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United Japan Pro-Wrestling
Professional wrestling association From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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United Japan Pro-Wrestling (Japanese: 日本プロレスリング連盟, Hepburn: Nihon Puroresuringu Renmei; abbreviated to UJPW), officially the United Japan Pro-Wrestling Association (一般社団法人日本プロレスリング連盟, Ippan shadan hōjin Nihon Puroresuringu Renmei),[4] is an association of several professional wrestling promotions in Japan, acting as an industry group in order to facilitate the sharing of resources and practices as well as strengthen connections to other sectors.
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History
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Background
On April 15, 2020, due to the self-imposed restrictions of events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Takaaki Kidani (owner of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Stardom through his company Bushiroad) led a delegation of representatives from seven promotions[a] to send a formal request for compensation for business suspension to then House of Representatives member Hiroshi Hase (an NJPW alumnus himself), the Japan Sports Agency, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.[5][6] This led to the formation of the Cross-party Pro-Wrestling and Martial Arts Promotion Parliamentary Group[b] in the House of Representatives on November 19.[7]
Founding
Prompted by Hase's call to establish a unified commission of wrestling promotions and recognizing the necessity for collaboration between the government, local authorities, and the wrestling industry, an organization was formed by nine promotions owned by six companies. The United Japan Pro-Wrestling (UJPW) group was announced to be established on December 15, 2023. On May 6, 2024, a launching event was scheduled to be held at the Nippon Budokan.[8] The inaugural chairman was Seiji Sakaguchi, a former wrestler, president and current advisor of NJPW, and the secretary-general was Naoki Sugabayashi, the current chairman of NJPW.[9] While maintaining healthy competition among the industry, the organization aims to provide a space for exchanging opinions and information regarding common issues within the professional wrestling industry. By doing so, it intends to ensure the industry's image enhancement, foster sustainable development, and address shared challenges. UJPW also plans to welcome additional member promotions in the future.[10] UJPW's inaugural event, the 2024 edition of All Together, was held on May 6 and also served as a charity event to benefit the rebuilding of the Noto Peninsula following the January 1 earthquake.[11]
On July 17, 2024, UJPW held a general meeting in Tokyo, where Kyushu Pro-Wrestling and World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana were admitted into the association (as an observer member in the case of Diana).[12]
On January 20, 2025, it was announced that UJPW would restructure as a general incorporated association with Sanshiro Takagi as its representative director, and Sugabayashi, Ryo Saito and Ryota Chikuzen as executive directors.[1][13] On June 11, the board of directors had a second meeting. At this meeting, they accepted Pro Wrestling Freedoms as a new full member. They also approved Pro-Wrestling Dradition, World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana, and Pro Wrestling Wave as supporting members.[14]
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Members
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Board of directors
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The current board of directors is composed as follows (as of January 2025[update]):[1]
See also
Notes
- Takaaki Kidani, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (represented by Hiroshi Tanahashi and Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi), All Japan Pro Wrestling (represented by Suwama and Representative Director Tsuyoki Fukuda), Pro Wrestling Noah (represented by Executive Vice-President Naomichi Marufuji and Head of Public Relations Masashi Ishiguro), DDT Pro-Wrestling (represented by Harashima and Operating Executive Akira Takahashi), World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana (represented by Kyoko Inoue and General Manager Taishi Fuwa), World Wonder Ring Stardom (represented by Mayu Iwatani and Bushiroad Representative Director Katsuhiko Harada), and Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (represented by Yuka Sakazaki and Representative Tetsuya Kouda)
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References
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