NJPW, STARDOM and seven other companies have created the United Japan Pro-Wrestling industry group. The following was issued:
December 15, Tokyo Japan
New Japan Pro-Wrestling today announces that it is one of nine organizations that will constitute United Japan Pro-Wrestling, a new industry group representing professional wrestling in Japan.
Without an industry wide group for professional wrestling in Japan, the unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic made it all the more clear that there was a need to consolidate and express accurate information and best operating practices between promotions, as well as to communicate effectively with national and municipal governments. In a bid to better anticipate and adapt to societal changes in the future, nine Japanese promotions at the forefront of pro-wrestling in the country will be be part of a collective industry group (henceforth ‘the Group’).
The members of the Group will maintain their individual business identities and competition in the marketplace, but the Group will provide a space to discuss issues that concern the industry at large, and to exchange information with an interest in maintaining its growth. The formation of the Group will be marked by an event on May 6 2024 in Nippon Budokan under the banner of United Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Mission statement
To further the presence of pro-wrestling and its cultural merit in Japanese society at large, allow professional wrestling to contribute further to cultural and sporting sectors, and work toward continued health and prosperity of the industry.
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic made it apparent that there was a lack of communication and unified approach to event guidelines, and no common point of contact between the industry and national and municipal governments. There was also a desire to discuss issues surrounding wrestler health and safety (including in their online presence), to create a pipeline to other sporting organizations and to further the image of professional wrestling through issues of corporate social responsibility. There was a shared desire between members of the Group to continue existing competition within the marketplace while also sharing relevant information and know-how on these and other socio-economic issues.
Core tenets
Unity and integrity. The Group will be the representative spokesgroup for all of professional wrestling in Japan.
Representation. The Group will be the public facing symbol for the collective whole of professional wrestling in Japan.
Continuity. The Group will have a continuous presence and activity in the future.
As a result, the existence of the Group will be made known worldwide, and its members will be actively engaged in actions of merit.
Activities
Governmental communication and requests
Strengthening connections to other industries and sectors
Sharing resources and practices
Including those related to wrestler health and safety, such as the provision of financial support for wrestlers while injured, and to offer compliance training. Group members will also consolidate event data for historical archive purposes.
Monetization
Any proceeds from the monetized use of iconography shall be split among the Group members. Joint events and festivals will be held.
Group members
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co. Ltd.)
All Japan Pro-Wrestling (All Japan Pro-Wrestling Co. Ltd.)
Pro-Wrestling NOAH (Cyber Fight Co. Ltd.)
DDT Pro-Wrestling (Cyber Fight Co. Ltd.)
Ganbare Pro-Wrestling (Cyber Fight Co. Ltd.)
Big Japan Pro-Wrestling （Yotsuba Industries Ltd.)
DRAGONGATE (DRAGONGATE Co. Ltd.)
STARDOM (BushiRoad Fight Co. Ltd.)
Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (Cyber Fight Co. Ltd.)
Further Group members will be considered in future.
Founding chair: Seiji Sakaguchi
Executive office: New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co. Ltd.
Executive chief: Naoki Sugabayashi (Chairman: New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co. Ltd.)
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The United Japan Pro-Wrestling industry group has been formed by nine prominent wrestling organizations, including NJPW and STARDOM. This collective effort aims to consolidate and express accurate information and best operating practices between promotions, as well as to communicate effectively with national and municipal governments. The formation of this group is a response to the unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for a unified approach and a common point of contact within the industry.
The members of the United Japan Pro-Wrestling group will maintain their individual business identities and competition in the marketplace. However, the group will provide a space for discussions on industry-wide issues and the exchange of information to ensure the growth and prosperity of professional wrestling in Japan. The group will officially be launched with an event on May 6, 2024, at Nippon Budokan under the banner of United Japan Pro-Wrestling.
The mission statement of the group is to further the presence of pro-wrestling and its cultural merit in Japanese society. It aims to allow professional wrestling to contribute further to the cultural and sporting sectors while working towards the continued health and prosperity of the industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the lack of communication and a unified approach to event guidelines within the wrestling industry. There was also a need for a common point of contact between the industry and national and municipal governments. The group aims to address these issues and discuss matters related to wrestler health and safety, online presence, corporate social responsibility, and creating connections with other sporting organizations.
The core tenets of the United Japan Pro-Wrestling group are unity, integrity, representation, and continuity. The group will serve as the representative spokesgroup for professional wrestling in Japan and will actively engage in actions of merit to promote the industry worldwide.
The activities of the group will include governmental communication and requests, strengthening connections with other industries and sectors, sharing resources and best practices, and consolidating event data for historical archive purposes. The group will also explore monetization opportunities, with proceeds from the use of iconography being split among the members. Joint events and festivals will be organized to further promote professional wrestling in Japan.
The initial members of the United Japan Pro-Wrestling group include New Japan Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Pro-Wrestling, Pro-Wrestling NOAH, DDT Pro-Wrestling, Ganbare Pro-Wrestling, Big Japan Pro-Wrestling, DRAGONGATE, STARDOM, and Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling. The group is open to considering additional members in the future.
Seiji Sakaguchi serves as the founding chair of the group, with the executive office being held by New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Naoki Sugabayashi, the chairman of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, is the executive chief of the group.
In conclusion, the formation of the United Japan Pro-Wrestling industry group is a significant step towards consolidating and strengthening the professional wrestling industry in Japan. By working together, these nine organizations aim to address industry-wide issues, promote cultural and sporting contributions, and ensure the continued growth and prosperity of professional wrestling in Japan.