Japan has a rich history of professional wrestling, with some of the world’s greatest and most iconic wrestlers coming from the Land of the Rising Sun.
From Antonio Inoki, the God of Wrestling, to the legendary Tiger Mask, the Japanese have produced some of the best wrestlers of all time.
Today, Japan’s wrestling scene is still vibrant and many of the country’s top stars are highly respected and beloved by fans all over the world.
We will be taking a look at some of the best wrestlers Japan has to offer, from the legendary superstars to the new generation of stars.
1. Antonio Inoki
Muhammad Hussain Inoki was a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. He was known by his ring name Antonio Inoki, in homage to fellow professional wrestler Antonino Rocca.
Inoki was born in Japan in 1943 and began his career as a professional wrestler in the early 1960s. He rose to fame by competing in various wrestling competitions across Japan and around the world.
Inoki was known for his unique style of wrestling which combined various martial arts styles and techniques. He was also a promoter of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, and he regularly hosted events in Japan and abroad.
Inoki was also active in politics, and he was a member of the Japanese House of Councilors from 1989 to 2010. Inoki’s legacy is still felt throughout the world of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.
He is remembered for his skill, dedication and pioneering spirit, and his influence is still felt in the sport today.
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi
Hiroshi Tanahashi is a Japanese professional wrestler who has been active in the wrestling world for many years. He is currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), one of the most prestigious wrestling organizations in Japan.
In NJPW, Hiroshi Tanahashi is part of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions, which is the highest title in the organization. This is his fourth reign as champion, showing his dominance in the wrestling world.
Tanahashi has had a long and successful career in NJPW, and his title reigns are a testament to his skill and dedication. He has become an icon in the Japanese wrestling world, and his accomplishments are respected by fans and peers alike.
3. KENTA
Kenta Kobayashi, known as Kenta, is a Japanese professional wrestler. He is best known for his work in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he is a part of the Bullet Club stable. Before becoming a professional wrestler, Kenta trained as an amateur kickboxer.
This training has influenced his wrestling style, which is based on strong kicks and strikes. Kenta is highly respected in the wrestling community for his hard-hitting and athletic style.
He is often praised for his ability to combine his kickboxing background with the art of professional wrestling. He has become a fan favorite for his high-energy performances in the ring.
Kenta has proved to be one of the most successful wrestlers in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and his influence in the sport continues to grow.
4. Kazuchika Okada
Kazuchika Okada is a Japanese professional wrestler who is currently signed to the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. He is currently a part of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions, which marks his first reign in the championship.
Okada is an acclaimed wrestler in the NJPW, having won several titles in the promotion, including the IWGP Heavyweight Championship four times and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship six times.
His success within the promotion has earned him the nickname of the “Rainmaker”, due to his ability to deliver wins and titles to the promotion.
In addition to his championship reigns, he is also known for his impressive in-ring skills and technical prowess, which has earned him a great deal of respect among fans and fellow wrestlers.
5. Jushin Liger
Keiichi Yamada is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, who is better known by his stage names Jushin Liger and Jushin Thunder Liger. He is currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he has been a fixture since the early 1990s.
Yamada began his career as a professional wrestler in 1984, and he enjoyed a successful career in various promotions throughout Japan.
He was a part of the All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) for six years, and during that time he became one of the most popular wrestlers in the country.
Yamada also competed in various mixed martial arts organizations, including Pancrase and Pride FC. In 1992, Yamada was given the stage name Jushin Liger, which was derived from the Japanese anime series of the same name.
He quickly became a fan favorite, and his high-flying moves and flashy costumes gained him recognition throughout the wrestling world.
In 2000, his name was changed to Jushin Thunder Liger, and he continued to be a dominant force in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Throughout his career, Yamada has won multiple championships and has become one of the most respected and beloved wrestlers in Japan.
He was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame in 2017, and he continues to make appearances and perform at New Japan Pro-Wrestling events.
6. Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura is an internationally renowned professional wrestler from Japan. He has been wrestling professionally since 2002 and has become a sensation in the wrestling world. His signature moves, such as the Kinshasa and the Bomaye, have become fan favorites.
His career has taken him all around the world, competing in various promotions, such as New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and eventually the WWE. In 2016, Nakamura signed with the WWE, becoming the first Japanese wrestler to do so.
He was immediately placed on the NXT brand, where he became NXT Champion. He quickly gained a devoted following, due to his charismatic and intense in-ring style. In 2018, Nakamura was promoted to the main roster, and he joined the Raw brand.
