Welcome to Wonderland, proudly produced by New Japan Pro-wrestling.
Today's guest is the IWGP Intercontinental Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Tanahashi Hiroshi, here, the 1/100 from New Japan Pro-wrestling. Happy to be here.
Thank you very much for being here.
Go ace!
Oh, I was waiting for that.
Let's get fired up.
Thank you for coming today. It's the middle of the series. Check out your hair.
What a great hairstyle.
I'm currently playing Lars, the game character.
A collaboration with Tekken.
Perfect.
On point.
Thank you.
We want to ask you, Tanahashi, about the current matches, the Tokyo Dome, and more.
This program is broadcasting free on New Japan World.
This is a great opportunity to get more viewers.
Exactly.
For those who are a little curious,
Or for those who are watching just because.
Now's the time to subscribe.
We would like all of you to subscribe to New Japan World.
Let me explain how it works.
It's ¥999.-(Approx.$10.00) for unlimited access.
Not only do you get the broadcast of big events, but also exclusive programs.
Also, plenty of original content, where you can see the wrestlers outside of the ring.
Plus, archives of classic matches to current ones. All of this for only ¥999.-(Approx.$10.00)
You can watch so much.
It's only ¥999.-(Approx.$10.00), for now.
Well, it's always been ¥999.-(Approx.$10.00), actually.
So, Tanahashi, when do you watch New Japan World?
Of course I watch my matches, title ones.
And I often watch matches from the Showa era, like Fujinami's matches.
I try to learn from his situations, like how Fujinami would fight against big wrestlers.
I used to watch those as a fan, but now I watch to study.
I should have kept this a secret. But I just said it. Oh well.
So, it sounds like New Japan World is essential to you, to learn from.
And we travel by bus, most of the time,
So I'm able to watch on the road.
And there are other programs on there.
Yes. There are many, like KUSHIDA's 'On the Road' and my work out videos. I will provide more.
Please, recommend some matches to the newer fans.
Well, I want to recommend all of them. But…
Well…
I'll pick one from this year, my match on September 16th against Zack Sabre Jr.
And one of my latest, the Intercontinental title match against Kota Ibushi.
You can watch 'current Tanahashi'.
Please do so.
Please watch those two matches. Also, they can find matches through keywords.
You'll get many results by searching, 'Tanahashi Hiroshi'.
Many many.
So much.
Please have good wifi.
Yes. Please watch with the best wifi available.
Now we are going take a look at the upcoming schedule.
World Tag League is in progress.
Tomorrow, November 30th in Korakuren Hall.
December 8th will be in Hiroshima, December 9th in Imabari, exclusively on the World.
Also, of course, the final in Fukuoka, on December 11th, will be on the New Japan World.
That was December 9th in Imabari.
New Japan will come to Imabari, too.
In every region, you can feel the town. So, I want everyone to enjoy themselves.
Some places are big, like the domes.
Of course.
On there other hand, there are also much smaller venues.
Yes. The chants echo throughout the entire hall.
So, big ones and small ones have their plusses. And you can watch when you can't go.
In Imabari, there are grandmas who passionately cheer for me.
So, I'm wondering if she'll be watching this year, too.
She's watching this, too.
Grandma.
Thank you.
I want to ask you about the World Tag League.
Here are the teams.
The one's who already have matches set for the Tokyo Dome,
Such as Okada, Naito, Kenny and me,
Aren't in the tag league.
This is why…I'm traveling with them, but watching from the side.
Which is your pick?
My pick…well…
It's not my pick, but the only Young Lion, Kitamura, his journey is interesting.
And the favorites, K.E.S.
I was wondering which team can possibly stop Lance Archer and Davey Boy Smith Jr.
They even defeated Tama Tonga and Tanga Roa.
And previously, Raymond Rowe and Hanson couldn't defeat them.
So, it's likely no team can defeat K.E.S.
So far.
So, they are the most likely candidates from B. But who knows what will happen.
In the A Block…
My pick is Sami Callahan.
Oh, he's on a surge, isn't he?
For Juice, 2017 was his year to rise,
And he challenged Kenny for the U.S. Title and in the G1.
Sami and Juice are a great combination.
Excuse me, I was laughing because I saw the cue card. It says that you were kissed by Sami.
That happens a lot to you, doesn't it?
Yes.
I once was kissed by Maximo, from Mexico.
Well, I knew Sami had many victims. So, I was being careful.
But he got me in Nagoya.
And my parents were there, too.
My parents watched me get kissed by a man, as a pro-wrestler.
After that, we went to dinner. They didn't mention it throughout the entire dinner.
Wow. Your reaction seemed very realistic.
Now we want to ask you about recent matches. Starting with November 5th, in Osaka.
