(NOAH) "Donmai! Donmai!" Mitsuharu Misawa's diary
2005
Nice to meet you, my name is Misawa, and the title of my diary is "Donmai*". I am fine, but there may be people who read this diary who are in low spirits, and there may be people who are depressed. That is why when it can't be helped to be down, I can say "Donmai" to my myself or my friends who are depressed or worried. This title was given because I don't want to forget that positive attitude. The diary may drift away from the title, but that is also "Donmai".
So, first of all, the October tour was long! If you think communing to the venues continued after opening at Korakuen Hall on the 8th, it was finally time to start the tour after the Differ Ariake event on the 15th! Some people may think that it is easy to go to various places when you go on tour, but this is harder than you think. Hotel check out at 10am, arrive at the venue after noon following a bus journey, practice and then match, return to the hotel after 11pm where the younger wrestlers do laundry and other errands, then it is necessary to switch to start thinking about meals from around 11pm, when there is a match the next day, I will return to the hotel as soon as possible = the next day we will leave at 10 o'clock again...
Isn't it better to limit events to the major cities? Although it is a fact that I sometimes hear that opinion, not all fans can come out from far and I am glad the elderly and children are looking forward to it, so I don't think the policy of wanting to go to those towns as much as possible will change.
So, two weeks after leaving and without returning first to Tokyo, it was the Osaka event on the 28th. By the time this diary comes out, I think everyone will know about the match, so I will omit it. When the Osaka event had finished, in the evening of the next day we returned to Tokyo. I had two days off, one of those was busy. The topic of that day is Roppongi Hills!
APRIL 11TH 2005
I know some people have never been there, but why is it so complicated? I was going to walk towards the goal as indicated by the arrow, but suddenly I came upon a wall and when I thought "Is this the end?", there was a narrow passage to the side...I think the first time user is going to be pretty confused, and I wonder what this is about...
So, why did I go to Roppongi Hills? It is the recording of J-WAVES "CHALLENGE SPORTS" which will be broadcast from the 2nd to the 4th and to appear in a "YAHOO" live talk. "CHALLENGE SPORTS" starts every Monday to Friday at 5am. To be honest it's a tough time to listen to it, but it's a program that says "Let's start the day getting energized from sports!". This time, I talked about the highlights of The Budokan. The problem was when I was told "Please request a song", and I didn't know any recent songs at all...I thought "It's okay", but the words didn't come out. The words I did squeeze out where that "I don't know the title of the song, but Takashi Fujii's new song came out 2-3 days ago". What does that request mean? But surprisingly (I'm sorry!), I think it's a good song, so I made a request for it. So, after finishing the one hour radio recording in Roppongi Hills, I moved to YAHOO! Also in Roppongi. When I heard the explanation, I thought "A thirty minutes chat?" but it went in the blink of an eye, and because it was a live broadcast I was asked questions. I finished, and left Roppongi Hills.
It was already 22:30.
The day usually ends here, but it was going on. In a complete example, the next day in Kyoto, I was on location for "The Tetsuwan DASH!" and I had to get on the Shinkansen at 6:30. I had a meeting with the staff at the hotel at Tokyo Station with dinner, and by the time I was lying down it was already morning. When Fukuda* made the morning call at 5:30 (rather than 5am) to wake me up*, I think I did well. So, the second day started like that.
Enjoy watching "The Tetsuwan DASH!" (We will let you know when the broadcast date is announced).
I came back to Tokyo at 21:30. It was a really long day.
Ah, lastly a a few words to Kobashi, "Did you go to Roppongi Hills?"
Notes
*Donmai means something along the lines of "No Problem", "Don't worry about it" etc)
*Morning call: Staff (usually referees) and trainee wrestlers are responsible for ensuring that their seniors are where they are meant to be when staying at hotels, and will also deal with check in and check out times, luggage etc. Kazuyuki Fujita found touring a lot easier for this reason once he joined Noah.
*Referee Akihiro Fukuda, who had left All Japan in 2000 with Mitsuharu Misawa in the walkout. He retired from refereeing in April 2022, but remained with Noah as road crew.
*Out of 152 matches that they have had, this was the only singles between Genichiro Tenryu and Mitsuharu Misawa. Their other singles match was in 1987 when Tenryu defeated Tiger Mask II.
NOVEMBER 18TH 2005
*This entry concerns the start of Misawa's neck injury*
This is Misawa. Well, it's got me this time. What's wrong...it's my neck. When and what happened was when I was dropped on my head on November 5th at the Budokan, I think it's "Compressed".
Misawa says he did something to his neck (it doesn't translate) and it was hard to walk to the shower after the match was over and he had a hard time washing his hair.
I don't think it's easy to fall on your head in a normal life, but I am a pro wrestler each day. Before you debut you are told "passive first", because you need to protect your body. But, this time too, I found it was difficult to swallow water for a few days after The Budokan was over. The pain came from being chopped in the throat at the beginning of the match. I couldn't say anything about it at the time. For example to fans, a cut and bleeding injury may hurt, but injuries of this kind (bruises) are hard to convey because you don't see them, it's more of a "quiet" pain, which is why during this time off I only went to the company once. Rather more accurately it is because "I couldn't go". This time healing my body during this short time off was the highest priority, which is why I told the company not to give me any work and let me take a good rest. That Sunday will be posted at midnight tomorrow (18th November) no matter what, the day of the match at Korakuen. So even if I look a little sick, please don't worry because that's what I am(?).
