Hiroshi Tanahashi Assumes Role as New President of NJPW

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has announced a change in its leadership structure, appointing Hiroshi Tanahashi as the new President of the promotion. The decision was made during a meeting of NJPW’s board of directors and shareholders on December 23, 2023.

The personnel change was implemented to alter the management structure of the company, resulting in the following appointments:

• President & Representative Director: Hiroshi Tanahashi
• Director: Hitoshi Matsumoto (Chief of Business Production, TV Asahi)
• Director: Taro Okada (President & CEO, Bushiroad Fight) *Mr. Okada’s position is on a part-time basis

Effective December 23, Takami Ohbari and Michiaki Nishizawa stepped down from their positions as President/Representative Director and Director, respectively.

Hiroshi Tanahashi, the newly appointed President/Representative Director, was born on November 13, 1976, in Ogaki City, Gifu. He joined NJPW in 1999 after graduating in law from Ristumeikan University. Tanahashi’s storied career in NJPW includes winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship a record eight times and earning the title of pro-wrestling MVP four times, establishing him as the ‘Ace’ of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

A press conference is scheduled for December 26 at 1 PM JST to provide further details about these leadership changes.

NJPW expressed its gratitude to fans for their ongoing support and announced that Hiroshi Tanahashi will address the fans directly in his new role as President during the Belc Presents Wrestle Kingdom 18 event at the Tokyo Dome on January 4. NJPW looks forward to continued support under this new leadership structure.

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