The match against Ibushi for the Intercontinental title. You didn't speak after the match.
I was defeated by Ibushi, in August, in the G1 tournament. Lost to his move, 'Kamigoye'.
Well... that was one of the reasons why I chose Ibushi as my challenger.
One of them?
I also wanted to see more of Ibushi's pro-wrestling.
In the 2015 G1 I said, 'If Ibushi's here, the future is assured'.
I gave him a lot of praise.
But he hasn't proven me right.
I see.
He should be much higher than where he is now.
That was my inspiration for the title match.
Also, there isn't a sharp contrast between me and Ibushi. We are both babyfaces.
Since we are both babyfaces, it's hard to draw a line between us.
So, I thought about it. I'm the champ, even though he beat me in the G1, he's under me.
So, I created this division between us. I'm talking down to him, from above
"You can do better than that." That's what I told him. I developed that idea for the match.
Then, that pushed Ibushi.
So, there was feud between guys at two different levels. That was new.
There have always been rivalries and quarrels like in, "Kamen Rider".
But this kind of relationship was new, so it was really interesting to see play out.
You were a bit like a mentor to him, weren't you?
Yes, I think so.
I'm sure I confused him with that turn.
For Ibushi, it was first time to have a title match after having preview matches.
I hope this experience gets him hooked.
Even fans were treating Ibushi as a 'sensitive wrestler',
And babied him.
But they should expect more from him.
I know that fans want see, their favorites, in the ring, every tour.
It's such a waste, not being there. He shows up now, but won't be there next time.
Anyway, that's what pushes a pro-wrestler to fight, every time.
Ibushi, I'm waiting for you.
I actually want to talk more about Ibushi.
So, it sounds like you've got many thoughts after facing him. You're still thinking a lot about him.
Before the match, I was comparing him with Okada as a champion, and Naito as a pioneer.
I believe that in every generation, there are 'The Three Musketeers'.
That's what I have realized lately.
There was Inoki first. Then Fujinami and Choshu, and 'The Three Musketeers' next.
That was Muto, Chono, and Hashimoto. And then…
There was a new 'Three Musketeers' after that. That was Tanahashi, Nakamura and Shibata.
And maybe it's just me, but I want to find the new three.
If there was only two, there would have only been one feud.
If it were there, the feud would double.
So, I was wondering who should be in between Okada and Naito.
Wow, what a thought.
That's what I'm thinking about.
I see.
This is my strategy, there's always a 'Three Musketeers' in every generation.
For example, in the history book, 'Records of the Three Kingdoms',
The three main characters are, 'Sosou', 'Sonken', and 'Ryubi'.
Theres also the Bushi warriors, 'Oda Nobunaga, 'Toyotomi Hideyoshi' , and 'Tokugawa Ieyasu'.
So, if there's a triangle, it adds depth.
It doesn't mean two is not good, but if there's three…
Yes, it would expand the stories.
But even in the last big 3,
Shibata left first, so it become just the two of us, Tanahashi and Nakamura.
Shibata returned, and fans remembered our 'New Fighting Spirit' days.
So, it added more complexity to the story.
This is what I'm counting on Ibushi for.
Okada and Naito will main event the Tokyo Dome.
I hope Ibushi will be the one who is added to their story.
You have huge expectations for him, don't you?
Yeah, it's easy to expect things from others.
You are saying that you're part of the old three. But I'm sure fans want to see you in the mix, too
Well, this idea was just something I came up today.
Today? For the first time? Right now?
Yes. I just said my concept of there always being a big 3, in every generation.
I think some people agree with my thoughts.
But of course I know that there is a story already between Okada, Naito and Kenny.
So, some people don't agree with me.
But it would be interesting if Ibushi was there.
This is only my opinion.
And after that match, Jay White appeared out of nowhere,
And he hit you with, 'Henkei Complete Shot'.
It's called 'Shell Shock'. I found out later.
Well, that was involuntary.
At first, what I wanted to do was…
I enjoy the post-match celebration,
It's been a while since I've won in Osaka, so I said, 'Aishitemasu' and played air guitar.
I thought, 'Now, I'm going to thank the fans, shake hands and wipe my face with their towels'.
But he stopped me.
That's the part you enjoy the most, isn't it?
Absolutely. That's what I fight so had for.
And of course, fans are waiting for that moment.
Well, I say this in the manners video, 'Please stay in your seat while you watch the show'.
So, I feel a little bad that I get them to crowd around the front.
But I hope the company turns a blind eye to that.
It's the time to share the joy of pro-wrestling. They are all pro-wrestling fans.
And be flexible, if I come from behind, like, 'Okay, you join us, too'.
