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Japan: The Rikidozan Years, 1951-1963
Wrestling historian Haruo Yamaguchi, along with Koji Miyamoto & Scott Teal, pull together the details surrounding wrestling’s origins in Japan. Professional wrestling had been a staple in most American cities from the early 1900s, but it didn't take hold as a regular sport in Japan until 1954 when a former sumo wrestler named Rikidozan brought well-known American wrestlers to the Land of the Rising Sun.
The first event in Japan recognized as a true Western-style pro wrestling match took place in 1887. Wrestling didn't take hold, however, until 1951 when Hawaii promoter Al Karasick and his booker, Bobby Bruns, presented eleven wrestling shows featuring American wrestlers. A full two years went by before another show took place … but this time under the guidance of Rikidozan, who had proven to be a huge draw in Hawaii and Northern California. His popularity carried over into Japan when he promoted his first show in Tokyo’s Kuramae Sumo Arena and used three American wrestlers on the card.
From that day forward, each tour of the newly formed Japan Pro Wrestling Association consisted of top Japanese wrestlers of that era against five or six Americans, and in a turnabout from the way things were presented in America, the Westerners were the hated heels. Japanese wrestling fans relished the opportunity to vent their Anti-American sentiment following their defeat in World War II.
Rikidozan can’t be credited with the "birth" of pro wrestling in Japan, but he did organize it into a smoothly run business. Under his leadership, wrestling quickly became a national pastime in Japan, and for one particular match — Rikidozan vs. NWA world heavyweight champion Lou Thesz — the TV rating was an unparalleled 87 percent.
If you’re a fan of Japanese pro wrestling, this book is a unique and invaluable resource — a comprehensive account of the origins of the sport in Japan and every known match between Sept. 30, 1951, and Rikidozan’s death in Dec. 1963. In addition to the 978 shows covered, we present details surrounding the matches, the talent, and the promotion, and the matches are brought to life with more than 300 rare photos from the collection of co-author Koji Miyamoto.
This is the most complete analysis of the pioneer days of pro wrestling in Japan. Readers will discover how the sport has evolved and learn about milestone moments that brought it to prominence.
The first event in Japan recognized as a true Western-style pro wrestling match took place in 1887. Wrestling didn't take hold, however, until 1951 when Hawaii promoter Al Karasick and his booker, Bobby Bruns, presented eleven wrestling shows featuring American wrestlers. A full two years went by before another show took place … but this time under the guidance of Rikidozan, who had proven to be a huge draw in Hawaii and Northern California. His popularity carried over into Japan when he promoted his first show in Tokyo’s Kuramae Sumo Arena and used three American wrestlers on the card.
From that day forward, each tour of the newly formed Japan Pro Wrestling Association consisted of top Japanese wrestlers of that era against five or six Americans, and in a turnabout from the way things were presented in America, the Westerners were the hated heels. Japanese wrestling fans relished the opportunity to vent their Anti-American sentiment following their defeat in World War II.
Rikidozan can’t be credited with the "birth" of pro wrestling in Japan, but he did organize it into a smoothly run business. Under his leadership, wrestling quickly became a national pastime in Japan, and for one particular match — Rikidozan vs. NWA world heavyweight champion Lou Thesz — the TV rating was an unparalleled 87 percent.
If you’re a fan of Japanese pro wrestling, this book is a unique and invaluable resource — a comprehensive account of the origins of the sport in Japan and every known match between Sept. 30, 1951, and Rikidozan’s death in Dec. 1963. In addition to the 978 shows covered, we present details surrounding the matches, the talent, and the promotion, and the matches are brought to life with more than 300 rare photos from the collection of co-author Koji Miyamoto.
This is the most complete analysis of the pioneer days of pro wrestling in Japan. Readers will discover how the sport has evolved and learn about milestone moments that brought it to prominence.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2019
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