professional wrestling – SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today. Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:28:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/en_rocket_1024.png?w=32 professional wrestling – SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com 32 32 176746664 Does Mos Burger’s new Muscle Burger give you muscles? https://soranews24.com/2023/04/01/does-mos-burgers-new-muscle-burger-give-you-muscles/ https://soranews24.com/2023/04/01/does-mos-burgers-new-muscle-burger-give-you-muscles/#comments Sat, 01 Apr 2023 03:00:28 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=619884 
Japanese pre wrestler Kazuchika Okada puts his name, and body, behind this new release.
In Japan, the 29th day of every month is known as “Meat Day“, due to a pun that ties the Japanese word for meat (“niku“) with the Japanese words for two and nine (“ni” and “ku“). It’s the perfect day for fast food chains to release special burgers, and homegrown chain Mos Burger has done just that this month, giving us a burger that’s also a related pun in itself: the Kinniku Burger.
“Kinniku” means “muscle” or “muscles” in Japanese, and that’s exactly what this burger is all about, with Japanese pro wrestler Kazuchika Okada throwing his support behind the new release.
▼ Mos Burger hopes that Okada, a.k.a The Rainmaker, will shower them with customers, just as he’s showered with golden bills when he enters the stadium.
Image: Mos Burger
Okada isn’t just the face, and body, of the new burger, though — he’s also been involved in its creation, supervising the process to ensure that each burger contains 32 grams of protein, which is indispensable for strength training.
Our reporter P.K. Sanjun was keen to see whether this much protein would give him the strength he needed to get through another gruelling workday, so he headed out to Mos Burger to try it out.
Once there, he saw the burger contained the following ingredients:
“Soy patties based on vegetable protein derived from soybeans, chicken patties using domestic chicken breast meat, chicken nuggets as the main, green leaves, shredded cabbage, sliced cheese, aurora sauce, and meat sauce sandwiched between buns.”
And when he received it, he could see every ingredient at a glance because the burger was huge — towering in height like Okada himself, who’s 191 centimetres (6 foot 3 inches) tall.
▼ A heavyweight champion in the burger world.
P.K. felt as if this was the equivalent of two burgers, only with more emphasis on protein with the soy patty, chicken patty, and chicken nuggets. Though this was essentially protein food, it was the most delicious type he’d seen, as it dripped clumps of thick, meaty sauce while he held it in one hand.
Biting into it, P.K. raised a fist and pumped the air like a champion. Not only was this meal filled with muscle-building protein, it was absolutely delicious! The meat and soy components were moist and flavourful, with the cheese adding umami and the lettuce and shredded cabbage cutting through the grease for a refreshing lift.
The highlight, though, was the sauce, which was sweet and meaty, bringing everything together in a unified whole. Mos Burger clearly knows its stuff when it comes to creating flavoursome burgers, and with Okada on board to oversee the muscle-building aspect of the meal, this is a match made in protein heaven!
The burger retails for 850 yen (US$6.41) and will be available to purchase on the 29th of every month at Mos Burger outlets around the country.
Reference: Mos Burger “Kinniku Burger”
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2023/04/01/does-mos-burgers-new-muscle-burger-give-you-muscles/feed/ 0 619884 Mos Burger Japan Kinniku Japanese pro wrestler Kazuchika Okada fast food protein muscles photos news marketing 1 Mos-Burger-Japan-Kinniku-Japanese-pro-wrestler-Kazuchika-Okada-fast-food-protein-muscles-photos-news-marketing Why is there a wrestling ring in the Underground Arena fighting bar in Kabukicho? https://soranews24.com/2023/01/28/why-is-there-a-wrestling-ring-in-the-underground-arena-fighting-bar-in-kabukicho/ https://soranews24.com/2023/01/28/why-is-there-a-wrestling-ring-in-the-underground-arena-fighting-bar-in-kabukicho/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:00:57 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=613086 
Investigating the underbelly of Tokyo in one of its most notorious districts.
Kabukicho in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward is famous for being the real-world inspiration for Kamurocho, the notoriously sketchy yakuza ‘hood from the Yakuza video game series.
While the lively entertainment district in the real world does have a bit of a sketchy reputation, mostly due to the underhanded practices of some unscrupulous business owners, it’s nowhere near as dangerous as Kamurocho. However, there is a bit of an underground fight club going on in the area, for those who know where to find it.