So, everyone can enjoy the moment.
Yeah, everyone's there to have fun.
But you couldn't do that this time.
Right.
And that was because of Jay White?
Yes. Well…
He was a Young Lion two years ago.
And then he went on excursion. And this was his triumphant return home.
Hmmmm…he's gotten bigger.
Yes, he has.
And he's got an aura.
He always was handsome, but now he's more manly looking. Plus, with the costume...
You could sense his confidence?
He was completely confident.
I could tell .
That must have come from his eagerness to return to New Japan, after his days overseas.
But I'm watching, carefully. I am.
And you will face off in the Tokyo Dome.
How do you feel about that?
Now I'm thinking, this is better treatment than they gave Okada when he returned.
Oh!
Young Lions leave and come back.
Okada fought in the Tokyo Dome when he returned, but he faced YOSHI-HASHI, who was also returning.
They set it up while no one was quite sure what was going on.
But this time, it's more than that.
He will fight for the Intercontinental title, just after coming home.
He got the best deal, ever.
You have a point.
Here are the matches set for the Tokyo Dome.
Near the top is your match.
I assume that New Japan closely watched his work overseas.
And the company is high on him.
He got an absolute killer deal.
It sure is. He will challenge for the title, in his big return match.
But, Mr. Terakawa...
After I thought about the situation,
There is no benefit for me.
This is high risk and no reward.
Right.
Of course, I'm very grateful for my opportunity to have a title match in the Tokyo Dome.
But what do I do after if I beat Jay?
There's no way that I should lose to him.
Well, that's just my subjective view.
But there's a vast difference in our experience levels.
It sure is an enticing deal for Jay.
-Super enticing. -Yes, it is.
He earned a title match by coming home.
But in his way is Hiroshi Tanahashi.
And the match is very near the end of the show.
Even though there is no benefit for me,
I'm very grateful for this opportunity to wrestle.
It is good, but,
It would be more interesting if we both had something on the line.
It would raise the stakes.
I would say that there's a small risk for you, and big gains for Jay White.
Well, yes.
I'm sure Jay White will strike me with all his emotions from being overseas for two years.
So I shouldn't say it will be no risk for him,
But there is a big difference between us.
There is a big difference in both your risks.
It's because…so…
So, how should we prepare for the Tokyo Dome?
There will be no preview matches. I have no idea where he is now.
This is when I need to show my mental strength as champion.
So, that's…
I have had this experience before, where I had to fire myself up for opponents I couldn't see.
I think about that, like last year and this year when I took some time off.
I now think Naito did amazing job, getting everyone's attention, by destroying the belt.
Oh, now you understand why he did those things?
Yeah. What an amazing job to get buzz. I felt the rise of Naito, as a force.
As time has passed, your feelings have changed. Now you have to prove yourself, too.
That's true. It's interesting, isn't it?
Is this the curse of this title? Now my opponents are invisible.
But this belt was created with a lot of significance.
Your opponents couldn't come because they were distant.
What does this year's Tokyo Dome mean to you?
I'm sure there are going to be a lot of new people coming to see pro-wrestling for the first time.
And this is the biggest event of the year.
Even when New Japan had tough years, this show was still important. It's special.
Of course the other smaller shows are important, too.
But the Tokyo Dome is proof that pro-wrestling is a force and can attract mainstream attention.
Tokyo Dome is where we prove ourselves.
But for fans, it's a celebration.
When you see pro-wrestling in the Tokyo Dome, it really does take your breath away.
This year was like that.
The fans' voice in the Tokyo Dome, their cheers and chants, are like no place else.
The dome is so big, you can actually sense the delay of the cheers.
Where as, Korakuren Hall, is immediate.
I've experienced how overwhelming the cheers of thousands of people can be.
It's amazing, because everyone is sending their energy towards the ring.
Yes, all of that energy.
All of those sounds collide in the ring-
Right where we stand.
Tokyo Dome is where fans can witness history being made.
You can watch the ring, but there's also screens all over, so it makes for an exciting atmosphere.
As a fan, I saw many Tokyo Dome events. I remember Inoki's retirement.
I also saw the show with UWF in October of 1995.
When I mention this show to other wrestlers, they say, "I was there, too."
It makes me glad to know I was a part of that moment.
I hope this event gets others talking, too.
Tokyo Dome is the place where fans make memories, but also where new stories begin.
That's true.
This is why we work so hard all year, to have a big match at the Tokyo Dome.
How influential you can become decides your place on the card.
Younger wrestlers have to struggle to gain a spot.
This is the conclusion of the year, but also a chance to start something new.
It's a milestone.
So, as you take a look at the card...
