* Welcome to the second part of our
exclusive interview with KJPW CEO Shigesato Ishiyama. In the first
installment of the interview, we learned about Ishiyama's love for
pro-wrestling, and his vast knowledge of facts were fully displayed.
We also learned a little about his work in the computer gaming field
as head of Gold Crown Software, along with being the developer of the
beloved pro-wrestling simulation series "Puroresu Global
Densetsu." Now, in part two, we learn about the inception of
KJPW itself! Please, enjoy!
Interviewer:
"When was the first time the idea for KJPW was even brought to
your attention?"
Ishiyama: "I
heard about it from (Kazuma) Fujita himself during a personal meeting
in October. He was being very secretive because events had yet to
play out. Pro-Wrestling FURY (a company which housed many of KJPW's
roster before its inception) was about to put on their final card,
and I knew things were being put into motion... I just wasn't exactly
sure what the plan was."
Interviewer: "So
was it sort of round-about?"
Ishiyama: "I
think Fujita understood the situation, and knew that this was a
project I'd want to be involved in, but he was afraid of speaking too
soon. I know personally from talking to him that he was very excited
about KJPW since the very beginning... About two weeks later,
following FURY's final card on 10/25, he officially brought me into
the fold."
Interviewer:
"You said you knew this
was something you wanted to be involved with. Could you elaborate on
that?"
Ishiyama: "I've
always wanted to be apart of the wrestling industry in some fashion,
which naturally led to GCS sponsoring many pro-wrestling cards in the
last few years. I built a friendship with Fujita through his work
with our "GuroDen" (Short name for the Puroresu
Global Densetsu series),
but the pro-wrestling landscape in Japan has been barren since almost
2009. There didn't appear to be a lot of opportunities in the market.
FURY and CRIMSON; the two largest organizations at the time were
financially crippled, and fan attendance severely decreased for both.
Getting into pro-wrestling at this time seemed like economic suicide.
That was the unfortunate severity of the situation..."
Interviewer:
"What had changed since
then?"
Ishiyama: "I
believe FURY closing was the catalyst, as it allowed Fujita more time
to explore options, along with gauging fan and sponsor interest.
Fujita is the most widely recognized pro-wrestler in our country, and
thus his participation in forming a major league organization was
vital. There is a level of credibility and respect that comes with
Kazuma Fujita. With Fujita, comes television and media opportunities
that other promotions wouldn't get. I think we're still healing the
numerous disasters we've had, but we're in a more stable position in
2013."
Interview: "What
is the initial strategy, or aim for KJPW? KJPW's first card was held
on 01/24 with virtually no media hype aside from the announced
lineup, and the tease of Kazuma Fujita's special announcement. Very
unlike most company's, who perform a media blitz from their very
inception."
Ishiyama: "Isn't
that always the case? When a promotion
is initially announced, it's
usually kicked off with a lavish press conference, and grand plans
for the future. In other
words; a lot of hype and usually unfulfilled promises down the road.
This is a very not-talked about justification for fans losing
interest. Not simply that, but also faith and trust. Fans have always
wanted heroes to believe in. They have always wanted pro-wrestling;
but they've become jaded.
We
took notice of this, and decided that the
best course of action would be a reversal of the standard method. We
would announce our arrival; state our humble intentions, and progress
from there. That's why we ran in the smaller (1,500 seat) hall of
BODYMAKER Colosseum (formally the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.) for
our debut. It's our hope that we can regain the confidence and good
faith of fans once again. And thus far we
have put forth the resources
available to us, and have
provided a basic premise to
build on. The success thus far speaks for itself."
Interviewer:
"This strategy appears to
be going off perfectly, as fans and media are pleasantly anticipating
March's EMPEROR'S CUP tournament. I understand highlights will be
aired on terrestrial television; which will mark pro-wrestling's
return to over-the-air TV in many years?"
Ishiyama: "Yes!
TV Tokyo will be broadcasting an edited version of the tournament
across the country. It'll also be showing on different regional
stations across Japan. It's
going to be a very small television production, but we're going to
put a lot of effort into it. The episodes will have several
featurettes and packages on our wrestlers and concepts. We want to
attract older fans, but also educate new, potential fans. As our
emblem states, we hope to raise the HEROES
OF THE NEW ERA. People
need role models to believe in. I want to manifest the same feeling
in people that I had watching the likes of Genji
Yamato, Kazuma Fujita, Ryo Inoue, and
others."
Interviewer: "On
March 8th, KJPW will open the EMPEROR'S CUP tournament in Korakuen
Hall. Naturally, the winner of the Cup will be awarded the HEC
Heavyweight Title. Tell us first about the EMPEROR'S CUP."
Ishiyama: "I
actually think its more important to talk about the belt first,
because it is the bigger prize at stake. We intend for the EMPEROR'S
CUP to be the measuring strength to determine KJPW's worth; or any
other individual from outside organizations. Besides determining the
strongest singles wrestler, it will be a showcase for the greatest
wrestlers in the world. Unfortunately, due to the urgency of needing
to establish an Ace, it
was decided to isolate the initial tournament to KJPW wrestlers, or
at least SPIRIT International; who we have a special contract with.
The concept will return next year, and we hope to have participants
from outside organizations aiming to test themselves. Our plan is to
raise the strongest pro-wrestlers not just in Japan, but in the
world. These tournaments and any future derivatives will reflect
that."