The venue is a bar called “Bar & Fight Underground Arena”, fittingly located in the basement of a sketchy-looking multi-tenant building on the outskirts of Kabukicho.
While it operates as an ordinary bar, it also provides patrons with boxing gloves free of charge. That’s because professional wrestling events and boxing bouts that anyone can enter are regularly held here.
▼ As soon as you step inside the bar, you’ll be met by the fighting ring.
Whether you aim to step into the ring or not, it’s recommended that you book ahead or buy tickets in advance for popular events like the fighting “showdown series” that takes place here every month.
So why are fighting events held here? It’s because the owner is a huge fan of professional wrestling.
▼ Pro-wrestling paraphernalia is on display at the back of the bar.
There are a number of pro wrestling fans on our Japanese writing team, including reporters Go Hatori and P.K. Sanjun, but it was our reporter Seiji Nakazawa who visited the bar to find out more about its background.
Masks are displayed with a sign that states photography is strictly prohibited, but Seiji was given permission by the owner to snap some photos, albeit under the proviso they be shared with a mosaic filter.
Was this the mask that pro wrestler Junji Hirata wore when he performed under the ring name Super Strong Machine?
▼ Yes – yes, it was.
When Seiji talked to Mr Shin Sasaki, the master of this underground arena, he was told that the mask was “one of the spares prepared at the time.” While it wasn’t actually worn, it’s a genuine mask that was planned to be used, making it an impressive item for pro-wrestling fans.
▼ Autographed cards in the bar show a number of famous names have visited over the years.
After taking a look around, Seiji had a burning question: Is this fighting ring actually used? He sat down with Mr Sasaki to find out more about it.
Mr Shin Sasaki: “One of the times it’s used is for professional wrestling shows. And events for underground professional wrestling groups.
Basically, there are many such underground events, but it’s okay for customers and individuals to use it too. One time we had a boxing fight between a host who wanted to quit his job and his company president. The rule was if the president won, the host would postpone quitting, and we had a boxer in the audience, so I asked him to referee.”
Seiji: “So was it like, ‘If you knock me out you can quit?'”
Mr Shin Sasaki “Yes. In the end, the president won the match, but the subordinate also had a life to lead outside of the host world, so they settled things by extending his contract for one month only.”
Seiji was surprised to know that bouts like this took place in Kabukicho, but in a way, he figured it was better that people settled their scores in a safe space like this rather than out on the street.
So…why open a bar like this in Kabukicho? If it were Seiji, he wouldn’t want to do business in an entertainment district like Kabukicho, but why did Mr Sasaki choose to set up shop in this notorious neighbourhood?
Mr Shin Sasaki: “Actually, I used to be an actor. I belonged to a theatre company and formed a comedy duo. I had a strong image of Kabukicho being a dangerous place, but I always wanted to work here, and when I started to do business within Kabukicho, I found it’s actually a treasure trove for underground activities.
When I opened a bar here, I wanted to do something different and interesting, so I decided to set up a ring. I thought that Kabukicho would be the most popular place for that kind of underground vibe.”
Seiji couldn’t help but agree that if an underground fighting ring were to exist anywhere in Tokyo, Kabukicho would be the best place for it.
It isn’t just for fighters, though, as you can enjoy a regular night of food and drink here, with a load of options on the extensive menu.
Located near Higashi-Shinjuku Station, the Bar & Fight Underground Arena is technically within Kabukicho but it’s still a little removed from the giant Godzilla in the centre of the district.
That only makes the trip here even more of an exciting adventure, so next time you’re in the area, be sure to keep an eye out for the underground arena. Boxing gloves are optional, but remember, the Kabukicho of today is a little more sedate and far less confrontational than it was in its heyday.
Bar Information
Bar & Fight Underground Arena Chigatougijou / Bar & Fight 地下闘技場
Address: Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Kabukicho 2-14-12, Korin Bldg. B1F
新宿区歌舞伎町2-14-12 光凜ビルB1F
Hours: 7:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. (Tue-Thu), 7:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m. (Fri and Sat)（Hours may vary depending on the customer’s situation), 7:00 p.m.-midnight (Sundays and public holidays) Ring and restaurant can be privately reserved anytime of the day or night.
