Episode 62: The Power of Self-Production
April 18, 2026
New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s greatest strength is that it is a collection of individuals who possess "thoroughly refined self-production skills." In a typical company, it’s not easy for employees to maintain a mindset of "doing business under my own name."
However, every wrestler who steps into the NJPW ring has an intense pride, believing "I am the protagonist." ...Well, at least I want them to have that. Naito used to say, "I am the main character," after all.
From a business perspective, this could be seen as the ultimate form of an "autonomous organization." Or, as the comedian Daigo from Chidori might say: "The quirks are just too strong!" (Kuse ga tsuyoi nja!)
Their defining characteristic isn't just high technical skill; it’s that they spend 24 hours a day thinking about how to maximize their own value and how to deliver it to the audience (the customer). To put it another way, it’s a world where you can’t survive unless you do.
Strategic social media posts, verbalizing thoughts through mic performances, and the branding found in every single movement—I feel these are very close to the "personal branding" required of modern business professionals.
A long time ago, I realized there are "Three Essential Elements" (or the "Three Sacred Treasures") necessary for a top-tier wrestler: 【A Finisher】, 【A Catchphrase】, and 【A Signature Pose】.
For Tanahashi, it’s the High Fly Flow, "Aishitemasu!" (I love you!), and the Kamen Rider Kabuto or Air Guitar pose. For Okada (now in AEW), it’s the Rainmaker, "Money will rain down!" and the Rainmaker pose. Furthermore, for Naito, it's Destino, "Assennayo!" (Don't be in a hurry), and the Eye-opening pose.
However, these aren't things handed down by the company; they are things you must conceive and fight for yourself.
To ensure the ring remains a place where things are constantly being created, my role as President is to figure out how to convert the "thermal energy" generated when these sharp "individuals" clash into energy for the entire organization (corporate value).
My image of this role isn't about "managing" them, but rather about lighting the fire and letting them compete. That’s my duty—my secret mission.
Tsuji-選手 has all the necessary components: the Gene Blaster, "Are you ready?" and the Raised Fist pose.
But hey, this is just my personal opinion... though it might be too late to say that. Since I’m the President and all.