Since then, he has been a consistent presence on Raw, competing in matches and feuds with top stars such as Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, and Braun Strowman.
Nakamura has also become a fan favorite due to his unique entrance themes and catchphrases. Overall, Shinsuke Nakamura is an incredible talent in the world of professional wrestling.
His captivating style and personality have made him one of the most popular wrestlers in the world. With his move to the Raw brand, Nakamura is sure to continue to be a major player in wrestling for years to come.
7. Keiji Muto
Keiji Muto is a legendary retired professional wrestler and executive from Japan. He is best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) during the 1980s and 1990s, during which he was known as The Great Muta.
During his illustrious career, Muto also competed in various promotions across the world, from Japan to America, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Muto made his debut in professional wrestling in 1984 and quickly established himself as one of the top wrestlers in Japan.
During his time in WCW and NJPW, he competed in a number of memorable matches, including ones against Sting, Ric Flair, and Masahiro Chono.
His signature style of wrestling, combining martial arts moves with traditional pro wrestling, allowed him to stand out from the crowd. In addition to his in-ring success, Muto also served as an executive for NJPW for a number of years and was instrumental in the growth of the promotion.
He was also involved in the formation of the wrestling promotion Wrestle-1, and even served as its president for a brief period. Keiji Muto has had a long and memorable career in professional wrestling and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the sport.
His signature style, memorable matches, and contributions behind the scenes will be remembered for years to come.
8. Riki Choshu
Mitsuo Yoshida, better known by his ring name Riki Choshu, is a retired professional wrestler with a unique career. He was born in South Korea but is of Japanese descent. Throughout his long career, he is best remembered for his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
In NJPW, he was both a wrestler and a booker. As a wrestler, Riki Choshu was a dominant force in NJPW. He won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship three times, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship twice, and the NWA International Heavyweight Championship twice.
He also held the NWA World Tag Team Championship twice, the NWA World 6-Man Tag Team Championship twice, and the IWGP Tag Team Championship three times. He was also a founding member of the legendary stable Heisei Ishingun.
As a booker, Riki Choshu is credited with helping to develop some of NJPW’s most successful storylines and characters. He developed the “strong style” of wrestling, which is still used in NJPW today.
He also helped to create some of the most iconic characters in NJPW history, such as The Great Muta and The Great Kabuki. Riki Choshu’s influence in NJPW is still felt to this day.
He is a true legend in the wrestling world and will always be remembered for his contributions to NJPW.
9. Mitsuharu Misawa
Mitsuharu Misawa was an influential figure in the world of professional wrestling. He was both an amateur and professional wrestler, and he was also a promoter.
His star shone the brightest during his time in All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he won the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship five times. He also made a major impact on the industry by forming the Pro Wrestling Noah promotion in 2000.
This promotion has been a major factor in the Japanese wrestling scene ever since, and it has had a tremendous influence on the wider wrestling world. Misawa was a multi-talented performer and a savvy promoter, and his legacy will live on for years to come.
10. Kota Ibushi
Kota Ibushi is a well-known Japanese professional wrestler and martial artist.
He is widely recognized for his skill and accomplishments in the ring and has been a regular feature in the world of professional wrestling for over a decade. Ibushi first rose to fame in Japan during his time with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
He was a part of the historically successful and popular Bullet Club stable and was also known for his innovative match styles and high-flying moves.
During his time with NJPW, he won several championships, including the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship.
He was also a part of the winning team for the G1 Climax tournament in 2015. Outside of NJPW, Ibushi is also a highly respected martial artist. He is a practitioner of both Judo and Muay Thai and has competed in several martial arts events.
He is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is one of the promotion’s top stars. He is a former AEW World Champion and is currently a member of the Elite stable. In addition to his success in the ring, Ibushi is also an established actor and musician.
He has appeared in several Japanese films and television shows and also released several solo albums.
He is also an accomplished author, having published several books about his life and career in professional wrestling. Kota Ibushi is a true icon of Japanese professional wrestling.
His skill and accomplishments in the ring have earned him recognition and respect around the world, and he continues to be one of the most popular stars in wrestling today.
11. Satoru Sayama
Satoru Sayama is a renowned Japanese professional wrestler, mixed martial artist, and wrestling promoter. He is most famously known for his alter-ego, Tiger Mask.
Throughout his career, Sayama has performed under his real name as well as a variety of different aliases, including Sammy Lee, Super Tiger, Tiger King, Tiger Mask, and The Mask of Tiger.