Closed: Mondays, Fifth Sunday of the month
Website
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2023/01/28/why-is-there-a-wrestling-ring-in-the-underground-arena-fighting-bar-in-kabukicho/feed/ 0 613086 wrestling Izakaya kabukicho Tokyo Shinjuku BAR & FIGHT Underground stadium boxing ring restaurant ranking review photos 11 Japanese politician Skull Reaper A-ji sues city for refusing to show his masked face https://soranews24.com/2021/07/03/japanese-politician-skull-reaper-a-ji-sues-city-for-refusing-to-show-his-masked-face/ https://soranews24.com/2021/07/03/japanese-politician-skull-reaper-a-ji-sues-city-for-refusing-to-show-his-masked-face/#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2021 17:30:53 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=547660 
Oita City Councilman’s struggle to wear his masks with pride has grown into a hellacious slobberknocker of litigation.
With COVID-19 having changed the very face of society around the world, there’s been a lot of talk over whether to or wear a mask or not. It’s a debate that has sadly taken away from one man’s eight-year struggle against maskism in the city council of Oita City, Oita Prefecture.
This man is none other than Councilman Skull Reaper A-ji, municipal legislator by day, professional wrestler by night. He was elected in…
▼ OH MAH GAWD, that’s the councilman’s music!
As I was saying, in 2013 Skull Reaper A-ji was elected on a platform of being a lucha-libre stylized wrestler with a deep interest in community improvement and child welfare. However, immediately upon winning he was forbidden to wear his trademark masks in the council chambers as well as committee rooms. Not only that, but his is the only council member’s face that doesn’t appear on city websites and newsletters, presumably because it is masked.
▼ Skull Reaper A-ji’s imageless entry in the Oita City Council website
Councilman Skull Reaper A-ji has constantly fought for his right to wear his mask in session, claiming that the city is hiding behind an irrelevant rule against hats and canes to mask their own blatant maskism. However, this time he is setting his sights on the website discrimination and on 30 June filed a lawsuit against Oita City demanding they show his masked face and pay 5 million yen (US$45,000) in damages.
Suing his own city might make it seem like Skull Reaper A-ji is turning from a face to a heel, but it is actually a last resort move after a series of hearings held since 26 April in district court all ended in the city council refusing to meet his demands. Councilman Skull Reaper A-ji says that the constant visual blackballing is an infringement on his personality rights and freedom of expression, adding that “the council is neglecting the public opinion of voters who have supported my masked work.”
▼ A news report on the lawsuit
At first glance it might be easy to confuse Councilman Skull Reaper A-ji as just another of the many eccentrics who stumbled into politics recently. However, after a fresh election win earlier this year he is currently serving his third term on the council and has been an undeniably committed civil servant for nearly a decade now.
▼ “I attended the ceremony to finally open the Oita Animal Protection Center. I fought for a facility for animal welfare in the council and this is incredible! There are still many issues to resolve, but we have taken a big step for no-kill animal shelters and will continue to make efforts.”
遂に開設された #おおいた動物愛護センター の式典に出席。
議会一般質問で愛護施設の取り組みを要望してまいりました。
感無量です︎
一方でこれからの課題も多く残っています。#殺処分ゼロ を目指し、大きな一歩を踏み出せた事は幸いであります。これからも動物愛護に尽力してまいります。 pic.twitter.com/72E63gd6h8
— スカルリーパー・エイジ（A-ji）Skull Reaper A-ji (@skullaji) February 17, 2019
Nevertheless, while holding no grudge against the man himself, comments online are largely still not buying into the merits of masked legislation.
“People can’t be involved in public affairs if their identity isn’t known.”
“If a terrorist gets into city council wearing his mask, he’ll be responsible then.”
“He’s looking good for 52 years old…I think.”
“It looks like he won in the end. Now all council members have to wear masks.”
“Isn’t the problem with wearing a mask that anyone can impersonate you? It makes the council vulnerable to fraud or terrorism.”
“It’s not that the mask is bad, but it’s a problem that no one knows his face when he’s a representative of the citizens.”
“Weighing the pros and cons of each, it’d probably be best if he wore the mask sometimes but also let us see his real face.”
“Guys, all you have to do is Google him and you can easily see his real face.”
