Hiroshi Tanahashi discusses his new role as the President and Representative Director of NJPW.
On December 22, NJPW announced that Hiroshi Tanahashi had been appointed the new President and Representative Director.
On their official website, NJPW published a transcription of a press conference where Tanahashi discussed his new role. First, he issued a statement, where he stated that he was happy to be able to fulfill his dream of being both the president and a wrestler. He also highlighted some of his goals, such as selling out the Tokyo Dome.
"I always carried a dream and ambition to be President as well as an active wrestler. I’m happy to be able to make that happen, and I’m grateful for all the kind words of support that I’ve gotten since my appointment. That’s also given me a lot of expectations that I have to live up to [from] here on out. I have some key goals that I would like to meet in my time as the President. First of all, I want to sell out the Tokyo Dome. This has always been the goal for me. For a wrestler to walk down the ramp in front of a sold-out Tokyo Dome crowd is something to be proud of forever, and something that will live with you for the rest of your career, as well as something the fans themselves will carry with them for a long time to come," Tanahashi said.
Tanahashi continued by stating that he plans on having more title matches outside of major cities. Additionally, he made it clear that he wants to increase NJPW's work with sponsors. He noted that there is a lot he wants to do in his new role, and he still has plenty to learn.
"I also plan on having more title matches outside of major cities. In the 2000s when I worked with out promotion and sales staff, the goal at first was to put 500 people in the buildings, and then 1000 and then on and on. I feel that selling out the Tokyo Dome only becomes possible when the towns all around Japan are sold out as well. I want to unite all of Japan’s wrestling fans in their passion and carry that to the Tokyo Dome. I also want to further increase our work with sponsors. Our sponsors are the best tag partners that we have, and as an active wrestler as well as President, I’m in a completely unique position to strengthen that relationship. There is a lot that I want to do in this role, as well as a lot I know I still need to learn. I look forward to your support," he said.
When asked when the decision was made for him to become the new president, Tanahashi stated that he had dinner with Bushiroad president Takaaki Kidani in November, and the latter asked him about the position. He stated that he still has not won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, but a true "Ace" can perform in both roles.
Tanahashi was also asked to name his immediate short-term goals and long-term goals. He described how he wanted to help fans create memories and leave shows happy.
"It’s tough, but I think the key thing is to consider how the fans want to experience NJPW. I remember as a fan going to shows and having dinner or sitting with a couple of beers after just wanting to talk about the show I’d seen and how exciting things were. Those conversations are some of my favorite memories. So I think the key is how we create those memories and how we have fans leaving the buildings happy," Tanahashi said.
Click here to see what Takami Ohbari had to say about Hiroshi Tanahashi's new role.
Fightful will have live coverage of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 as it airs on January 4.