Starting tomorrow is the last tour of the year, but really, this year has gone quickly. This will be the fifth year of the annual Christmas Eve Differ Ariake event. The wrestlers are always doing their best, so this is why sometimes we can relax and both wrestlers and fans enjoy themselves. It is an event I thought it would be nice to have like that, as in the first year I had a match at Ariake the day before, which started with Kobashi's bump, and I think all the wrestlers where having a hard time moving. In the second year, A BOY Kotaro debuted, and when I think of Christmas, I remember Saito for the first time. At the same time I was surprised, everyone burned with a strange fighting spirit and it was fun. Actually, I try to remember as much as I can, but I'm not very good at remembering. I need to remember it to reflect on it and connect it to the next time, but if I have time to remember, don't you think it's more important to think about the future? Although, I am a little distracted...I think time goes by quickly when I see the kittens at home. I have two kittens now, their names are Chikuwa and Ganmo. In mid September they became ill just in front of my house, and have been a member of the family from the start. At first the kittens were really small, but gradually grew lively when giving a goodbye to the bulldog (Hanpen). When I look at him I sometimes think, "Oh, time has passed".
Speaking of Gamo, why is Masao Inoue "Gamo"* He has been called that since he was a student, but I wonder if it was a "duck" or else "Ganmodoki"*
When I answered the question from Kobashi, I was talking to him about inspecting the car in front of me. I liked the car in front of me and thought "I want to test drive it", but since the same model came out one class higher, I changed it without going through the inspection. Of course, I liked the car I used to have, but the height of the car is so high that it's easy to get on and off, so I like buying the same model continuously.
All of our wrestlers choose their favorite car, and it fits well with their individual image. I think that the young wrestlers have a unique way of choosing. I was thrilled when choosing a car for the first time. I wonder if the young wrestlers are the same now. I want a four wheeled buggy instead of a car, but I wonder if anyone knows that. You don't have to wear a helmet because it's not a motorcycle, and you only need to drive it with a car license. I want it, but there is no place to ride it. By the way, Kobashi, did you go to Roppongi Hills and where impressed only by the parking lot? Is there anything else? For me too it was my first time and I just went for work, so I can't say anything great. But as I hate crowds, this is ok. So, I asked Kobashi "Have you ever been crazy about anything other than training?"
Please tell me.
Suke-san, pay attention to Kobashi's answer!
I was talking about a serious injury this time, but the story of the interesting tour will be in two weeks time.
Notes
*Ganmodoki is a dish of crushed tofu, mixed with carrots, lotus root, burdock, etc. and fried in oil.
DECEMBER 2ND 2005
Good morning, this is Misawa.
Well, this is crazy...I feel like I am starting like I did last time, but this time what is wrong is that I am bleeding after the opening at Korakuen Hall. I think some fans have seen the pictures in pro wrestling magazines, but let me explain the situation. During the match, I went to throw an elbow at the corner where Doug Williams was heading to, but my neck hurt and I couldn't turn properly, so the right side of my face hit Doug's forehead. I wrote about my neck last time, but to be honest, this is the most painful state in my pro wrestling life. I usually hate hospitals, and it is hard to go even when the people around me tell me to go, but this time I went to the hospital myself. So, returning to the story, at the moment of collision, I thought that his teeth where in my forehead* and heard him groan, but I don't know if I was aware of it at that moment. But, when I went to run the ropes, the blood came dripping out, and I wondered if this was the first time? I was cut above my right eye, I think it must have been a considerable amount as I couldn't see the audience at the venue. (In my last diary entry I had written that it was more painful to have a bruise that you can't see from the outside than an injury). How big was the cut? I was worried about it, as it was hard to see with one eye during the match. KENTA or Asako* bought cotton wool to ringside, and I felt like my sight was back as soon as I wiped my eyes. Ogawa was happy to wrestle the match, but I was really worried that Ricky*, although he was an opponent, looked worried. So after the match, I was given first aid in the medical office and then went straight to the hospital. I tried to point out "I get by on my looks, so I am in trouble if there is a scar". Fortunately, the wound was sewn with a thin thread. It seems that even if I got ten stitches, there will be 
almost no scar. Even so, the scars on my face have increased since I started fighting in Noah. When I cut my chin in the first GHC Tournament final, I noticed something hanging off...like I wrote earlier, if you are injured with a lot of bloodshed, the customers will tell you just by the atmosphere. By the way, there were five matches in a row on this tour and I didn't think I could afford to have the stitches out, so when we arrived at the Akita venue unexpectedly early, I was treated at a nearby hospital. The photo is after they came out. Can you see a scar between my eye and eyebrows?
I think the burden on the wrestlers was heavy this time, including the round trip to Sapporo*, and so from the aspect of their concentration, we will continue to improve the travel schedule in the future. However, I thought that it was necessary to feel better and on the day of Hirosaki, I went out for a drink the next day after the match. On the ferry the following day, I slept from the start to the finish. When I woke up to buy a cola, Kotaro was asleep and snoring, so I guess he was tired. Personally, the tour was tough for me, but I had one happy encounter. When I went out for a meal in Niigata with someone who had always supported me, Hayabusa had arrived first and was waiting. The person who had invited me, kept it secret that Hayabusa was coming. It's been a long time since I met him, and he can't wrestle now, but when I heard he was working hard doing concerts, I thought again "I have to do my best." There are two matches left this year, and I will work my hardest until the end, so thank you.
By the way, Kobashi, his favorite Shochu is "Downtown Napoleon". I wonder if this was the answer I was expecting...what is more elaborate than training is "Fashion?" It's what??? (laughs) The last question to Kobashi is, "How much money do you have?"... is next in two weeks time!
