It's been 10 years since Rikidozan died
Weekly Pro February 1973 Rikidozan—a hero for the ages—fell victim to a thug's blade on December 1, 1963 (Showa 38). Time flies; December 15 of last year marked the tenth anniversary of his passing. Praying for the repose of the deceased's soul, Baba, the Momota family, and the management and associates of the Japan Pro-Wrestling organization paid their respects at the gravesite at Honmonji Temple in Ikegami, Tokyo. One wonders what thoughts must have been passing through the mind of Rikidozan—resting beneath the earth—regarding the current state of the Japanese professional wrestling scene, now fractured into four separate promotions. A joint memorial service was held for both Baba and the Momota family. Rikidozan's children are working together with Baba to develop All Japan Pro Wrestling. Seiji Sakaguchi looking solemn at the grave of Rikidozan—the man who could be called the father of Japanese professional wrestling—with wrestler Michiaki Yoshimura on the right.
