming for a certain "vibe"... that "so-bad-it’s-good" style.
Another crucial point is whether the wrestlers themselves wear the gear. This is something Mutoh-san told me back when I was a young lion: "Fans want to buy it because they see the wrestlers wearing it." Indeed, Mutoh-san was always wearing his own T-shirts. Following that lead, I used to design the T-shirts I personally wanted to wear.
Back to Toukon Shopping. This project was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an idea sparked by a situation where we had travel restrictions and couldn't hold matches. It was a project that grew out of a desperate desire to "maintain a connection with our fans."
Just like those home shopping MCs whose fast-talking makes you accidentally buy a frying pan or some handy gadget, I think it’s wonderful to be able to communicate the production process and the personal passion behind each item.
However, the scary part of Toukon Shopping is that the sales figures for each wrestler are kept as internal rankings. The ones recording sales in a completely different league are, of course, Los Ingobernables de Japón. Following them is El Desperado. What they both have in common—aside from their success in the ring—is a great sense of design and undeniable personal charisma.
The difference between "popularity" and "charisma" is a theme I’d like to write about in more detail another time.
Since New Japan Pro-Wrestling wants to continue expanding our merchandise lineup, if you have any ideas for goods you'd like to see made, please let the President know.
Oh yes... because I'll be taking all the credit for them (villainous face).