Notes
*Misawa was born in Yubari, Hokkaido. He was always billed as being from Saitama or Tokyo where he grew up as the family left the north a few months after he was born. Misawa always seemed to retain an affinity with Hokkaido though as we see later in the diary.
Notes
*Does not translate
*Satoru Asako: Retired wrestler who became a trainer and worked for Noah. Misawa paid for his training.
*Ricky: Ricky Marvin
DECEMBER 16TH 2005
Whistle (in the style of Chōsuke Ikariya*). It's a busy time at night, how do you spend it? This is Misawa with a slight cold as it's suddenly getting colder. Some wrestlers may think they're strong and don't catch colds, but they often do. It's basically communal living, so if one person catches a cold, everyone wears a mask to prevent them from becoming sick. Actually, when I was a kid, I didn't have much time off. I had a cold and a stye formed on my eyelid. I wonder if it was different from when I was Junior High as I didn't feel like I was absorbed in club activities. I always have nasal symptoms, and my bronchial tubes are weak which causes an immediate cough*. I don't get a temperature because my normal temperature is high at about 36.8-3.71 degrees, so it is hard to get a fever, but when I was on an overseas expedition a few years ago, I got a fever just before that and felt dizzy. As I had the flu when there was a mass vaccination at the company, the doctor at the hospital came out on a business trip with an IV drip, which caused trouble with the doctors. By the way, on tour most of the colds come from Kotaro. I think it's easy to catch a cold, and it's almost like I get the cold that he brings with him backstage. The cold wasn't enough to get an IV drip, so I was able to safely work while off.
Finally, Kobashi. I asked "Would you like to go abroad?". "I can't go". So, what does Kobashi do during the Year End and New Year holidays? Go home? So does Misawa. Everyone, please be careful of the people around you if you have influenza.
See you in two weeks.
Notes
*Chōsuke Ikariya: Japanese comedian
*Misawa was a chain smoker so this probably didn't help, but the condition may have been exacerbated as a child. Misawa's father was a violent alcoholic who would regularly beat his wife and children. His mother would often take them to sleep in the local park carrying blankets to sleep on.
*Kobashi usually called Misawa "Onisan", which means "older brother" as they were sibling students of Giant Baba. Kotaro Suzuki sometimes addresses Naomichi Marufuji as this.
*Comedy duo - Masuda and Okada. Ironically, Okada's daughter is part of the Noah ABEMA commentary team (credit, Metal-Noah)
*Go Shiozaki
DECEMBER 30TH 2005
Everyone, thank you for your hard work this year. Isn't it time to finish the preparations for the year end and New Year holidays? This is Mitsuharu Misawa, and thank you for all your support this year. Noah fans are really hot when the last game of the year is over. I will do my best in 2006 as well without spoiling that heat.
Well, to round off 2005, what was the three major news of the current company? Well then, without delay (starts singing a tune from Batten Girls Corps, in specific the popular guitar riff which has been used in adverts)...
In third place.
*Puff Puff*
5th Anniversary party
Many people congratulated me, and I realized once again that I am supported by everyone. I was sweating from the beginning to the end, signing autographs and attacked with pictures*. I couldn't eat anything, and I couldn't move around the venue...so it was hard. But of course, as a host it is natural to welcome customers, but standing was tiring.
In second place.
18th July, Tokyo Dome
The Dome event itself was held for the second time, but when I saw the fans coming to the venue as I did for the first time, I was really grateful to everyone. I was often asked, "Are you going to make it a regular practice?" But that's it, I don't know. Oh, I am thinking of doing it again if I have the opportunity and the timing is right...
In first place.
It figures that the fifth anniversary and the sixth year on the whole has been really emotional. In a word the fifth anniversary, trying my hardest for five years so far, year by year, day by day, match by match, "Oh, it's been five years already?". I will do my best to aim for ten years, twenty years. Thank you for your continued support.
Actually, I also a wrote a top three outside of the company, but I am so busy that I can't think of anything other than the company. Personally, I feel like I haven't had much fun, and I feel like I am getting busier year by year.
Finally, Kobashi. It is my pleasure to thank Kobashi for this year too. Thank you. (I have been saying that I can't set up the year end and New Year Holiday schedule, because I can't get in touch with Taue. My real intention is I'm not inviting you (hysterical laughter).
Aside from that, today is December 30th. There is one more day left in this year, and may 2006 be a good year for you = HAPPY NEW YEAR 2006. See you again in the New Year!
Notes
*Misawa uses a phrase to indicate a barrage of photographs being taken. This would be the equivalent of getting off a plane or out of a car and being attacked by the Paparazzi.
*Atsushi Aoki and Shuhei Taniguchi. Taniguchi is still with Noah (at the time of writing in June 2022 that is, although I doubt he will ever go anywhere else), while Atsushi Aoki left in 2013 as part of the walk out to All Japan. Tragically he was killed in a motorcycle accident in June 2019. He returned home to Noah just once after 2013.
JANUARY 13TH 2006
(Hums the theme from Friday 13th)
For those who care, it is Friday 13th, but for me, I am on tour. So, this is the first "Donmai" diary of the year. Since it is the beginning of the 2006, first, this years aspirations. As I wrote in a questionnaire of a pro wrestling magazine, this years aspirations are "normalization of liver". Even so, I drank too much at night at the end of the year. That's why it used to be normalized! (<-----, my comeback). And early in the New Year I regret it while reflecting on it a little, but even more so at the end of the year. By the way, when I think of the end of the year, it's the New Year Dishes. There are really a lot of noodles! For me, it has to be "Meshi", right? To be honest, what is delicious? Many things, I think. I don't know if this is the result of the magical history of Japan, however, considering one of purposes was for Japanese housewives to take a rest around New Year, it's not absolutely necessary in this era. But, that's the reason why Japanese people value the seasons, because we value these customs. I will skip that story, but New Year's movies are indispensable for year-end and New Year holidays. Nowadays, I don't have time to go to the cinema, so I usually buy and watch DVDs.