Sayama began his professional wrestling career in 1979 as Sammy Lee, and quickly gained fame for his high-flying style of wrestling.
He held the WWA World Middleweight Championship from 1980-1982, the Tokyo Sports Best Bout Award in 1980, and the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title from 1982-1983.
In the late 1970s, Sayama created the Tiger Mask character, which has since become an iconic figure in Japanese popular culture. The Tiger Mask character is a masked wrestler whose identity is shrouded in mystery.
Wearing a black and yellow tiger mask, Sayama was able to capture the imagination of fans, and the character quickly became one of the most successful wrestling gimmicks in history. Sayama’s success in the ring led to him becoming a promoter and writer.
He created the revolutionary wrestling promotion, Shooto, in 1985, and he has written several books about his life as a professional wrestler. Sayama’s influence on Japanese professional wrestling cannot be overstated, as he has left an indelible mark on the sport.
12. Tatsumi Fujinami
Tatsumi Fujinami is a renowned professional wrestler from Japan. He is currently working with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as a legend’s contract holder. He is well-known for his long tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he was a six-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Fujinami was born in Tokyo in 1953 and was active in wrestling from 1974 until his retirement in 2015.
During his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, he became a six-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, as well as winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship, and other titles.
He was also the first NJPW wrestler to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the first to win the championship outside of Japan. Throughout his career, Fujinami was known for his technical style of wrestling, and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.
He has also been inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. Fujinami is currently working with WWE as a legend’s contract holder.
He is an inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
13. Taka Michinoku
Takao Yoshida, professionally known as Taka Michinoku, is a Japanese professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist. He is currently a part of the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) roster and a member of the Just 5 Guys stable.
Prior to joining the Just 5 Guys, Yoshida was a member of the Suzuki-gun faction from 2011 to 2022, when the faction disbanded. Yoshida’s career began in 1996 when he joined the Michinoku Pro Wrestling promotion.
He became the promotion’s first-ever junior heavyweight champion and held the title for over three years. He also competed in various other wrestling promotions such as All Japan Pro Wrestling, All Pro Wrestling, and Ohio Valley Wrestling.
Yoshida also had a brief stint in mixed martial arts, competing in the Shooto organization in 1999. In 2011, Yoshida joined the Suzuki-gun faction, led by Minoru Suzuki.
As a part of Suzuki-gun, he competed in various tag team and six-man matches and won the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships two times.
Yoshida left the faction in 2022 when it disbanded. In 2021, Yoshida joined the Just 5 Guys stable, alongside stablemates such as Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, and Kota Ibushi.
With the Just 5 Guys, Yoshida has competed in several high-profile matches and has achieved much success. Taka Michinoku has had a long and successful career in both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.
He has held numerous championships and has competed in various promotions around the world. He is currently a part of the Just 5 Guys stable in NJPW, where he continues to compete and entertain audiences.
14. Rikidōzan
Mitsuhiro Momota, famously known as Rikidōzan, was a Japanese wrestler of Korean heritage. He was a well-renowned figure in both the sumo and professional wrestling circuits.
He was given the nickname “The Father of Puroresu”, which is a term used in the Japanese professional wrestling world. Rikidōzan made a huge impact in the professional wrestling industry and is considered one of the most influential figures in its history.
He was the first wrestler to bring together the East and West in terms of professional wrestling, thus paving the way for a new era and increasing the popularity of the sport.
He was also a highly successful wrestler, having won a number of titles and championships in both sumo and professional wrestling. He was an example of perseverance and dedication, and his legacy continues to inspire wrestlers to this day.
15. Tajiri
Yoshihiro Tajiri is a Japanese professional wrestler and promoter who is most widely known by his ring name Tajiri. He has also competed in wrestling matches under his real name, as well as the names Aquarius and Kikkoman.
He has also briefly taken on the identity of the masked character Tigre Blanco. Tajiri has been an active wrestler since 1993 and has competed in organizations such as the World Wrestling Federation, Extreme Championship Wrestling, and more recently, the Japanese Wrestling Association.
He is best known for his high-flying style and for using a green mist as a weapon.
He has won several championships, including the ECW World Tag Team Championship and the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. In addition to his wrestling career, Tajiri has also been involved in the promotion of wrestling events.
He is the founder and owner of the Japanese wrestling promotion Smash, which he established in 2004. He is also the former head booker for the Pro Wrestling Zero1 promotion. Tajiri has also had a successful career outside of professional wrestling.
