Hiroshi Tanahashi is the new president of New Japan Pro Wrestling.
NJPW announced on Friday that Tanahashi has been named the new President and Representative Director of NJPW following a meeting of the company’s Board of Directors and shareholders.
Takami Ohbari and Michiaki Nishizawa will be stepping down from their roles as President/Representative Director and Director.
Tanahashi has been a mainstay in NJPW and is an eight-time IWGP World Champion.
You can check out the full announcement below:
“Notice of newly appointed company President
After a meeting of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s board of directors and shareholders today, December 23 2023, the following personnel change has been made in Company management.
Reason for personnel change
Alterations to management structure
Newly appointed officials
President & Representative Director: Hiroshi Tanahashi
Director: Hitoshi Matsumoto (Chief of Business Production, TV Asahi)
Director: Taro Okada (President & CEO, Bushiroad Fight) *Mr. Okada’s position is on a part time basis
Effective December 23, Takami Ohbari and Michiaki Nishizawa will step down from their positions as President/Representative Director and Director respectively.
Newly appointed President/Representative Director profile
Hiroshi Tanahashi was born November 13 1976 in Ogaki City, Gifu. After graduating in law at Ristumeikan University, Tanahashi joined NJPW in 1999 and debuted that October. He won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first of a record eight times in 2006, achievements along with four time pro-wrestling MVP status that have led him to be called the ‘Ace’ of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Press conference
There will be a press conference on December 26 at 1PM JST concerning the changes made above.
Message to fans
Thank you for your ongoing support of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. On January 4 at Belc Presents Wrestle Kingdom 18 in the Tokyo Dome, Hiroshi Tanahashi will address the fans directly in his new role as President. NJPW looks forward to your continued support under the new leadership structure.”
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Hiroshi Tanahashi Named President of New Japan Pro Wrestling
In a recent announcement, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) revealed that Hiroshi Tanahashi has been appointed as the new President and Representative Director of the company. This decision was made following a meeting of the company’s Board of Directors and shareholders.
Tanahashi, a well-known figure in NJPW, is an eight-time IWGP World Champion and has been a mainstay in the promotion for many years. His impressive record and contributions to the world of professional wrestling have earned him the nickname “Ace” of New Japan Pro Wrestling.
The appointment of Tanahashi as President comes as Takami Ohbari and Michiaki Nishizawa step down from their roles as President/Representative Director and Director, respectively. This change in management structure aims to bring new leadership and direction to NJPW.
Joining Tanahashi in the newly appointed officials is Hitoshi Matsumoto, Chief of Business Production at TV Asahi, who will serve as a Director. Additionally, Taro Okada, President and CEO of Bushiroad Fight, will also join as a Director on a part-time basis.
The personnel change will be effective from December 23. Tanahashi’s profile highlights his background, including his birth in Ogaki City, Gifu, and his law degree from Ristumeikan University. He joined NJPW in 1999 and made his debut in October of that year. Since then, he has achieved numerous accolades, including his record-breaking eight IWGP Heavyweight Championship wins and four-time pro-wrestling MVP status.
A press conference is scheduled for December 26 at 1 PM JST to further discuss the changes in management. Tanahashi will address the fans directly in his new role as President during the upcoming Belc Presents Wrestle Kingdom 18 event at the Tokyo Dome on January 4.
NJPW expresses its gratitude to the fans for their ongoing support and looks forward to their continued support under the new leadership structure. Fans can stay updated with all the latest wrestling news on eWrestlingNews.com or follow the website on Twitter and Facebook.
With Hiroshi Tanahashi at the helm, NJPW enters a new era, and fans are eager to see how his leadership will shape the future of the promotion.