Of course, the Intercontinental match is big,
There's also the heavyweight title match between Okada and Naito.
And the US title match, Kenny vs Chris Jericho.
Chris Jericho is coming.
What's your reaction to this?
He sure is a world wide name.
Also, he wrestled in Japan before.
He is at the top of the mountain in the WWE.
Maybe newer fans aren't familiar with him.
He's one of the biggest stars.
The top superstar against Kenny Omega.
It's hard to predict, isn't it?
Kenny Omega is one of the leaders of New Japan.
Mr. Chris Jericho- that sounds weird- just Chris Jericho…
Chris Jericho's style is traditional.
That's how he fights
So the match will be decided by who dictates the style.
Ah, I see.
They'll have to match each other's style.
It depends on which style takes lead.
Chris Jericho's finisher, 'The Walls of Jericho',
It's a more advanced version of the Young Lions' half-crab. That's how he finishes opponents.
I'm curious how fans will react to his style.
It's hard to predict. We can't guess.
And the IWGP Heavyweight title match between Okada and Naito, the main event.
Thoughts?
I feel that I'm a part of their stories.
It was maybe 2014 when...
Naito won the G1 tournament.
And Naito was going to challenge for Okada's IWGP title.
Nakamura challenged me for the Intercontinental title, and the fan vote switched the main event.
Though they called it a 'double main event', it's clear the Intercontinental was the main event.
Naito held a grudge for a long time.
He kept complaining, even through last year.
The fans wondered if the fan vote would become a custom.
The helpless victim was Okada.
Even though he was the champion, he didn't say anything.
Even as IWGP champion he couldn't main event.
This time they are at the top of their games, physically.
So, of course, we can expect greatness.
Their feud should have gone deeper, though.
What do you mean?
It's not personal enough.
Each of them has a cause to fight, but...
But there should be a deeper reason.
Something new may happen in the match,
But, they aren't like rivals that acknowledge each other.
I see.
There's not even a strong sense of envy between them.
I don't think they are showing enough of their need not to lose.
I understand.
So, what is the dynamic between them, as opponents.
It's still vague.
I assume they both have some feelings, inside.
We can assume they have deep sense of jealousy and disdain, but we can't see it.
It's me who has the disdain.
I'm the one who lost the IWGP Heavyweight title to Okada. I'm now the Intercontinental champion.
And I'm not in the World Tag League.
I'm often in the warm-up tag matches.
I want to be in the main event.
Its very frustrating.
Now all I do is wait around and watch their matches from backstage.
That's the cause of my anxiety.
But I don't show it.
I don't do that, but...
I always feel that I want to be in the main event.
I used to be the one in that position, making other wrestlers wait.
So, now I know how frustrating it is, to wait.
Now I've realized what it's like to step down from the main event.
It must be so frustrating to be others watching them, too.
For example, Yujiro.
He must be so upset, almost in tears.
Naito and Yujiro used to be in a tag team.
And he was a teammate with Okada, in CHAOS.
I want Ibushi to have that feeling.
I want the Young Lions to watch these matches with that same ambition.
In that case, I wonder how Young Lions feel about Jay White getting a chance to challenge you.
That's true.
They may be saying, 'damn it.'
That's what I'm pondering.
What other matches pique your interest?
Ah, let's see...
Of course, Cody vs Ibushi, because Ibushi is my favorite.
You really like Ibushi, don't you?
Ibushi has all of the potential in the world, but now it comes down to his drive.
There are many wrestlers with potential, nowadays.
Obviously, Okada is still very young.
31 years old.
30. He's 30.
He just turned 30.
Okada has all of the tools, so theres no way he shouldn't surpass me, easily.
Easily?
Easily.
I hope Okada is thinking this way.
I'm counting on Okada to appeal to fans outside of pro-wrestling.
But, it's not that easy.
Not everyone can be a movie star, like me.
If Okada becomes a leading actor, I will concede defeat.
So that's when you'll concede?
Then I'll give him credit.
Tanahashi… you're kind of speaking… as if you're not in this anymore. Like you're on the outside.
I have many different stances.
I'm a pro-wrestler,
Also, a fan.
I can see things objectively, for what they are, like a producer.
That's why I speak this way.
Now, I'll speak only as a pro-wrestler.
I suppose that's what the fans want to hear.
As a pro-wrestler...
Pro-wrestler!
So, on your mission to reach the Heavyweight title again...
I'm sure fans want you back in that scene.
After the Dome, I won't chase the Heavyweight title, I want to raise the prestige of this title.
Let me explain my ambitions.
Please do so.
While holding the white belt, I want to challenge the black one.
We're going to answer some fan questions which came to us from Twitter.
As you just said, a fan asked if you were willing to challenge for the Heavyweight title.
