(DRAGONGATE) A Bright Future
30th September & 7th October 2026 (Issue No.2430)
"New DragonGate" Special Feature
When discussing the "new DRAGONGATE," one cannot overlook the currently most popular unit, XENOSTAL NOVA.
Composed of three members Ryoya Tanaka, Homare, and Kazuma Kimura, this feature fully showcases the three members' charm through a special photoshoot, a roundtable discussion, 50 questions, and explanations of their techniques. Reading this will instantly make you a fan of this new unit.
The secret story of the formation of XENOSTAL NOVA
RYOYA: After DCourage disbanded, Yuki Yoshioka and I decided that we would both strive to reach the top in our own ways. I wanted to build a unit with my own hands—to create something entirely new from scratch. Naturally, that meant working with younger guys. The first person who came to mind was Homare, who is one year my junior, and I could clearly envision us working together. Then there’s Kazuma Kimura; even though he doesn’t have much of a track record yet, I could see him becoming an outstanding wrestler by joining us. So, I decided that the three of us would form a unit.
KIMURA: Well, for starters, Tanaka-san—who was in the midst of a record-breaking title defense run for the Brave Gate Championship—invited me to join his unit. I figured that being around him might help me become stronger, so that was one reason. Yeah, that’s about it.
RYOYA: Wait, there’s no second reason? (laughs)
KIMURA: Nope, no second reason...
HOMARE: Honestly, when the plan was set to go after the Brave Gate, specifically by taking it from Ryoya Tanaka, I could tell, even during the lead-up matches, that he was different from everyone else. My initial goal was just to win the Brave Gate, but after facing him in the semi-final at Kobe World (on July 20th)—even though I lost, I felt that if I were with Ryoya Tanaka, something entirely new might emerge down the line.
RYOYA: Wait a second—why are you saying my name with that English-style pronunciation? (laughs)
HOMARE: (Ignoring the interruption) The same goes for Kazuma. I’m not exactly great at putting my thoughts into words, but something about this really resonated with me—that’s why I decided to join forces with them. If we’re going to form a unit, my goal is for us to become the absolute best in DRAGONGATE.
RYOYA: I’m really feeling great about how things are going with the three of us together. Our T-shirts sold out instantly, too. Between the crowd’s reaction when we make our entrance and the feedback we’re seeing on social media, it’s clear that we’ve really struck a chord. I’m confident that for the second half of the year, XENOSTAL NOVA is going to be the group leading the way in DRAGONGATE.
HOMARE: Well, I’m the leader, after all.
RYOYA: Wait, *I’m* the leader!
HOMARE: Since I’m the leader, I’m hoping to bring these two together and lead the way from here on out.
KIMURA: I joined the unit and made my debut in the *Rey de Parejas* (tag team league)—we finished with one win and four losses, though...
HOMARE: Don’t mess with me.
KIMURA: Well, setting aside the match against Jiro Shimbashi, I did manage to secure my first win. I was only able to achieve that thanks to your help, Homare-san—so I’d like to keep growing even more, alongside the two of you, who are both so strong.
HOMARE: You can’t afford to get complacent just because of one win. Let’s keep pushing.
KIMURA: Yes, that’s right.
HOMARE: As for the Tag League, we were eliminated in the qualifying stage, but I did take something away from it. That said, I’m incredibly frustrated. We were aiming for a second consecutive title, and it’s a tournament that means a lot to me. We’ll give it our best again next year.
KIMURA: We'll get our revenge.
The symbol of a unit poised to strike
HOMARE: Who is it again?
KIMURA: LOVE & PEACE?
RYOYA: LOVE & PEACE huh? The fact that the name doesn't immediately come to mind shows that, as things stand, the belts aren't really being utilized to their full potential. Just as we once defined an era with the Brave Gate titles, we—XENOSTAL NOVA—intend to capture the Triangle Gate championships and elevate them into something truly valuable.
HOMARE: It’s also about waiting for the right moment. It’s not that I’ve given up on the Brave [Championship], I’m just planning to swoop in and snatch it when the timing is absolutely perfect. That goes for any title, really. As for our unit, I want to make it something that no one else could possibly imitate.
KIMURA: To start with, I’m the only one here who really lacks a track record. I need to get stronger, to catch up, at least a little, to the two of you, and then go after the belts.
HOMARE: Don’t go in with that kind of negative mindset.
KIMURA: Huh...? I actually think it’s been quite a positive experience (laughs). For starters, both of them can pull off moves that I can’t, and I find that I learn a lot from the things they say and do. Since this is my first time being part of a unit, it also helps that the three of us are from the same generation, it makes me feel more at ease, and things just flow more naturally.
RYOYA: We’re each exactly three years apart, right? This guy (Homare) is the biggest kid of the bunch.
HOMARE: Hey, don’t say that! We have a secret that only the three of us know. Right?
KIMURA: I suppose the only thing is that Tanaka-san has become completely obsessed with crane games. I don’t think that’s really common knowledge, though, is it?
RYOYA: Maybe we haven’t really talked about it much publicly. The three of us actually go out to hang out together quite a bit.
HOMARE: There’s nothing going on between you two, right?
RYOYA: With Kimura... no, definitely not.
HOMARE: I’ve gone out for drinks with Kazuma before.
KIMURA: Yeah, we have.
RYOYA: Just the two of you? Seriously? Well, the three of us are planning to go out for a meal together soon, too.
HOMARE: We’ll grab a bite, go for drinks, hit karaoke, play some darts, and play some billiards.
KIMURA: Until morning!
RYOYA: You’ve got that college-student vibe!
HOMARE: Well, I am in my fourth year of university, after all.
KIMURA: Come to think of it, not long ago, we went around to various convenience stores until morning just to draw for "Ichiban Kuji" prizes, didn't we?
RYOYA: On the night of a tour, we happened to stop by a convenience store on our way back from dinner to pick up some essentials, and that’s when we spotted an "Ichiban Kuji" (prize lottery). We each tried a few times, and both Homare and I ended up winning the A-prize. Kimura, on the other hand, just couldn't land a win. It’s like, whether it’s in the ring or in situations like this, he just doesn't have that "luck" factor. I mean, come on, just win something!
KIMURA: Next, I’m going to do a draw.
HOMARE: Like, two and a half hours, for real?
RYOYA: By the time we finished hitting up all those convenience stores and got back, it was the middle of the night—or rather, 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning.
HOMARE: Did you seriously do 60 draws in total?
RYOYA: Maybe somewhere between 30 and 40, I think.
HOMARE: I’m exhausted.
RYOYA: Editor-in-chief, how about using this for the cover?
KIMURA: I’d love to decorate it.
HOMARE: I’m tired.
NOTES
Crane games: AKA UFO catchers, arcade games with the cranes etc
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