Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (TJPW) is gearing up for some of the most important events in the promotion's history as Grand Princess '23 will take place at Ariake Arena while the promotion will also travel to the United States for their first-ever show in the country as a part of WrestleMania Weekend!
Ahead of the events, Fightful's Scott Edwards was able to interview TJPW rising star Juria Nagano, who is fresh off a semifinal appearance alongside tag team partner Moka Miyamoto in the Max Heart Tag Team Tournament.
Nagano made her pro wrestling debut on March 19, 2022 at Grand Princess '22. While she wasn't able to come up with the win, it became apparent that the Karate black belt had a bright future in pro wrestling.
Along with being a black belt, Nagano is also an actress and a nurse, which she talks about in the interview. She's managed to have 17 matches up until this point and it was the Max Heart Tournament that marked the start of her really finding success inside the squared circle.
Here's what Juria Nagano had to say!
Note: This interview was conducted on Jan. 14 so some responses were regarding events in the past month.
How has training been for pro wrestling? Is it more difficult than you expected?
It was harder than I thought it would be.
When I actually did it, I realized how painful it was. I had muscle aches every day because I was moving muscles different from the ones I used to use.
Who has helped you the most in your training as a wrestler?
This is Shoko Nakajima-san.
It was Ms. Nakajima who taught me wrestling from the very beginning. I respect her because she is cool and fights in the ring.
What made you pursue wrestling on top of your already busy schedule?
This is because I was scouted by President Sanshiro Takagi. I had rarely seen professional wrestling before, but it looked like fun! I wanted to fight in the ring and become a professional wrestler.
How has your experience been balancing all of your responsibilities as a wrestler, nurse, and social media star?
I work as a nurse during the day and practice wrestling at night. Then I edit videos before I go to bed.
I work in entertainment on the days when I don't have wrestling matches, and I work without a break. But I enjoy it all, so I don't want to quit everything.
What is your overall goal in pro wrestling?
To become a wrestler who can impress those who watch me, using karate as his greatest weapon.
With TJPW heading to the United States for their first show in March, are you hoping to be a part of the show?
Of course! I would love to participate. I would love to show off my Japanese karate skills in the U.S.!
Do you believe your background as a black belt in Karate has helped you join pro wrestling more smoothly?
Of course, it helped. I was able to create my own unique striking techniques. But I also realized that karate and wrestling are completely different. It was the first time for me to compete in front of an audience, so it was a new experience for me.
Miyu Yamashita has a mixed martial arts background that she has brought with her to pro wrestling — creating a special career for her. Has she given you any tips on how to adjust to pro wrestling and how else has she helped you learn?
Yamashita-san has taught me how to enter detailed karate techniques and how to look dynamic. She always gives me advice whenever she notices something.
Your connection with Moka Miyamoto has led to you being a good team. How have you enjoyed working with someone who has a similar background as you?
It's great. I don't think there are many karate tag teams, so I would like to continue to do wrestling utilizing just the two of us in karate.
With the Max Heart Tag Team Tournament approaching and you continuing to learn alongside each other, is it your top goal to become tag team champions right now with Moka?
Yes, I will. This is my first tournament, but I don't want to lose, so I will win. My goal now is to win the karate tag team championship.
Is there anything you’d like to tell your fans worldwide?
Thank you for supporting me! If you don't know me yet, please be sure to remember my name.
TJPW wrestlers have had the chance to participate in AEW. Does that interest you at all?
I am interested in AEW, I love the excitement of AEW, the production, everything special.
What’s one thing you hope to accomplish by the end of 2023?
Winning a singles match.
A huge thanks to Juria Nagano for taking time out of her incredibly busy life to answer these questions. And a thank you to TJPW for helping set this interview up.
You can follow Juria Nagano on Twitter: @juria210
If you'd like to see Nagano and all of the other TJPW stars compete, make sure to subscribe to Wrestle Universe.
You can check out our other TJPW interviews with Miyu Yamashita, Yuka Sakazaki, and Maki Itoh now!