We just got this question.
It's not about hoping, I'm going to do it.
I'll do it.
I have to proclaim it.
New Japan is increasing the number of their shows, recently,
So there's more focus on the Intercontinental title, too.
But if I hold two titles, I'll have to defend twice as often.
That would be incredibly challenging.
I'm the only one who can do it.
Because, I never get tired.
Let's move on.
We have over 200 questions for you from fans.
Thank you very much.
I want to get through as many as possible.
I'll answer as many as possible.
Which hairstyle suits you better, longer or shorter? Will you grow your hair out again?
I like my hair long, so I want to grow it out, again.
That's my preference.
But, people say I look good with shorter hair, too.
My movie comes out in 2018, so for the promotion,
I want to keep the look of the character.
So, maybe then I'll cut my hair, again.
This isn't because of my injury, don't worry.
What's that from?
Hair iron burn.
Many women have the same injury, I'm sure.
I've got two beautiful scars.
So, talking about hair irons...
We have many questions, but let me say this…
I was watching you set your hair before the show,
You're very skilled at that.
This style was done by you, without any hairdressers.
When you came in, you didn't have that wave.
I had some other work before this, too.
My game character's hair stands up more.
I can't do that style, myself.
I saw you styling, like this.
I just have a sense of it.
It's cool that you can do it yourself.
Yesterday, in Nagano, Jeff Cobb jokingly asked me if I could do his hair, too.
So I did his hair.
He came to me while I was doing my hair,
So I had him sit down, and I straightened his hair with a hair dryer and iron.
David Finlay was taking pictures of us.
Muscular guys styling each other's hair.
That must have looked odd.
The next fan question...
Before you faced Ibushi, did you have some curry?
Yes I did.
I was home the day before, to Gifu, so I had curry.
Curry is my fight food. You know me very well.
The next question is also about food. What is your favorite meat dish?
My favorite meat dish is… steak.
That's the only meat I eat.
Red steak and also chicken breast.
If you ask me what part I prefer, I really like intestines.
In Gifu, there's a very greasy intestines dish, which I grew up eating.
That's quite greasy, huh?
Yep.
I'm 40, so my metabolism is slowing.
It's hard to shed the fat.
I have to be careful.
I feel the same way.
Another food question!
What are your two favorite types of onigiri?
Dry fish flakes. And...
Shrimp with mayonnaise.
But I usually eat only salted onigiris.
Plain
But there's also a plain one with brown rice.
Brown rice is a little healthier.
So I choose brown rice, and one with peas.
You have to take in energy, but also watch your calories.
Of course. I like Lawson's onigiris the best.
Well, then...
What gives you your iron heart?
I have to explain what it means to have an iron heart.
First, my body needs to be in top shape to fight,
The fans can see that, and know I'm serious.
That's how I judge my iron heart.
Before a photoshoot,
Big title matches or tournaments,
That's when my iron heart is visible.
You're not at that level all of the time.
Right. It's not all of the time.
When it doesn't work, I just suck in my stomach, while fighting.
Suck it in.
Why do you do that?
Because I got a belly.
I have to shape up for Tokyo Dome, it's only a month away.
I plan to lose 3 kilograms by then.
Isn't that harder than you make it sound?
And if I don't eat right or enough, I'll lose muscle mass.
I maintain my power and muscle strength.
I only need to lose the body fat. But it's hard.
I have to do more cardio.
Next one.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Aw, only one...
Do they mean, like magic?
Yeah, but it can be anything.
What would it be?
How about stretching arms?
Oh, like gum gum fruit?
My arm is injured, so I'd have that repaired.
I feel like I've heard that question before.
I want the ability to heal this injury.
Next fan question...
How is your arm doing?
I have a torn muscle...
So I missed a series in May.
Fans are aware of my condition.
I wear a supporter and tape my arm.
When it's brought up, it's hard to talk about.
That's why I always say that it's getting better.
Can they see it?
My left arm is fine. The muscle is where it should be.
Here, this part is missing.
What does it mean?
It's torn and is rolled up.
That's what that looks like?
If you straighten your arm, you have these two muscles here,
But now this part is torn and is missing when I curl my arm.
Zoom out to see it.
See the difference.
Oh, it's clear.
This one has no muscle.
I see.
Since it's torn, when I squeeze it, it's very soft.
Go ahead. Feel it.
This can't build muscle.
Feel the difference, here.
But I don't want people to worry.
It has to be repaired right after it happens. If not, it's too late for surgery.
Because the muscle has already shrunken and retracted.
So now, it's all pulled back?
Surgery would have only worked right after.
But I decided to skip surgery so I could compete at Osaka Jo Hall at Dominion.
