Is Wrestling Popular in Japan?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Wrestling is a popular sport that has gained a massive following across the globe. While it is often associated with the United States, Japan also has a rich wrestling culture that dates back several decades. Let’s dive into the world of Japanese wrestling and explore its popularity in this captivating country. The Origins of Wrestling in Japan Wrestling, known as puroresu in Japan, has its roots in traditional Japanese martial arts such as sumo and jujutsu. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that professional wrestling started to gain traction in the country. Japan Pro Wrestling (JPW) The first prominent Japanese professional wrestling promotion was Japan Pro Wrestling (JPW), founded in 1953 by Rikidōzan. Rikidōzan, a Korean-Japanese wrestler, played a pivotal role in popularizing professional wrestling in Japan. He became a national hero and his matches drew massive crowds. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) In 1972, Antonio Inoki established New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), which quickly became one of the most influential wrestling promotions not only in Japan but also worldwide. NJPW showcased a unique style that incorporated elements from both American and Japanese wrestling techniques. The Golden Era: The 1980s The 1980s can be considered the golden era of Japanese wrestling. During this time, several promotions emerged and gained immense popularity among fans: All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW): Founded by Giant Baba, AJPW focused on strong-style wrestling and featured legendary wrestlers like Mitsuharu Misawa and Jumbo Tsuruta. Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF): UWF, led by Akira Maeda, introduced a hybrid style of wrestling that combined martial arts and grappling techniques. Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW): FMW was known for its hardcore and high-risk style wrestling, attracting a dedicated fanbase. The Modern Era: The Rise of NJPW In recent years, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has experienced a resurgence in popularity. NJPW has produced international stars such as Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Kenny Omega. The promotion’s high-quality matches and storytelling have captivated audiences worldwide. NJPW’s International Expansion NJPW has actively expanded its reach beyond Japan in an effort to appeal to a global audience. They have held numerous shows in the United States and have formed partnerships with international promotions such as Ring of Honor (ROH) and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in Mexico. The Popularity of Wrestling in Japan Today Wrestling continues to be a popular form of entertainment in Japan. The country hosts numerous wrestling events throughout the year, ranging from small local shows to large-scale tournaments. Pro-Wrestling Noah After the decline of All Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro-Wrestling Noah emerged as another major promotion in the early 2000s. Co-founded by Mitsuharu Misawa, Noah showcased a strong style similar to AJPW and gained a dedicated fanbase. Women’s Wrestling: Stardom Stardom is a renowned women’s wrestling promotion that has gained significant popularity not only in Japan but also globally. It has produced talented wrestlers like Io Shirai, Kairi Sane, and Asuka, who have achieved success in major promotions around the world. Wrestling Fans in Japan Japanese wrestling fans are known for their passionate support. They are highly engaged during matches, creating an electric atmosphere that adds to the overall experience. The fan culture often includes chants and gestures specific to each wrestler. Wrestling Events: The Wrestle Kingdom The biggest wrestling event in Japan is the annual Wrestle Kingdom, organized by NJPW. Held on January 4th at the Tokyo Dome, this event attracts fans from around the world and features top-notch matches that leave a lasting impact. In Conclusion In Japan, wrestling has established itself as a popular sport and form of entertainment. With its rich history, diverse promotions, and dedicated fanbase, Japanese wrestling continues to captivate audiences both domestically and internationally. Whether it’s strong-style matches or high-flying spectacles, wrestling enthusiasts can find a variety of styles and promotions to satisfy their passion.