He has appeared in several films, television shows, and video games. He has also released several books and manga, as well as several music albums. In 2013, he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
16. Jinsei Shinzaki
Kensuke Shinzaki is a Japanese wrestler and wrestling executive better known by his ring name, Jinsei Shinzaki. He has been an active wrestler since the early 1990s and is currently signed to Michinoku Pro Wrestling, a Japanese wrestling promotion.
In addition to his wrestling career, Shinzaki is also the president of Michinoku Pro Wrestling. He has been the leader of the promotion since its founding in 1993. Shinzaki is considered to be one of the most influential figures in the Japanese wrestling world.
He has been credited with helping to popularize the high-flying style of wrestling that has become a hallmark of Japanese wrestling.
He is also well known for his ability to adapt his wrestling style to suit different opponents, making him a versatile opponent in the ring. Shinzaki is one of the most decorated wrestlers in the history of Japanese wrestling.
He has won multiple championships, including the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and the FMW World Street Fight 6-Man Tag Team Championship.
He has also won numerous awards, including the Tokyo Sports Grand Prix and the Tokyo Sports Best Bout Award. Shinzaki is a highly respected figure in Japanese wrestling and is seen as a role model for aspiring wrestlers.
He is an ambassador for the sport and has been involved in various charities and social causes. He is also a member of the prestigious Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame.
17. Bull Nakano
Keiko Aoki is a retired professional wrestler and professional golfer from Japan. She is most famously known by her ring name Bull Nakano. She first began competing in All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling when she was still a teenager.
During her professional wrestling career, she had a villainous persona and was mentored by Dump Matsumoto. During her career, she formed a successful tag team with Matsumoto. After her retirement from professional wrestling, Aoki pursued a career in professional golf.
18. Tetsuya Naito
Tetsuya Naito is a Japanese professional wrestler who is currently signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He is an experienced wrestler who has been active since 2002 and has established himself as a successful and popular wrestler.
He is the leader of the Los Ingobernables de Japón faction, a stable of wrestlers that have joined forces to dominate NJPW. Naito is highly respected for his technical prowess and unique style of wrestling, as well as his charisma and showmanship.
He has won numerous championships throughout his career, including the IWGP Heavyweight Championship twice, the IWGP Intercontinental Championship three times, and the NEVER Openweight Championship once.
Naito is a major draw for NJPW and his matches consistently draw large crowds. He remains one of the most popular wrestlers in Japan and is an icon in the wrestling world.
19. Aja Kong
Erika Shishido is a renowned professional wrestler from Japan and is more famously known by her ring name Aja Kong. Aja Kong is a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling, having achieved a great deal of success throughout her career.
She is the founder of Arsion, an all-women professional wrestling promotion. Throughout her career, Aja Kong has won multiple championships in both singles and tag team divisions, mainly while being affiliated with All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling.
Aja Kong’s success has earned her a great deal of respect and admiration from fans all over the world, cementing her as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time.
20. Asuka
Kanako Urai is a Japanese professional wrestler who currently competes for the WWE on the SmackDown brand under the ring name Asuka.
Prior to her WWE career, Urai began her professional wrestling career in 2004 in the AtoZ promotion, where she competed for two years until her retirement in 2006.
Urai is known for her unique style of wrestling, which combines a mixture of strong striking and submission grappling techniques. She is also known for her ability to adapt to her opponents’ styles, making her a very unpredictable opponent in the ring.
Throughout her career, Urai has held many titles and won multiple awards, cementing her place as one of the top female wrestlers in the world.
21. Hiromu Takahashi
Hiromu Takahashi is a Japanese professional wrestler who is currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He is a member of the Los Ingobernables de Japón stable, which is a part of NJPW.
Takahashi is also the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, which is his fifth reign as this title holder. This makes him one of the most successful junior heavyweight wrestlers in the world, as he has held this title an impressive five times.
Takahashi is highly respected in the wrestling community and is considered to be one of the best Japanese wrestlers of his generation. He regularly competes in high-profile matches at NJPW and is known for his hard-hitting style and high-flying maneuvers.
Takahashi is certainly one of the most influential wrestlers in the world today and is a great example of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work.
22. Shingo Takagi
Shin Takagi, also known by his professional wrestling ring name Shingo Takagi, is a Japanese athlete of considerable renown. A former bodybuilder, he is currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), the premier professional wrestling promotion in Japan.
As part of his association with NJPW, Takagi is a member of the “Los Ingobernables de Japón” stable, a group of wrestlers who typically exhibit aggressive and confrontational behavior.