If I opted for surgery, I would have missed 3 or 4 months.
But I didn't want to skip Osaka Jo Hall and the G1.
It healed naturally.
It will be a year, next May.
But I can train, little by little.
So, I wish I had the power to heal.
I want my cool muscle back.
Okay, next question...
Which 'Kamen Rider' are you as cool as?
The other day you were featured on a show about 'Kamen Rider'.
That question is a nice surprise.
'Kamen Rider', I love it.
The best rider?
If you ask which most resembles me,
I did copy the pose from 'Kamen Rider Kabuto'.
But which do I resemble?
One who is cheerful but foolish.
I would say Kamen Rider Ozu.
(Singing theme song)
Oh, nobody knows it.
You don't know a lot about Kamen Rider?
No, I don't.
Let's keep going.
What's your favorite 'best match' from 'Kamen Rider Build'?
Well, first I have to explain 'Kamen Rider Build'.
He transforms after shaking viles.
He can mix the essence of a rabbit and a tank,
Then he puts both in his belt.
The combination of those two...
He gains the speed of the rabbit and the power of the tank.
It's a 'best match'.
That's how it goes.
There are so many matches...
For example, 'Lion Cleaner'… a lion and a vacuum.
I saw those.
There can be hedgehogs...
There's only been about 11 episodes, but there are many different matches.
But the model I like, is the basic rabbit and tank.
The costume is red and blue.
Both sides seep into each other.
I thought it looked familiar, like my gear.
This year...
Before they started the 'Kamen Rider Build' series,
My gear was already adopting the colors.
Oh, half and half, right?
I was one step ahead of them.
I am always influenced from 'Kamen Rider', and I share those ideas with my gear designer.
But this time they were influenced by you.
But perhaps only I think so.
Moving on from 'Kamen Rider'.
What's your fashion pick this winter?
I like fashion, so I'm always paying attention.
Last year, I collected many black stoles.
Because black goes with everything.
I've been wearing that this year, also.
I bought a new one.
It's mustard yellow.
It's kind of sand colored.
I use it as an accent color.
It's very warm, so I'll be wearing it. That's my fashion pick.
Moving on to the next question.
How do you organize so much clothing?
Well, actually...
I don't have as much as you may think.
I think this image is a little old...
Old?
The clothes that suit me best, took a while to figure out,
Most of my clothes are black,
Black, navy, grey, khaki... those are my main colors.
Sometimes I add accent colors in my T-Shirts.
I add colors in my accessories, like hats.
Colors that suit me well.
And shapes that complement me.
I figured this out recently.
So now you've downsized?
For example, long coats don't look good on me.
Anything long.
You prefer rider jackets?
Yeah. Shorter jackets are better.
It took a while to figure this out.
Next fan question...
Where would you like to go on vacation?
Hawaii.
Fast answer.
I've never been.
Really?
Me neither.
Really?
Never?
You sounded as if you had.
That was my reaction, wasn't it?
I want to go so much...
I often hear that many celebrities go.
Like, for New Years.
Don't you feel like you're missing out?
I'll spend my New Years at Tokyo Dome.
What if I showed up there, straight from Hawaii?
I hear that many athletes train in Hawaii.
It's nice because it's warm and you can avoid injury.
Do you want to go together?
Yeah. Let's go. Our first time in Hawaii, together.
You can train me there.
Next question…
Who was your first crush?
My first crush...
My first crush was my classmate in Junior High School.
She became my wife.
It's a nice story, isn't it?
You stunned me with that. Wow.
I did, huh?
But they asked me.
The fan asked me.
Another fan question...
Do I play the guitar, for real?
I do.
Just a bit.
C, G, F. Like that.
The main chords.
In high school, my friend was a great guitar player.
He taught me.
I learned to play like 'The Blue Hearts'.
I can play many chords,
Early next year, there's a fan show in Sendai,
It has a big title, 'Japan Tour',
It sounds like a big music tour.
It's just one show, but it's called a tour.
I'm debating if I should play guitar.
When will it be?
January 10th, I think.
Wow.
The next question...
Will you have new moves at the Tokyo Dome?
New moves...
I'm always coming up with new moves.
But...
I get ideas from different things I see.
I came up with 'Sling Blade' in a dream.
I thought, if I can rotate enough in the air, then I can do it.
That was in 2003, 2004.
At that time I was in the dojo with Yano and Takemura, who used to wrestle,
I asked Takemura if I could try the move on him. Then I perfected it.
Success.
Awesome.
From a vision?
I had a vision.
If you think up something, you try it out?
Yes.
If I can do it, it's a success.
That one I dreamt up.
Other times I get inspiration from other sports.