Doesn't everyone love movies?
I watch as the theatre unfolds, but of course it is on DVD...basically, my favorite genre is SFX, which looks far from reality. I am looking forward to the release of many interesting sequels this year, such as "Spiderman 3", "Harry Potter" and "Die Hard". I bought "Hong Kong Police Force", "Oceans 12", "Star Wars" boxsets at the end of the year. Speaking of DVD, the theatrical release version of "Kamen Rider Hibiki" will be released soon, so why am I promoting it? I am the Kamen Rider generation, aren't I? Besides, I can enjoy the world of Kamen Rider without thinking too much about it among various movies, and anyway, I don't worry about it "not being interesting..." But, I'm not a nerd like Kotaro and Shiozaki! And no matter how much I am invited, I am not going on a tour of Akihabara. [A MENS]* is a nope!
The year has started, but there aren't really any very interesting stories. Since the tour has started today, so next time...since the topic is movies, I would like to ask Kobashi what his favorite movie genre is, that is if he watches movies.
The Noah 2006 tour has begun now. Hashi, who has been absent since last year*, and Shiozaki who was injured the day before yesterday, is having treatment so he can return as soon as possible. We will cherish each match at a time. Thank you for your support this year, this is Misawa. See you again in two weeks.
Notes
[A MENS]: Misawa referred to himself as this, while Kotaro was [A BOY]
Hashi: Makoto Hashi. Hashi (Jun Akiyama's long suffering student) was part of the walk out from All Japan. He retired due to several neck injuries, and works as a physiotherapist now. He was responsible for getting Naomichi Marufuji back to the ring following his manic 20th anniversary year in 2018. See also, "Heir to The Ark".
27TH JANUARY 2006
Donmato, Donmai, Donmai (Twin Touch Style*)
This is Misawa. The cold days continue, please take care of yourself and your body so that you do not catch a cold. Well, today I would like to write about the January tour that ended on the 22nd. The tour is over, and today I am relieved.
Why am I relieved...
The 8th and the 9th January tour started without any problems, but when the match ended at Korakuen on the 11th and when I woke up on the morning of the 12th, my right tail bone hurt. I was wondering that it felt strange that day, because I hadn't hit it or anything. The next morning we moved to Aichi by bus, and it hurt just to walk. I am sorry for the fans in Toyohashi, but I wasn't in a state where I could go mad. When I was seen by trainer Asako* in Toyohashi, in his opinion it was coming from my waist. It appears that the right thigh bone was misaligned. I think this is pretty dangerous, but I felt relief as it was a day off on the 14th.
I decided that if I couldn't wrestle on the 15th, I would be there in spirit and be at the venue in Hakata. I entered the venue feeling anxious, and I found the pain was gone. I thought it was lucky, and I took painkillers just in case and fought the match. There was no hinderance to my movement, and this time it is not just relief, it is peace of mind. From there on, all the rest of the tour in January I took painkillers for matches. At The Budokan, I fought the final match against Sasaki. There were some things I wasn't satisfied with as it was a six man, but the next day I had a scab on the plate of my chest. I am relieved that the January tour was completed without absence, and looking back on it I was terrified that I would have had to have missed Fukuoka if the pain continued as it was. Ultimately, I didn't know the direct cause of the pain, but I wrote for the privilege of the people who read this diary, that this kind of trial was secretly intense(?).
To answer Kobashi's question*, I don't play golf because I don't like getting sunburn (rather, I have weak skin and the doctor stopped me), so I don't play golf. Even if I wear long sleeves, my neck burns...I hate sunburn, and I don't like sunbathing, so isn't is a problem? Far from sunbathing, there are many people who have a full blown cold during the cold days, how does Kobashi get rid of a cold? There is always the image of being shirtless, but is there a way to get rid of a cold??
Oh yeah, finally, I have to clear up the misunderstanding in Taue's diary. On that day Hakata, it wasn't me in Taue's room! Next to me was Ogawa. The hotel room in Hakata was large, but in the room the side were the bed was, was Ogawa's*, so you couldn't hear my snoring. I was still eating outside at 11 o'clock on the day of Hakata, so because I was doing that, I couldn't have slept and was snoring before Taue went to bed.
Don't get me wrong....snoring, snoring, snoring...(mischievous smile) it was Misawa.
By the February tour, I would like to be in a good condition to go to matches. Even if you are not a wrestler, if you are not in good physical condition, it will hinder your work, study, housework, and relationships, so please be careful to maintain yourself.
Notes
Twin Touch: Japanese entertainers, The Touch, who are twins who form a comedy duo.
Asako was a former Noah wrestler, he had retired due to injuries. Misawa paid for his training to be a physio. He stayed with Noah for a few years before running his own practice, where he still treats roster members.
Kobashi's question was probably done on his own blog.
*Indicates that the grand seniors (i.e. the Misawa generation of Noah Kobashi, Ogawa, Misawa, Taue etc) sometimes, or on that occasion (i.e. in small towns), shared rooms.
10TH FEBRUARY 2006
Okay, lets go. It's been a long two weeks. How does everyone spend these days without our matches?