Interviewer:
"Even though you said you
said it was more important to talk about the HEC, you ended up
talking about the EMPEROR'S CUP..."
Ishiyama: "Oh,
so I did. The HEC stands for... HONORED
EMPEROR'S CROWN. We want
this to be the revered
crown belonging to the Emperor.
To fans, we respect the
importance of championships, and their lineage. We originally
considered trying to bring in an established championship... However,
I do believe now is the time for us to create something new.
We've put a lot of thought, and consideration into this belt, and its
ideology. We've spared no expense on its physical construction. We've
stressed all of this to our wrestlers, because we want them to feel
the same way. The HEC will become a symbol for strength for
Pro-Wrestling. When you see a man holding a belt with those initials,
you will know that he is the best in the world."
Interviewer:
"Does that mean we will
see a Tag Team HEC belt? Possibly a Junior belt?"
Ishiyama:
"Naturally, I think HEC
Tag Team Title belts are
likely to be commissioned as soon as April.
Only after three cards,
we've seen some interesting partnerships...
As far as a Junior title... It's difficult, because most of our
roster is above the 100kg limit. When the demand is there, we will
certainly respond accordingly."
Interviewer:
"Going back a moment, can
you elaborate more on your special
contract with SPIRIT
International?"
Ishiyama: "When
KJPW was formed, we obviously looked for partnerships and wrestlers
we could give work to. (Seiji) Ebisawa approached me personally after
our initial press conference. He was very nice, and said he wished to
involve his group to get KJPW off the ground. Our meeting was very
pleasant. However, our meetings since have been anything but. I don't
regret bringing them in... I respect Ebisawa for everything he's
done... But it's been... very frustrating. However, I believe SPIRIT
International will be remaining in KJPW for the time being."
Interviewer: "I
do believe by the time this is published, the news of your new
partnership with Rufus Frost's EXODUS Pro-Wrestling will have been
made. What can we expect from that?"
Ishiyama: "We're
very excited about this burgeoning relationship. Since the very day
we announced our arrival, many organizations from around the world
have reached out to us. EXODUS was one of the first, and we're very
happy to see how this plays out in the coming months. Three
of their wrestlers will be coming to Korakuen Hall on March 15th to
test our rookies Uchikawa, Nishioka, and Awano. We're going to likely
be returning the favor in the coming months. Strong, international
partnerships with company's like EXODUS are essential to our overall
strategy."
Interviewer:
"It was casually mentioned on New Years Eve, but it was stated
that KJPW would hold an annual ceremony once a year to honor the
GREATEST WRESTLERS
of Japanese pro-wrestling. Can you explain this a bit more?"
Ishiyama:
"Simply put, we're going
to create an institution to honor the legends of pro-wrestling. In
America, we would call this a HALL
OF FAME. It's still a
very rough concept that we are figuring out, but the principal is
paying tribute to our sports' most important figures. We will hold
the first ceremony on May 31st."
Interviewer:
"May 31st -- The KANSAI
PRO-WRESTLING FESTIVAL
in BODYMAKER?"
Ishiyama:
"Correct. It's going to be
the most important event in our short history, so it seems
appropriate."
Interviewer:
"Can you talk more about
the importance of the May
31st date? It's a very
significant date for pro-wrestling fans; especially in Osaka,
correct?"
Ishiyama: "Yes,
fans have called it the 'Day of Pro-Wrestling' for almost a decade.
It began with Burning Spirit Pro-Wrestling, which started off with a
series of cards in the final week of May, 2001. A year later:
5/31/02, BSPW celebrated its anniversary at the old Osaka Prefectural
Gymnasium. A year later, it celebrated its second anniversary at
(Osaka) Castle Hall. After that, Pro-Wrestling FURY began using that
date for its annual 'DREAM + INFINITY' events. Ironically,
we'd see some incredible match-ups in FURY. We saw living legends
like Ryo Inoue and Genji Yamato return to the ring. These are
memories that as fans, we're going to cherish for the rest of our
lives. It's become a very important event in pro-wrestling, but it's
become an even bigger event culturally in Osaka, and the reaching
Kansai region. Since BSPW, the hotbed
of wrestling has certainly moved somewhat from Tokyo to Osaka, who
are arguably the most passionate fans in all of Japan. So, naturally,
this day is also to give thanks to them as well, and to celebrate our
common love for pro-wrestling."
Interviewer:
"One final question before
we finish. Where do you see KJPW a decade from now?"
Ishiyama:
"Waahh-- A decade??"
(laughs)
Interviewer:
(laughs) "It's a long
time, I know!"
Ishiyama:
"Hmm... It's not
unreasonable question though, because I think about our future all
the time both in terms of realism and potential
realism. We've worked hard to lay a solid foundation, and I have
limitless faith in our wrestlers and staff... So, It's not
unreasonable to see Kingdom of Japan Pro-Wrestling thriving; possibly
innovating the way people see pro-wrestling on a world-wide level. I
believe our wrestlers will be acknowledged as among the best in the
world, and I believe Japan will once again be the measuring stick for
professional wrestling in our world. Having heroes to look up to,
pro-wrestling's popularity will be higher than ever. KJPW will be
regularly seen on terrestrial television, airing LIVE in Golden Time!
...I truly believe this!"
