Episode 77: Direction: GO!
May 21, 2026
Right now, I am in the middle of a "50-person Lunch Meeting" marathon with every single one of my employees. Sitting down for a good meal and listening to each person’s dedication to their specific field and their passion for New Japan has become my greatest source of energy.
Through these repeated dialogues, I’ve been thinking deeply once again: "Where exactly does the true value of professional wrestling lie?"
Wrestling is the fierce battles in the ring, the thunderous cheers of a capacity crowd, the flying sweat, and the spirit of never giving up until the very end. Without a doubt, all of these elements make up its charm. However, I don't believe that is the only value of pro-wrestling.
The true value of pro-wrestling, in my eyes, lies in the energy that fans take home with them from the venue.
Wrestlers in the ring stand back up no matter how brutal the attack. They never give up, no matter how desperate the situation. When you witness that, a small flame is lit in your heart—a feeling of, "I’ll give it my all again tomorrow," or, "If that wrestler could stand back up, I can overcome the wall in front of me, too."
I believe that is the inherent power of this genre. In other words, take the vitality you gained from pro-wrestling and bring it back to your own "personal ring"—be it your work, your studies, or your daily life—to pay it forward. That is the true value of pro-wrestling.
Furthermore, this value cannot be created by the wrestlers alone. The staff planning merchandise, the team setting up the venues, the departments delivering tickets—the work of every single employee connects to that "energy that brightens the daily lives of our fans."
New Japan Pro-Wrestling will continue to be a "power plant" that constantly sends energy into your daily lives. To me, the fans and the employees are all part of the same team, everyone living their lives to the fullest in their respective places.
...Though, by writing these words, I think I’m the one getting the biggest recharge!