Aside from the depressing story that I have a pain in my neck and sleeplessness as I cannot sleep well, so I today I would like to answer the question from Kobashi first. Basically, I love hot springs. It's nice to just go to the hot springs, but it's even better if the room has a bath*. If you go to a large communal bath when there is no bath in the room, you may feel a slight gaze at your crotch*...Well, it's true. If I meet someone I've seen on TV in an open air bath, then I am sure I will look at them. I think it's human psychology.
I love hot springs, but basically I'm not good at sitting still, I'm someone who likes to go at my own pace, so when I take a bath at home, magazines and games are indispensable (I hate beauty salons for the same reason that it is not to my pace, and I can't just end it quickly). I can't just stare into space while soaking in the bathtub, so I bring my GameBoy Advance with me. Of course, it's the same on the toilet. That's why I think that is why I use the toilet and bath for longer. But, don't you feel numbness in your legs when you are just sitting on the toilet? When I read a manga to the end, it was like a stretch when I stood up...even in the bath, I was so absorbed in the game that I was tired by the time I got out of the bath...answering Kobashi's question has become unintentionally long.
By the way, this is a completely different story, but what about this time of year?
"What is it" is because the cold weather continues, but spring is approaching, and even though spring is supposed to be the season when people should be feeling positive, in reality some of the students are in the midst of taking entrance exams. There must be some of you out there, and people who are new to the workforce, who may be feeling anxious and overwhelmed right now. I decided that I would enter wrestling immediately after graduating from High School, and because of that, I think I went to cycle school to get my drivers licence around this time. Although I had already decided to enter, nevertheless or rather for that very reason, I spent every day feeling uneasy. I think it's a really tough season for those of us who are approaching milestones in spring, but I hope that even if the results are unsatisfactory, they'll see it positively. I just do it in my own way, if you have that sense of accomplishment, then it's the feeling of "Don't give up" without being discouraged by "No good, no good". Somehow, this time it became like small talk, but I remembered things like before I entered pro wrestling, and things went like this. If there are people who feel uneasy, I would like to help ease their feelings even just a little.
Lastly, I have a question for Kobashi. Next week is Valentine's Day, isn't it? Does Kobashi have a memorable Valentine? When we were children, there was no such word as "obligation chocolate*", and it was the day when we gave chocolates to other kids we really liked. Or rather, we didn't count on it. Besides, now that I don't think I want to eat chocolate except when I'm drinking, it's a day that doesn't need to exist.
Finally, I would like to introduce one of my favorites from this week, "Pojimigiyori*"...I'm not going to quote Kotaro's diary.
Notes
*Japan is a volcanic country and so hot springs (Onsen) abound throughout the land. People visit hot springs for the curative properties of the water. See also Kenoh's picture of Kongoh.
*Bathers are naked.
*Chocolate given to women by male colleagues on Valentines Day out of obligation
*I have no idea what this means
24TH FEBRUARY 2006
Hi, this is Misawa! It's almost March, but it's still cold, how are you all doing?
This might be sudden, but, this time Misawa's diary is "Touring Gourmet Diary Osaka Edition!!"
*Sound of a trumpet*
The restaurant I would like to introduce this time is Sumo Cuisine, "Chanko Nishino Ryu", it faces Sennichimae-dori and has this banner. It used to be in a different location, and it's been less than a year since it moved to its current location, but it's run by Mr. Yama, who is the same age as I am. I was introduced to him by an acquaintance in Tokyo. This time too, we had many delicious dishes and chanko.
Always, or at times like this, I definitely believe that since I'm a wrestler, I think I can eat a lot, so I was given a huge amount of food and we were treated to a lot of dishes. As you can see by looking at the picture, this is the amount of chanko sashimi. Furthermore, the chanko soup stock is delicious too, and if you can't eat it just because it is delicious, you will be in trouble (Ogawa* is in front of the Chanko in the photo). We also enjoyed delicious Japanese sake today. I am not a big fan of Japanese sake, but I've always wanted to drink it at a hot spring or inn, but it was delicious. Wine is actually the worst of all alcoholic beverages. Wine may be the alcohol most distant from our lifestyle, where we often go out to eat late at night after the match is over*. Ichigoro Fuaro. The reason why I used Shoichi-kun's name was to hide what he was doing. It seems that Shoichi-kun doesn't do it on stage, but Shoichi-kun's balloon performances are splendid. If you are a fan and have a chance to go to Osaka, please visit Namba Grand Kagetsu*.
On this day as well, after the Osaka event was over, I went back to the hotel and got to my room at 2am. I wonder if Nishinoryu* was there until around 1:00. He loves pro wrestling, as well as anime and special effects, and so the conversation was animated. Thank you both for the enjoyable time. And my stomach is full, so I am off tomorrow. But, we couldn't end it here and naturally we decided "let's go out for a drink" as our second party. I don't think people in the Kanto region* understand, so let me explain. In the case of Osaka, the bar districts are roughly divided into "Kita" and "Minami". If I were to explain it in terms of Tokyo, I would say that Kita = Ginza and Minami = Roppongi. In Kita, like Ginza, it closes at 12:00 or 1:00, so I usually go to Minami, but I went to eat at Kita-Shinchi where there was a restaurant that an acquaintance who came from Tokyo knew, which was open outside of business hours. 
The picture is of Kotaro singing karaoke enthusiastically at 6 o'clock in the morning. Kotaro was singing "Gundam" and "Eva"* I sang "Leo", "Tiger"* and "Galaxy Man". Before I knew it, it was 7 o'clock. As we left the store, the morning sun was already shining, and we passed office workers rushing to work as we made our way back to the hotel.