Takagi is highly respected for his impressive athletic skills and accomplishments and has become one of the most popular figures in Japanese professional wrestling.
23. Yoshi-Hashi
Nobuo Yoshihashi, known by his stage name Yoshi-Hashi, is a Japanese professional wrestler currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He has been wrestling for NJPW since 2008 and has since made a name for himself as a formidable competitor.
Recently, he has achieved a major milestone in his career, having become one-half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions alongside Hirooki Goto.
This championship win marks a major turning point in Yoshihashi’s career, as he has finally reached the top of the professional wrestling world. This accomplishment is especially impressive, considering the fact that Yoshi-Hashi is a junior heavyweight wrestler.
While this means that he has limitations in terms of size and strength, his skill and technique have allowed him to overcome these obstacles and reach the highest levels of success.
With his championship win, Yoshi-Hashi has cemented his place as one of the top wrestlers in the world. As a result of his championship win, Yoshi-Hashi has become a household name in Japan. He has been featured in various magazines, television shows, and other media outlets.
He has also been featured in many video games, including the popular NJPW video game series. Yoshi-Hashi is now a part of the NJPW history books and is sure to be remembered for years to come.
24. Katsuyori Shibata
Katsuyori Shibata is an accomplished and well-respected athlete in the world of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. He is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling, which also has a sister promotion known as Ring of Honor (ROH).
In ROH, Shibata is the current Pure Champion, a title he has held for the first time in his career. Shibata has had a long and successful career in the wrestling world.
He began his wrestling career in 1997 in Japan’s New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he quickly rose to prominence as one of the promotion’s top stars. He was a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, IWGP Tag Team Champion, and Junior Heavyweight Champion.
He also had a successful MMA career, where he competed in PRIDE FC and K-1 HERO’S. In addition to his success in the ring, Shibata is also a respected trainer, coaching many of Japan’s future stars.
He has been a trainer for NJPW since 2010 and has trained some of Japan’s current top wrestlers such as Tetsuya Naito, Kenny Omega, and Kota Ibushi. Shibata’s accomplishments and reputation have made him a highly sought-after athlete.
His signing to All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor was a major coup for both promotions, and his current reign as Pure Champion is a testament to his skill and ability.
Shibata is an incredibly talented and influential wrestler, and his presence in the wrestling world will no doubt continue to be felt for many years to come.
25. Minoru Suzuki
Minoru Suzuki is a renowned Japanese professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist. He is currently working for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as a freelancer. During his time in NJPW, Suzuki has had a great deal of success in the ring.
He has held the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, the highest title in NJPW, and has also won the NEVER Openweight Championship twice.
These accomplishments demonstrate the tremendous skill and work ethic of Minoru Suzuki, who is one of the most respected and accomplished wrestlers in Japan. His impressive resume is a testament to his commitment to the sport and his tremendous success in the ring.
26. Kenta Kobashi
Kenta Kobashi is a renowned Japanese former professional wrestler who made his debut in All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1988. During his time in the promotion, he quickly rose to prominence and established himself as one of its top stars.
He achieved a high level of success in the promotion, highlighted by the three times he held the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship and the Champion Carnival he won in 2000. This remarkable feat put him on the map as one of the greatest Japanese wrestlers of all time.
His impressive accomplishments in All Japan Pro Wrestling served as a platform to launch him into further success, eventually leading to his induction into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2006.
27. Iyo Sky
Masami Odate is a Japanese professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, one of the world’s largest wrestling organizations. She performs on the SmackDown brand, under the ring name Iyo Sky. Masami is the current WWE Women’s Champion, marking her first reign as champion.
This is a significant accomplishment for Masami, as it is a prestigious title and a major milestone in her career. She has worked hard to reach this level of success and recognition and is sure to continue to impress and entertain her fans worldwide.
28. Kushida
Yujiro Kushida is a Japanese athlete and entertainer who is best known by his ring name, Kushida. He is an accomplished professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist, currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Kushida has made a name for himself in the world of professional wrestling and is a regular presence in NJPW and its partner promotion, Impact Wrestling.
His martial arts experience and technical wrestling ability make him a formidable competitor in the ring, and his popularity has seen him become one of NJPW’s top stars.
He has won multiple championships throughout his career, most notably the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.
In addition to his wrestling career, Kushida has also made appearances in other forms of media, such as video games and manga. He is a highly respected and decorated wrestler, and his contribution to professional wrestling is undeniable.
29. Akira Tozawa
Akira Tozawa is a Japanese professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE, where he is a part of the Raw brand. He has achieved notable success in the WWE, having won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship and the WWE 24/7 Championship.