Somehow, I take in all these things, and create something that's mine.
My speciality.
For the Tokyo Dome, if something clicks, there's a chance for a new move?
Yes.
But I can't predict when it will happen.
Moves are something that come to me from another place, I can't always control.
More questions.
How do you look out for the younger wrestlers during training?
I don't tell them much.
You're a silent mentor.
Makabe is tough on them, but it comes from a place of love.
Makabe doesn't give time to those he doesn't care about.
Scary.
It can be.
That's Makabe's style. He helps those who are highly motivated.
I see his love.
I just tell them the things I see.
It's kind of like parenting.
I used to read bedtime stories to my children,
They were old Japanese stories, they all had a lesson.
For example, being nice to animals...
Or, if theres a nice old man and a bad old man, the bad man always fails at the end.
But the story always forces you to try to judge for yourself.
I like stories that guide the children to choose, instead of just telling them what to think.
It's not exactly the same situation,
But I do offer choices for the Young Lions, and I let them figure it out.
That's what I do. But I don't call them bastards.
So you gently push them in the right direction.
But even this way isn't the only right way.
It depends on your character and point of view.
If they need more advanced skills, they can work it out, themselves.
I give them advice, but I don't make them follow it.
Thank you for that.
Next fan question…
What goes through your mind as you make your way to the ring?
You look very cool as you walk down.
I believe that the entrance decides 90% of the match.
That sounds like a lot.
So only 10% is left.
Chono is my role model, for this.
Chono's music, 'Crash', hit and the fans go crazy.
Everyone just explodes.
I was amazed, watching his entrance, when I was a Young Lion.
So that's 90%?
There's more to my theory than just that.
For example, in the big matches, the entrances sometimes make me want to escape.
But I can't go through the curtains feeling that way.
But, something else takes over and suppresses my nerves. Then I want all of the attention.
I'm a mix of all of those emotions, so I when I come out, my adrenaline is running high.
Does all the cheering make you feel good?
It fires me up.
Makes me think, 'watch me, now'.
But it really is the cheering of the fans that gives me power.
Thank you.
Next question... When you feel down, how do you maintain your mental strength?
I see. What an honest question.
I have written before, about mental health… what was the question?
How do you maintain your mental strength?
You don't have to push yourself 100%.
You need to tap into it when it's necessary.
Only when you need to.
You can't be 'on' 24 hours a day.
You need to relax sometimes, but be able to turn it on when you need to.
When your'e dealing with a situation that is testing you,
Besides facing it, you can put it aside to deal with it later.
Let yourself be free of it.
In my situations,
Even if I have bad matches, and feel frustrated, I can put it aside in that moment.
Worrying is just a waste of energy.
Instead of stressing, I'll just go to the dojo and do bench presses. It's more effective.
Let your frustrations fall to the side.
Then move on.
That's how I get through it.
Another tactic, instead of simply trying hard only for yourself,
Try working for others, and you'll find strength.
Those are wise words.
That comes from you fighting at the top for so long.
Yeah, it's because I want to give the fans the best experience.
Besides only fighting for myself,
I mostly want to fight for others.
Like your parents, significant others...
It's not something specific to pro-wrestling.
Like, you want to work for your children.
Or for your girlfriend. That makes you work harder.
If you change your mindset, you can stay strong, mentally.
That's very helpful.
Next question…
If you could say something to the Tanahashi of 10 years ago...
2007…
I was still being booed then.
I had terrible hair extensions, too.
I would say, 'keep working hard, for your bright future'.
That's amazing.
That's so good.
Next question…
Why are you so kind, Tanahashi?
Kind...
The truth is...
I think this is a gift and a curse.
I may be the kind of person who doesn't care about others.
So perhaps my relationships are very surface level.
For example, if I truly want a student to be successful, perhaps I should be more forceful.
Not only just be kind.
So…I know that I am kind… but…
So this is a gift and a curse. I think true kindness would be being tougher, if they need it.
This isn't really a pro-wrestling show anymore, is it?
It's a self-help show, now.
Let's get back to pro-wrestling.
Next question…
What is your favorite muscle in your body?
I used to like my upper back.
My upper back looked great.
I had a good upside down triangle shape.
But now there's Kitamura.
When I stand next to Kitamura, I look half his size.
Kitamura has become your threat.
Kitamura's back is top level.
So, after upper back, I'd say abs. But it's not looking too good, right now.
You have to tighten?
Yes. I have to tighten up.
When Kitamura showed up I lost my muscle confidence.
But the Tokyo Dome is coming up,
So I'm going to tighten up over the next month. Please, be encouraged.
Next question…
Tanahashi, aren't you tired?
I get that one a lot.