Finally, a question from Kobashi; I have never had to stand in line to buy a lottery ticket. Basically, I don't stand in line. No matter how good the restaurant is, I don't stand in line to enter. In addition, most of the time when I buy lottery tickets these days, I have to ask someone else to do it for me...come to think of it, I bought 100 of the year-end jumbo with consecutive numbers as usual, but it was only 300 yen....even though I'm expecting something like this, it's fun when I'm thinking "Don't expect it".
Graduation season is finally here in March and there may some people reading this diary who are about to graduate, so I have a question for Kobashi. Have you ever been asked to give a button from your school uniform at the graduation ceremony?* By the way, when was your graduation ceremony, and who did you give the button to? In spite of that, I wonder if life is like that these days...
Work hard, play hard (it's important to live a well balanced life) but be careful not to drink too much or sing too much. This is Misawa, see you in two weeks.
Notes
*Chanko Nishinoryu is still there
*It's ironic that Mitsuharu Misawa would take Yoshinari Ogawa with him, as Ogawa as he admits himself, does not have a very big appetite.
*Naomichi Marufuji and Katsuhiko Nakajima, might disagree, they love wine. Nakajima especially.
*Performing arts theatre in Japan, mainly focuses on Comedy.
*Nishinoryu: Sumo wrestler
*Kanto Region:
*Eva: I think this is a song from Neon Genesis Evangelion, which would fit Kotaro perfectly.
*Leo & Tiger: Songs from Ultraman
*Basically giving the button as momento to the person who meant the most to you at school. The second button down on the graduation uniform was believed to be closest to the heart.
10TH MARCH 2006
I can't say it's a lie.
My neck hurts...well, the pain has subsided a lot.
It figures to start by talking about Sunday's Budokan. I'm sure many of you have seen it at the venue and on G+ (editors note, you can watch the match on YouTube here), but Takeshi Morishima was a formidable opponent. I would like to write about things that have not been published in newspapers and magazines. What I really feel the most strongly about, is the fact that Morishima was unable to run out 
of stamina halfway through with that body. The fact that he is that big and he didn't run out of stamina, means that he practices a lot on a daily basis. It's not just me, a lot of our wrestlers don't like public practice before matches. It's a matter of course that you practice, but isn't it wrong to go out of your way to show that you're practicing? I often think that no matter how much you practice, if you can't perform well in a match, then it's just the same (but I think it is one of the necessary things to get people interested in a match, just like press conferences). Also, what I felt in the match that day was..."Ah Morishima, a nosebleed from the start...let's ask a question about it". In fact, as soon as the match started, there was blood on the mat. I thought "Huh!? Did I cut myself somewhere, and I looked up to find that Morishima was bleeding from his nose. When I asked the other wrestlers after the match was over, they said it wasn't because he had hit anything, but he had a nosebleed since before the match. I imagine that he must have been bleeding from tension in a good way.
Morishima was actually my attendant for a couple of months after his debut, and at that time I had the impression that he was a taciturn guy who worked hard. I think he has had many experiences since then, but I believe that human nature does not change*. As an opponent to fight, I had a nasty experience, but I don't want him to lose sight of his doing his best on the road. (By the way, the reason why Morishima was only my attendant for 2-3 years was because Fujimaru*, who joined right after that, was asked by my high school coach and Fujimaru's coach to make him my attendant, it's not because he made a mistake). As for the match, I think it would be better if you could actually see it, rather than talk about it here. If you didn't see it at the venue, please watch it on repeat or on DVD. Either way, I am glad this match was the last one...it was a match where I could feel Morishma's attack, which caused so much damage.
The day after The Budokan, I couldn't get up and rested for the day. The next day, after attending a board meeting, I went to visit Kotaro in the hospital. I really wanted to take a picture of him, but because he had just had surgery, his face was covered in bandages and only his right eye was exposed. I edited it, as it will be a photo that everyone will like*. Well, I'm relieved that he doesn't seem to be hurting as much as I thought. I am sure the fans are worried, but rest assured, the surgery has been completed safely.
The next day, I went bowling for a TV recording with Ameagari Ketsutai, on a program called "Rain Sports". I usually do bowling about once a year, but at least I've come to be passible. Actually, my left shoulder is slightly dislocated and since I'm right handed, I have been thinking about that since the recording.
So, I asked Kobashi a question. When you think of Kobashi, you think of Benz, but why is that? I think the fans feel it too, but isn't today's car too small for Kobashi? A word of advice, the four wheel drive is easier to get on and off for people like us who don't have good backs. Then to the question, all the buttons on his uniform weren't there on graduation day. In our era, the hooks at the back weren't sewn on, so they were easy to remove right away. By the way, surprisingly, I didn't dislike school uniforms although I didn't like the fact that the collar broke easily and if it was broken, I would have to replace immediately by inspection and it irritated me when my hair gets caught in the back. Speaking of school uniforms...when I was in High School, I was a Medium Run* (Those who know, know) *grin*
Well then everyone, see you in two weeks.
Notes
*Misawa did not live to see what happened to Morishima.
*Fujimaru: Mitsuharu Misawa and Jumbo Tsuruta gave Naomichi Marufuji this nickname in the All Japan dojo.
*He never actually posted the photo on his blog, so perhaps he just showed it to the roster.
*Ameagari Ketsutai - comedy duo.
*Medium Run: He wore the school uniform, but he wore it in his own way i.e. he stuffed the shoulders, had designs on the back of the buttons, wore the waist a little tighter and perhaps had more buttons as this was longer than standard designs.
24TH MARCH 2006
This is Misawa for the first time in two weeks.
First of all in this diary, SEM on the 21st. I went along with you all, or rather, I almost feel like as a spectator. Even though this is a Noah event, it feels good to go to the venue without having a match. Those of you who have watched the match, will understand. I am sure there are various impressions, but above all, I am happy that all the young wrestlers have grown more than I thought. As for the event itself, I think everyone who came had their own ideas, but in keeping with the purpose of this year's event, we were able to come up with a variety of ideas without spending a lot of money. Be sure to met me know about your thoughts on the site's e-mail box.
But, it wasn't all about the things that made me happy.
On that day, Hirayanagi* was injured in the first match. I was watching from the balcony on the second floor, and I was wondering if it was a nosebleed, but he was bleeding from the inside of his mouth. It appears that the people in the audience who were watching also thought he had cut the inside of his mouth, but in reality, he had two broken bones in his lower jaw. After the match was over, he was taken to hospital by ambulance, but the first was unable to treat him, so the ambulance took him to the next, which means that he rode the ambulance twice in one day. Moreover, it was reported that the bleeding did not stop for three hours which was the time he moved to another hospital until the treatment was completed. There must have been a fair amount of pain, but it's still early in his career for him to keep going until the end. Maybe it is his sense of responsibility as a wrestler. It's unfortunate that he got injured, but I hope he will make use of this experience in his career as an athlete. It's not just about the rank and file, it's also about Hashi, Shiozaki and Kotaro, who are all injured. The athletes who are resting, the ones who are fighting and all the rest, I don't want everyone to ignore the fact that they are having a hard time. By all means, everyone of the fans use the mail box, so if you send your message of support, I think it will encourage them.
So, now a slightly brighter (perhaps?) topic. A new version of the well-known THE LEAVE commercial "Misawa ni Osamu Kudasai*", will be aired after Noah's hiatus on April 2nd. I am sure there are people who will feel unsatisfied with my acting, but this time the two patterns are the "Song Version" and "Kotaro Version". It was recorded during the last day off, but anyway, the recording started early in the morning! I think I have written this in my diary before, but I am a night person anyway, so when I work early in the morning, it is hard to get myself in shape. Moreover on this day, the song version was suddenly recorded early in the morning. Even if it is not that, my voice is usually hoarse and I can't speak because it's early in the morning, so just to be sure I would like to I say that my voice is low pitched from the beginning. When I was in junior high school, Kensaku Morita* was so impersonated that it was included in repetoire. (young people may not understand this, it's a topic limited to my generation). I don't know how many times my throat has been crushed by kicks, chops, and other things since I entered professional wrestling. Thanks to that, my voice became so hoarse, but it's amazing how it's returned now. People often say "You sing well because your voice is low", but I'm not good at it at all*. Anyway, I managed to finish shooting the song version while struggling, and the second one is frankly the "Kotaro Version". To be honest, it is more interesting than the previous version, so please look forward to the broadcast.
Now, let me answer a question for Kobashi, who showed off the results of his practice during the indoor bowling. The only thing I can eat is a sea squirt. Does it smell like the sea? I hear that something fresh doesn't stink, but maybe it's because it's fresh that I haven't come across it yet. Even if I don't eat it myself, I'm not good at it just sitting on the table. Basically, I want to avoid food with strong odors.
And now a question for Kobashi. It's been hot and warm lately, and the temperature has been fluctuating a lot, so how does Kobashi sleep? Tell me....by the way, before you ask me, I am wearing a negligee. Well then everyone, next time is in April. So let's wrap this up while praying that you are welcoming the start of the New Year positively*
Notes
*Genba Hirayanagi: Noah Born, debuted in August 2005 and retired December 2016. Last I heard he was running a restaurant and embarrassing his wife and daughter by playing on the spring horses in a children's playground.
*Misawa ni Osamu Kudasai: How can I serve you Misawa?
*Kensaku Morita: Politician (plus actor and musician), who Misawa apparently used to imitate.
*"Misawa is a nice guy, but there is only one problem. Singing. He is tone deaf and won't let go of the microphone" - Kodo Fuyuki.
*New Year: Fiscal year starts in April and other events in Japan too such as the first enrollment into schools, colleges etc and people start looking for jobs.
7TH APRIL 2006
One by one. It's Mitsuharu Misawa's "Donmai Diary". (It's a Sgt. Frog* joke that only people who know him will understand. Kotaro is still naïve).
First of all, let's start with seasonal topics. It's the season for Cherry Blossom viewing in Tokyo, and when I was watching the news, I thought to myself "Everyone, let's be careful when going to see cherry blossoms." (I feel like the number of bad people is increasing year by year, but is it just my imagination?). I'm not good at cold places, so no matter how much I prepare, I can imagine my lower back hurting when I sit on a small chair or on the ground, so I have never been to an authentic cherry blossom viewing.
Well, the April tour will start on Sunday, and it will be one week. I feel like I wrote this before, but honestly the day before the tour started was really heavy. I don't mean I don't like matches or anything like that, but I think it's the same for wrestlers other than myself, but there is a lot of pressure before the tour that I have to brace myself for for the next few weeks. The match started from Korakuen Hall, but since Haruka Eigen* retired at the Nakanoto event last month, it was the first time that when I heard the noisy voices that I usually hear from the waiting room*, I felt that something was missing and that I was lonely when I entered. But I think I have reached an age where I have to get used to things like that and that's why my desire to do what I can do becomes stronger. These days, I am reminded that I have to keep working hard to keep my physical strength and vitality up.