Akira Tozawa holds the record for the most reigns with the 24/7 Championship, having won the title sixteen times. Tozawa has proven himself to be an incredibly versatile and talented wrestler in the WWE, and he is sure to make an even bigger impact in the future.
30. El Desperado
Kyosuke Mikami, also known by his ring name El Desperado, is a professional wrestler from Japan, currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He first joined NJPW in 2014 when he was accepted into the Suzuki-gun stable.
This stable was eventually disbanded in 2022. Prior to joining Suzuki-gun, Mikami had gone through the NJPW dojo and trained as a Young Lion, a program designed to teach new wrestlers the ropes of professional wrestling.
During his two years as a Young Lion, he worked for NJPW and gained valuable experience in the professional wrestling ring. Today, El Desperado is one of the most successful wrestlers within the NJPW.
He has competed in a variety of matches and continues to be an important part of the organization. With his years of experience and training, he is sure to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling ring for years to come.
31. Tomohiro Ishii
Tomohiro Ishii is a Japanese professional wrestler who is currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He is part of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions and is in his third reign. He also makes additional appearances for All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
He has become a staple in the wrestling industry and is widely respected for his hard-hitting style and determination. He is known for his impressive strength and agility in the ring and is regarded as one of the toughest wrestlers in the world.
His matches often feature high-flying moves and intense physicality, and he is regarded as one of the most exciting wrestlers to watch. Ishii is a multi-time champion in NJPW and has held titles in several other promotions.
He is a versatile wrestler who can work both singles and tag matches and is always looking to challenge himself and push his limits.
32. Toru Yano
Toru Yano is a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling. He is a Japanese wrestler who is currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Yano has achieved great success in NJPW, winning the KOPW 2020 and KOPW 2021 and being a four-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion. Yano is also a three-time IWGP Tag Team Champion and two-time GHC Tag Team Champion.
Yano has established himself as one of the most successful wrestlers in the industry, thanks to his impressive list of accomplishments and accolades.
He has also been trained by some of the best wrestlers in the world, ensuring that he has the skills to compete at the highest level.
Yano is a role model for aspiring wrestlers, and he is proof that hard work and dedication can bring great success in the world of professional wrestling.
33. Eiji Ezaki
Eiji Ezaki was a multifaceted individual who made an impact in several different industries. He was a Japanese professional wrestler who was renowned for his high-flying and daredevil stunts, earning him the nickname Hayabusa.
He was also a successful stage actor and musician, having released several albums. In addition to these pursuits, Ezaki also promoted professional wrestling events, showing his commitment to the industry.
He was an icon in the world of professional wrestling and will be remembered for his contributions to the sport as well as his entertaining and thrilling performances.
34. Kenny Omega
Tyson Smith, more commonly known by his ring name Kenny Omega, is a Canadian-born professional wrestler. He is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling, where he holds the position of executive vice president.
Omega is a highly decorated wrestler, having won championships in various promotions all over the world, including Japan’s Dramatic Dream Team and the United States-based Ring of Honor.
Omega is known for his innovative style of wrestling, which blends a combination of high-flying maneuvers, technical wrestling, and hard-hitting strikes.
He is also known for his entertaining, off-the-wall promos and for his loyal fan base, who have been with him since the beginning of his career.
Omega has become one of the biggest stars in the wrestling world, and his success in AEW has made him a key figure in the wrestling industry.
35. Togi Makabe
Shinya Makabe is a Japanese professional wrestler who is better known by his ring name, Togi Makabe. He is currently performing for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a former one-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Makabe was trained by NJPW and has been wrestling with them since August 2001. He has also wrestled in various other promotions such as Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and Pro Wrestling Zero1.
Makabe is known for his power moves and strong style of wrestling, which has earned him the nickname “The Unchained Gorilla”. He has been involved in some of the most iconic matches in NJPW history, such as the G1 Climax tournament and the Tokyo Dome shows.
He has also won several championships and has been a part of some of the most memorable feuds in NJPW. Throughout his career, Makabe has been one of the most popular wrestlers in Japan. He has been nominated for several awards and has been featured in multiple video games.
He is also an active participant in charity events and has been involved in various public campaigns. In 2018, he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. Togi Makabe is an established and respected name in the world of professional wrestling.
He has been a part of some of the most memorable matches and moments in NJPW, and his strong style of wrestling has earned him a place in the hearts of many fans.