Everywhere I go, people say, 'Good work, today', and I answer, 'I'm not done, yet'.
People don't say that to me, anymore.
I never get tired.
Next question…
Honestly, aren't you tired?
I bet you get that a lot, too?
They know what I'm going to say, but they still want to ask.
They want to hear it from you.
I never get tired.
And now, the final question...
Last one!
From a fan...
I like you so much. I can't help it. What should I do?
She's obsessed.
Big problem.
She can't help it.
Is this like when you have your first crush in school, and there's nothing you can do at all?
You really want the other person to feel the same way.
You want things to work out.
It's like in elementary school, you don't know what to do so you just tease the other person.
Is this her feeling?
She doesn't know what to do.
Please, keep having those feelings for me- Oh. I stumbled.
Do you want to try that again?
Please, keep having those feelings for me.
Now you made her like you more.
And the Tokyo Dome is coming, which might make you like Tanahashi more.
So, we're in the midst of the World Tag League.
There's so much happening in New Japan.
My Lance hair is losing its hold.
While your hair is failing…
It's time to wrap up.
Please, leave us with a message.
To summarize what I've said over the last hour…
I'll challenge the black while holding the white.
I'll make good on that.
You made me excited, hearing that from you.
Nowadays, we've got more title belts,
I want to break the barriers of what each belt is supposed to stand for.
Wouldn't it be very interesting, that it would be me, the one who has done it all?
I'll break tradition.
I'm the one to do it.
Now we're more excited to see what transpires at the Tokyo Dome.
What will happen?
Thank you for being our guest today, Tanahashi.
Thank you.
In the end…in the end…
Viewers of Wonderland... I love you, all.
See you guys next time. Thank you for watching.
For more infomation >> Volkswagen Crafter 50 TDI 163pk L2H2, Dubbellucht, PDC V+A, Airco, Trekhaak, L2 H2 - Duration: 1:03. 
For more infomation >> Helllooo Jimmie - Fight of the Living Dead: Paradise Calls (Ep 7) - Duration: 22:21. 
For more infomation >> Lionel Messi firma contrato astronómico | Noticiero | Telemundo - Duration: 0:49. 
For more infomation >> WeightWatchers propone un nuevo tipo de dieta | Noticiero | Telemundo - Duration: 2:13. 
For more infomation >> Donald Trump To Recognize Jerusalem As Israel Capital, Delay Embassy Move | NBC Nightly News - Duration: 2:02. 
For more infomation >> Rusia no podrá asistir a las Olimpiadas de Invierno | Noticiero | Telemundo - Duration: 0:38. 
For more infomation >> Tens Of Thousands Flee Massive Southern California Wildfires | NBC Nightly News - Duration: 2:21. 
For more infomation >> CHUYÊN GIA ĐÔNG Y MÁCH BẠN 5 MÓN ĂN CÒN TỐT HƠN CẢ THỊT NẾU BIẾT CÁCH ĂN - Duration: 7:06. 
For more infomation >> Daily Blast LIVE Access | Tuesday December 5, 2017 - Duration: 44:48. 
For more infomation >> Trump Lawyer Denies That The President's Financial Records Have Been Subpoenaed | NBC Nightly News - Duration: 2:14. 
For more infomation >> Curso de fundamentos de JavaScript | Desde Cero - Duration: 0:56. 
For more infomation >> Russia Barred From 2018 Winter Olympics Over Doping | NBC Nightly News - Duration: 1:38. 
For more infomation >> 尹智聖叫朴志訓跳Red Velvet點知 《Melon Music Awards 2017》 - Duration: 2:53. 
For more infomation >> 【Vlog】北美最欧洲的老城--魁北克PART1 - Duration: 23:01. 
For more infomation >> Opel Zafira Tourer BUSINESS+ 2.0 CDTI 130PK - NAVIGATIE - - Duration: 0:59. 
For more infomation >> Top 5 Video Marketing Stats -...
For more infomation >> Holiday Lights: 1417 N. Howard Street - Duration: 0:41. 
For more infomation >> Nissan QASHQAI 1.2 N-CONNECTA - Duration: 0:59. 
For more infomation >> 4W4U ►ETHNIC DÂN TỘC ► Học từ vựng tiếng anh theo chủ đề mỗi ngày ► STULAX - Duration: 4:27. 
For more infomation >> BMW 1 Serie Coupe 125i High Executive Navi, M-Pakket - Duration: 0:59. 
For more infomation >> BMW 3 Serie Compact 316TI M-PAKKET AIRCO/CRUISE/LMV - Duration: 0:59. 
For more infomation >> BMW 5 Serie 530d xDrive 258pk Aut. M Pakket - Duration: 0:43. 
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét