Episode 49: Power Words
April 1, 2026
I have a habit of using the memo function on my smartphone to jot down phrases that suddenly pop into my head or words from books that really resonate with me.
The oldest memo left on my phone is from August 9, 2018: "Please let me keep dreaming the rest of the dream." I wonder what was going on with me back then? (Laughs)
Next, on August 26, 2018, I wrote: "If you expect something in return, it isn't called justice." Was something bothering me? It almost makes me worried about myself.
September 16, 2018: "Pro-wrestling is a time machine that travels back and forth through eras." ...That’s clearly how I felt at the time.
March 10, 2019. This day had a particularly high volume of notes, so please take a look at them all:
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"Input is forgotten, but output stays with you."
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"Think while running."
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"Flexible mid-course corrections."
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"Applying various interpretations—Multiplication Thinking."
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"Output is the input." (Wait, I was already getting lost there.)
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"Lead the opponent all the way to their output." (I probably meant "Bring out the best in them!")
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"Ways of communicating that move people."
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"20% abstract talk, 80% concrete talk."
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"Output is only polished when there is an audience."
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"Use catchphrases to heighten the opponent’s focus (e.g., 'The most important thing is...')."
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"Experience can be a plus or a minus depending on your interpretation."
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"Failure → Empathy. Success → Inspiration."
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"Brand yourself → It becomes easier to resonate with others."
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"Those who are desired by people will also be desired by money." (Sounds like I read that in a book lol.)
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"The Law of Reciprocity."
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"Increase fans and trust → New Japan Pro-Wrestling."
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"Enjoy work. Enjoy play. Every waking hour is fun."
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"Smile and voice account for 93%." (93% of what?! lol)
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"Humans can only learn through their own actions."
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"Broaden your perspective."
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"To become a sage, act immediately." (A sage? lol)
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"Everything that can be done 'someday' can also be done today."
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"The secret to success is 'Action' rather than ability, talent, or skill."
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"You cannot obtain success and failure by separating one from the other."
...I must have been reading something intense that day.
Then, on March 26, there’s just one simple phrase: "kento ga tsukanai" (I have no clue). It’s not even converted into kanji; I must have been in a huge rush. I honestly have "no clue" what I was thinking! (Laughs)
It’s a bit embarrassing to go public with these private memos, but I suppose it’s proof that I’ve been constantly thinking about something all this time. People tend to assume Tanahashi doesn't think about anything at all, right? (Hey! Cut it out!)
I highly recommend making a habit of memoing words that catch your interest.