36. Kendo Kashin
Kendo Kashin is the professional wrestling name of the Japanese athlete, Tokimitsu Ishizawa. He is a veteran of the Japanese professional wrestling scene, having competed in the country for over two decades.
His career began in the late 1990s and has seen him compete in a variety of promotions, including All Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Noah, and Big Japan Pro Wrestling. He is a former All-Japan Triple Crown Champion, having held the title once in 2001.
He is also a three-time GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion and a former two-time GHC Tag Team Champion. He has also held the BJW Tag Team Championship and the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship.
He has had a successful career both in Japan and internationally, appearing in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the early 2000s. Kashin is known for his hard-hitting style and is widely respected throughout the wrestling world.
37. Hirooki Goto
Hirooki Goto is a Japanese professional wrestler who has been wrestling since his debut. He has primarily been competing for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he is currently one-half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions, alongside Yoshi-Hashi.
This is Goto’s fourth reign as champion and the duo’s third reign as champions. Goto and Yoshi-Hashi have formed a successful partnership, and have been able to maintain their championship titles.
Goto has consistently been a successful wrestler, and his partnership with Yoshi-Hashi has proven to be fruitful and successful. Goto has shown great skill and determination in his wrestling career, and he is an example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success.
38. Ryusuke Taguchi
Ryusuke Taguchi is a Japanese professional wrestler who has made a name for himself in the world of wrestling. He is currently performing for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he was trained.
Taguchi has achieved a great level of success in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, as he is a former two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. He has also won seven IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships and three NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships.
This is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. Taguchi has become one of the most successful wrestlers in the world, and his accomplishments speak for themselves.
39. Kairi Sane
Kaori Housako is a multi-faceted entertainer from Japan. She is best known by her professional wrestling name, Kairi Sane. She has been a wrestler since 2012 and has been with the Japanese promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom since then.
During her time in Stardom, she has wrestled under the name Kairi Hojo. She has also done some acting work, though her main focus has been on her wrestling career.
Her accomplishments in the ring include winning the World of Stardom Championship, Wonder of Stardom Championship, and Goddesses of Stardom Championship. She is also known for her signature dive, the Insane Elbow.
Kaori Housako is a highly accomplished and respected wrestler in the Japanese professional wrestling scene.
40. Minoru Tanaka
Minoru Tanaka is a Japanese professional wrestler, shoot wrestler and mixed martial artist. He is currently signed to Gleat, a professional wrestling organization. Within Gleat, he performs in the G Pro wrestling and Lidet UWF divisions.
Aside from competing, Minoru also serves as Gleat’s UWF Rules Technical Officer, where he is responsible for overseeing and enforcing the rules of the UWF division. Minoru is well-known for his various ring names such as Heat and the mononymous Minoru.
He has made a name for himself in the wrestling world, both as a wrestler and as an authority figure.
41. Satoshi Kojima
Satoshi Kojima is a renowned professional wrestler from Japan. He is currently working for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), but he is also a frequent guest performer for Pro Wrestling Noah and All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW).
Kojima is one of the most respected wrestlers in Japan, with a career spanning over two decades. He has won numerous championships in NJPW, AJPW, and Pro Wrestling Noah.
Kojima is known for his hard-hitting style of wrestling, combining high-flying offense with powerful strikes and submissions. He is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion, and GHC Heavyweight Champion.
He also held the IWGP Tag Team Championship with Hiroyoshi Tenzan and the AJPW World Tag Team Championship with Minoru Tanaka. Kojima has a strong following in Japan and is well-respected by his peers.
He has competed in many of the biggest matches in Japanese wrestling history and has been a mainstay of the Japanese wrestling scene for over two decades. He remains a fan favorite and continues to be an influential figure in the sport.
42. Último Dragón
Yoshihiro Asai is a Japanese professional wrestler and actor, currently signed to the wrestling promotion Dragon Gate. Asai is better known by his ring name ‘Último Dragón’, which reflects his mastery of the lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) style.
Asai began his professional wrestling career in Japan, but he also spent time honing his wrestling skills in Mexico. He is a highly experienced and respected wrestler, and he also serves as a trainer and senior advisor at Dragon Gate.
Asai is a veteran of the sport, and his vast experience and knowledge make him an invaluable asset to the promotion.
43. Chigusa Nagayo
Chigusa Nagayo is a Japanese professional wrestler who is renowned for her emergence in the 1980s. She is a part of the Crush Gals tag team with her lifelong partner Lioness Asuka.
Nagayo is also the founder of the GAEA Women’s Professional Wrestling organization, which she established to promote female wrestling. During her time with GAEA, she briefly competed under the alter-ego Lady Zero.
This change in persona was mainly for marketing purposes in order to reach an even larger audience. Nagayo has since become an icon in the wrestling world and has inspired many upcoming female wrestlers.
44. Katsuhiko Nakajima
Katsuhiko Nakajima is a Japanese professional wrestler who is currently signed to Pro Wrestling Noah. He began his career in the Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling promotion which was owned by Riki Choshu.
After gaining some experience, he moved on to another wrestling promotion, Kensuke Office/Diamond Ring, which was owned by Kensuke Sasaki. While at this promotion, Nakajima was able to hone his skills and become an even better wrestler.
In addition to the wrestling training he received, Nakajima was also able to gain valuable experience in the business side of professional wrestling. This experience has enabled him to develop into one of the top professional wrestlers in Japan.
45. Go Shiozaki
Go Shiozaki is a highly accomplished professional wrestler from Japan. He is currently signed to Pro Wrestling Noah, a prestigious promotion in the wrestling industry, where he has achieved remarkable success.
Shiozaki made his debut in Pro Wrestling Noah in July 2004 and stayed with them until the end of 2012. During his tenure with the promotion, he won an impressive five GHC Heavyweight Championships, making him the record holder for the most GHC Heavyweight Championships won.
His accomplishments have earned him considerable respect and recognition from the wrestling community. In addition to his championship wins, Shiozaki has also had several other victories in different weight divisions, making him one of the most successful wrestlers in Japan.
His impressive record in the ring has also made him one of the most popular wrestlers in Japan.
46. Jaguar Yokota
Rimi Yokota is a renowned Japanese professional wrestler and wrestling trainer who worked under the name Jaguar Yokota.
She has been widely praised as one of the greatest female wrestlers in history and in the 1980s, was recognized as one of the best wrestlers in the world of any gender.
Yokota began her career as a professional wrestler in 1978 and quickly rose to fame, becoming the All Pacific Wrestling Federation Women’s Champion in 1979. She also won the WWWA World Single Championship in 1981.
During the 1980s, she was one of the top female wrestlers in the world, competing in Japan, America, and Canada. Yokota was also known for her charisma and high-flying style in the ring.
After her retirement in 1991, Yokota continued to stay involved in the wrestling world as a trainer and promoter, helping to develop the careers of many female wrestlers.
She was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2001 and is still held in high regard today as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time.
47. Naomichi Marufuji
Naomichi Marufuji is a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling.
He is a Japanese wrestler who currently competes for Pro Wrestling Noah but has also made appearances in several other wrestling promotions such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and Impact Wrestling.
Marufuji is a respected athlete who has won multiple championships in both singles and tag team competitions. He is also a four-time Pro Wrestling Noah Global League winner and a four-time GHC Heavyweight Champion.
He is a highly decorated wrestler who is known for his athleticism and technical prowess in the ring. Marufuji has also been involved in a number of memorable feuds throughout his career, including his iconic rivalry with Tiger Mask.
Marufuji is a true legend of the sport and continues to be an important figure in the world of professional wrestling.
48. Meiko Satomura
Meiko Satomura is a Japanese professional wrestler who is currently signed to both WWE and the Japanese promotion Sendai Girls’ Pro Wrestling. She is a highly accomplished wrestler, having held multiple championships across many different promotions.
In WWE, she is currently signed to the NXT brand and is the one-time NXT UK Women’s Champion. Satomura has had a long and distinguished career in professional wrestling. She debuted in 1996 and since then has wrestled for numerous promotions across the world.
She is a multiple-time champion in Japan, having held the Sendai Girls’ Pro Wrestling World Championship three times, the Wonder of Stardom Championship twice, and the ICExInfinity Championship once.
She is also a one-time NWA World Women’s Champion, which she won during her time in Shimmer Women Athletes. Satomura is highly respected for her skill and athleticism both in the ring and in the world of professional wrestling.
She is known for her stiff but precise style of wrestling, her hard-hitting strikes, and her ability to execute difficult maneuvers with ease. She has been an inspiration to many, and her accomplishments are a testament to her skill and determination as a wrestler.
Conclusion
Japan has become a powerhouse in the world of wrestling, boasting some of the best wrestlers in the world. Japan’s wrestlers are renowned for their technical prowess and unique style, making them formidable opponents on the mat.
With a vast array of different styles, techniques, and strategies, Japan’s wrestlers are sure to be a force to be reckoned with in any competition.
