(NOAH) Costume Research: Katsuhiko Nakajima

18th January 2022

Weekly Pro

This is Katsuhiko Nakajima's second appearance* in this series. The first time was in March 2018, and after that AXIZ with Go Shiozaki. Immediately after entering Kongoh, the costume became based on black and red. What is the specialty of the current costume? 

VERTICAL STRIPES

Although the design is simple, Nakajima is particularly conscious of these "vertical stripes". The image on the side of the shorts of a red line has the effect of making his presence even bigger.

MASK

Because it was a new costume in September 2020, he decided to wear a hood at the time of admission, and a mask because of corona. Initially, the mask was made from gown fabric but after that he used a mask that was made into merchandise.  

MOTION OF THE GOWN

The gown is designed so you can "see it's motion" from both the front and the back. The fabric that hangs down moves on the entry to the ring, giving a sense of dynamism. "Entry is important. People who see this for the first time can get an impression of what kind of wrestler this is". 

LACED UP SHIN GUARDS

Nakajima introduced the laced up shin guards for the first time in the industry. This has been a favorite of his for over fifteen years since he was a trainee, and has become an originality. 

The basics of shorts and shin guards have not changed in recent years, but Katsuhiko Nakajima's costume of shorts and shin guards is a style to make the most of his weapon, the kick. Although there have been minor changes in color and design, there have been no changes to the basic form. The current costume has been worn from the same time the character changed since entering Kongoh in August 2020. Kongoh, led by Kenoh, is a unit based on red. Nakajima however dares to choose a dark wine red that is different from the other members, that is because there is a concept that "I basically hate being with everyone", as he sits in the corner at the time of admission without joining the group pose. 

The overall atmosphere is also different from the Japanese style and the strength of the other members. Only Nakajima emphasizes a "dark side" by being deep under a hood and hiding his expression under a mask while being announced. The image of sophistication, stylishness and terrifying mystery coexisting has been accomplished. His wrist taping has changed from white to black. His hairstyle was a wild perm until June of last year when he was defeated in a "Loser haircut cage match", and he had a buzz cut. His hair grew back and nowadays he has short blonde hair and as a result he has become even more soulful. But while Nakajima has become part of Kongoh, he has made a costume that projects his own personality. 

*Second solo appearance, technically this is his third time.

Translated from Weekly Pro

Picture credit: Weekly Pro

Many thanks to Jen_J for sending me the article