Famous Japanese Wrestlers

Hana Kimura was a renowned Japanese joshi puroresu professional wrestler who made a significant impact in the wrestling world. She competed for prominent wrestling companies in Japan such as World Wonder Ring Stardom and Wrestle-1, as well as internationally for organizations like Ring of Honor and Pro-Wrestling: EVE. Kimura's skill and talent in the ring garnered her a strong following among wrestling fans. Additionally, she appeared on the reality TV series Terrace House: Tokyo 2019–2020, showcasing her diverse talents beyond wrestling.

Katsuyori Shibata is a Japanese professional wrestler, mixed martial artist, and trainer known for his hard-hitting offense. He has competed in promotions such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and Ring of Honor (ROH). Throughout his career, Shibata has held titles such as the NEVER Openweight Championship, IWGP Tag Team Championship, and RPW British Heavyweight Championship. He has also won accolades like the New Japan Cup. Shibata has contributed to the wrestling industry as a trainer, including serving as head coach of NJPW's dojo in Los Angeles.

Hiroshi Hase is a notable figure in both the worlds of professional wrestling and politics. He had a successful career as a professional wrestler, primarily competing for organizations such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and Stampede Wrestling. Hase also held the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship. Transitioning into politics, he served as the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan and was a member of the House of Representatives. Currently, he holds the position of governor of Ishikawa Prefecture.

Shingo Takagi, a Japanese professional wrestler, is a notable figure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Dragongate. Known for his time in Dragongate as the "Pumping Hawk," he held the Open the Dream Gate Championship four times. Transitioning to NJPW in 2018, he joined Los Ingobernables de Japón as "The Dragon," showcasing his skills in both Junior Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions. With multiple championship wins, including the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Takagi has earned praise for his wrestling abilities, receiving accolades such as Rookie of the Year and MVP awards.

Evil, also known as Takaaki Watanabe, is a prominent Japanese professional wrestler signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He rose to fame as a member of Bullet Club and leader of House of Torture. Evil's career includes stints in the United States with companies like Global Force Wrestling and Ring of Honor before returning to NJPW in 2015. With a successful tenure in Los Ingobernables de Japón, Evil has held multiple titles, including the IWGP Tag Team Championships, NEVER Openweight Championships, and NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships. In 2020, he made history by becoming the double IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion, achieving a rare triple champion status in NJPW.

Manabu Nakanishi is a retired Japanese professional wrestler known for his tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Throughout his career, Nakanishi achieved significant success, holding titles such as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, G1 Climax winner, and IWGP Tag Team Champion. Despite a spinal injury in 2011, Nakanishi continued to wrestle for various promotions over the years before retiring in 2020. He also competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics and won a bronze medal in freestyle wrestling at the Asian Championships.

Seiko Yamamoto is a highly accomplished Japanese wrestler and submission grappler. She has achieved significant success in her career, being a four-time World Wrestling Champion, a two-time Asian Wrestling Champion, and a medallist in the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship. Known for her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, Seiko Yamamoto has made a name for herself as a formidable competitor on the international stage, earning recognition and respect for her achievements in wrestling and submission grappling.

Kaori Icho is a renowned Japanese freestyle wrestler with an exceptional professional record. She is a ten-time World Champion and four-time Olympic Champion, securing gold in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. Icho enjoyed an undefeated streak from 2003 to 2016 until her first loss to Pürevdorjiin Orkhon of Mongolia. She holds the distinction of being the first female athlete in any sport to win individual-event gold at four consecutive Olympics. In recognition of her remarkable achievements, she was awarded the People's Honour Award by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Shinobu Kandori is a multi-talented individual known for her roles as a Japanese politician and professional wrestler. As a member of the House of Councillors representing the Liberal Democratic Party, she transitioned into politics after a successful wrestling career. Kandori competed in various women's wrestling promotions from the 1980s to the 2000s, notably Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling and Ladies' Legend Pro-Wrestling. Throughout her wrestling career, she held prestigious titles like the LLPW Singles Championship and the WWWA World Single Championship, showcasing her skill and versatility in the ring.

Yan Yinling, also known as Inrin, is a versatile entertainer with a diverse professional background. Hailing from Taiwan and based in Japan, she has made a name for herself as a swimsuit model, race queen, singer, and former professional wrestler. With a captivating presence on television, Yinling is often recognized as "Yinling of Joytoy" when making appearances. Her multifaceted career in the entertainment industry showcases her talent and charisma across various platforms, making her a prominent figure in the industry.

Ōtsukasa Nobuhide, a former sumo wrestler from Miki, Hyōgo, Japan, began his professional career in 1993 after a successful amateur stint. Throughout his sumo career, he achieved the rank of maegashira 4, showcasing his skill and determination in the sport. Following his retirement in March 2009, Ōtsukasa Nobuhide transitioned into a sumo coach, sharing his expertise and experience with aspiring wrestlers. His contributions to the sumo community continue to leave a lasting impact on the sport.

Yojiro Uetake is a renowned Japanese wrestler and two-time Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling. He had an illustrious college career, winning three consecutive NCAA Championships and going undefeated. Uetake was inducted into prestigious halls of fame, including the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the FILA Hall of Fame. Known for his exceptional skill and determination, he achieved gold medals at the 1964 and 1968 Summer Olympics despite facing challenges like a separated shoulder. Uetake's coaching career also showcased his expertise and dedication to the sport.

Saori Yoshida is a highly accomplished Japanese former freestyle wrestler known for her unparalleled success in major competitions. Throughout her illustrious career, she secured numerous victories, including triumphs at three Olympic Games, four Asian Games, and an impressive 13 world championships. Regarded as the most decorated athlete in freestyle wrestling history, Yoshida maintained an exceptional record with only three losses in international competitions. She also received prestigious accolades such as being named Japanese Athlete of the Year and receiving the People's Honour Award.

Yuji Takada is a highly accomplished retired Japanese flyweight freestyle wrestler. Throughout his career, he competed in the 1976 and 1984 Olympics, winning a gold and a bronze medal, respectively. Takada's success extended to the world stage, where he held the world title in 1974, 1975, 1977, and 1979. His outstanding achievements in wrestling were recognized when he was inducted into the FILA Hall of Fame in 2005, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greats.