While the security concerns are valid, it should be noted that what Skull Reaper A-ji is asking for is not unprecedented. In fact, here’s footage from 2019 of Izumi City Councilman and wrestling great Super Delfin serving on the Committee on Education and Welfare in full mask.
Going further back to the early 2000s, here we have Iwate Prefectural Assemblyman The Great Sasuke discussing Article 9 of the Constitution, the prefectural information exchange center, and UFOs – all with his mask on.
In neither case did fraud nor terrorism occur. If anything, you could probably make the case that everyone is going to be watching the guy in the mask extra closely in situations like that, so they might actually be less of a threat that ordinary council members.
This holds up statistically too, as records show that we’re infinitely more likely to be ripped off and screwed over by so-called “normal” legislators than masked wrestler ones. So, why not just let Councilman Skull Reaper A-ji be the Councilman Skull Reaper A-ji that he feels best serves the public interest?
Source: Asahi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun Online, YouTube/ANNnewsChannel
Top image: YouTube/PAPARYOMA
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2021/07/03/japanese-politician-skull-reaper-a-ji-sues-city-for-refusing-to-show-his-masked-face/feed/ 0 547660 There’s now a real-life professional wrestling Pikachu, and yes, he’s totally crazy【Videos】 https://soranews24.com/2020/02/22/theres-now-a-real-life-professional-wrestling-pikachu-and-yes-hes-totally-crazy%e3%80%90videos%e3%80%91/ https://soranews24.com/2020/02/22/theres-now-a-real-life-professional-wrestling-pikachu-and-yes-hes-totally-crazy%e3%80%90videos%e3%80%91/#comments Fri, 21 Feb 2020 15:00:21 +0000 http://soranews24.com/?p=489007 Pikachu used…elbow drop?!?
Pikachu has had many jobs in addition to being the face of the Pokémon franchise. He’s been a detective, a salaryman, and even a cupcake baker.
And now the lovable Electric-type looks to have progressed into yet another career field: professional wrestling.
However, this isn’t the Pikachu that fans of the anime series have watched travel with human pal Ash/Satoshi for the last few decades. Instead, the wrestling Pikachu is named PikaDude (@OGPikadude on Twitter), and can be found climbing into the ring at matches organized by New Texas Pro Wrestling in the U.S.
▼ However, the crowd here still chants “Pikachu!” not “PikaDude.”
Pika!!!! @JANELABABY pic.twitter.com/Kgu21GjiRA
— Original Wrestling PikaDude (@OGPikadude) February 16, 2020
Apparently New Texas Pro Wrestling’s rules prohibit PikaDude from using his species Thunderbolt, Electro Ball, or other lightning-based attacks. He can however, use his surprising brute strength to just pick a dude up and fling him around.
▼ He also seems to have put a plastic bag over his opponent’s head here, showing an unexpected depth of merciless brutality for such a cute-looking combatant.
Pika!!!!! pic.twitter.com/9TdWlR3PP2
— Original Wrestling PikaDude (@OGPikadude) December 24, 2019
However, Pikachu isn’t impervious to damage, as shown here where another wrestler pelts him with a Charmander plushie.
https://twitter.com/OGPikadude/status/1229135501581520901
And while in-game Pikachu are weak against Ground-type Pokémon, PikaDude has another weakness: getting kicked right in the face.
Pika pi pika pika (I don’t like @ItsRaychellRose ).
:@BryMoon_TSS pic.twitter.com/d2eRuxR64x
— Original Wrestling PikaDude (@OGPikadude) December 29, 2019
Still, PikaDude’s tenacity has won him at least one battle royale, and in impressive style.
Piiiiiika!! Chu chu. (Battle royale victory!!!) pic.twitter.com/bZ7lPK3kZH
— Original Wrestling PikaDude (@OGPikadude) December 26, 2019
However, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before PikaDude finds himself entangled in a professional identity beef, and not just because of Nintendo’s famously active copyright lawyers. There’s also the fact that PikaDude’s Twitter handle is “Original Wrestling PikaDude,”and while he does seem to be the first male representative of the species in the pro wrestling world, there’s already an official female pro wrestler Pikachu, who’s been smacking down fools since 2015, and a one-on-one grudge match to determine who’s truly the strongest Pikachu wrestler is something we’d be very interested to see.
Related: New Texas Pro Wrestling
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