Well, this month marks half a year since I started this diary. I try to read the diaries of others and other wrestlers as much as possible, the first thing that comes to my mind when I read a diary is, "Isn't everyone's diary shorter than mine?" It's not just a days worth, but two weeks worth, so I guess I need 2-3 stories. That being said, once every two weeks is surprisingly weirder than you might think, isn't it? People who write diaries every day, and people who update their blogs every day, many of them athletes, are really annoying. Even if there is an interesting after story, it's true that there are many things that can't be written, so I think all the athletes are very creative. I would be happy if the fans who are curious about what the wrestlers are doing in their free time can enjoy it. I enjoy getting to know a side of a wrestler, that even I didn't know. And when I look at the site, there is general news, sex stories (limited to Sugiura) available, otaku content (limited to Kotaro) available. It is a group of wrestlers who are unique, even outside matches. This tour will cover a wide area, from Kansai to Kyushu and finally from Tottori to The Budokan. If you are interested in Noah after looking at the website, please come to the venue.
As we enter April, I think there will be many people who are not accustomed to a new environment such as a term, a new school year, and new employees. During the tour I will participate in a Kings Road match* and on the same day Sugiura will participate in Pancrase. Noah, myself and all the wrestlers would like to continue to take on the challenge of "What I can do now". When you are feeling down, watch Noah, and it will cheer you up, so I am going on tour with the feeling of doing my best.
Finally, we head to Kobashi, the host of "Hot Blooded Classroom." I have both a dog and cats at home, but I love animals in general, so I can't say that I am a dog person. Well, dogs have to be walked, but cats don't, so they are probably the least labor intensive. By the way, the first animal I ever had other than insects was a green turtle when I was in elementary school. Does Kobashi like animals? Has he ever had one?
This is Misawa. See you all in two weeks.
Notes
*Sgt. Frog: Or Sergeant Keroro (Keroro Gunso) is a manga about a regiment of frog like aliens who try to conquer earth.
*Haruka Eigen: Died 2016 of a heart attack. Former Sumo turned wrestler, walked out of All Japan with Misawa. After retirement he was given a corporate role, which he lost when he was implicated in the ticket scandal and thereafter he remained as a general employee.
*Noises from The Waiting Room: KENTA said the same thing about the nostalgic noise when he returned to Noah.
*Kings Road Match: I think he probably means against a All Japan wrestler.
*Hot Blooded/or Passionate Classroom: This sounds like a TV show appearance, but Misawa is here referring to Kobashi as teacher.
21st APRIL 2006
Cheers! I've been feeling a little tired lately. It's getting both warmer and colder*, and the days when it's easy to get sick continue. How are you all doing? There is only one match at The Nippon Budokan left on this tour. Now that the tour is over, I would like to write about what happened.
The tour this time left Tokyo on April 7th, the day of the event in Nagoya, and continued for three weeks until the event in Tottori. Rather than leaving Tokyo and then returning after the match is over (commuting), it would have been easier if I could have had a rest at the destination while I was on the go, but this time it turned out to be a tour with no breaks at all.
Originally, on April 9th, which was my first day off, I was going in person to Kings Road at Korakuen Hall. We departed from our hotel in Okayama at 6:00 in the morning, flew straight from Haneda to Korakuen, and then took a night flight back to Okayama. Even if I don't write about the match here, you will have been able to come to the venue or read about it in various places, so I'll omit it. I have been doing this for 20 odd years, and I never thought I would make a day trip to and from Tokyo. Of course this was my first experience. I thought I was glad to be able to experience the match itself, but I think this move is enough...then, the next off day was the day we moved from Okayama to Kumamoto. In fact, it took us seven hours to travel by bus, and we arrived in Kumamoto at 6:00pm. Dinner was from 8pm. If you remember your travels, you'll understand that even just getting on the bus can be exhausting. In addition, as I announced in this diary about my next day off, I will be traveling to an event. I don't dislike it because it's hard to create opportunities to talk directly with fans unless it's a time like this, and so on that day we held two events from 19:00 to 21:30. To all the fans who participated, did you just enjoy yourself? For those of you who couldn't make it this time, we would like to offer you an opportunity like this outside of Tokyo, so please join us when it is held near you.
Speaking of tours, this is the first tour since Kotaro was absent and since he is not here, Ota* took Kotaro's place. During that time, myself, Ogawa and Ota were drinking and Ogawa took a picture and sent it to Kotaro with the message, "There is no place for you to return to." It appears that after this Kotaro was very sad and lonely. I asked him later while doing muscle training at the dojo, he said "Well, I miss having matches and I am sure the President misses me too. As I thought, nerd talk is no good. Ota is no good at it".
Of course, I have no idea that Kotaro said such a thing. Kotaro, I don't want you to get depressed, so I am waiting for you to recover and return. So, as this time I have turned the diary full of "I'm tierd" mode, next time will be in the middle of Golden Week*, I am going to collect ideas so that I can provide a brighter topic.
In response to Kobashi's question, we have five animals; three cats (Tsuki, who is a mixture of black and white, Gammo a hybrid who resembles an American shorthair, and Chikuwa who is brown), there is Hanpen*, the bulldog, and a turtle. One of the turtles happened to die, but the remaining one is already over 10 years old*. He was just an ordinary green turtle, but over half a year from winter, before I knew it he had grown to the size of my palm. Except for the unnamed turtles, all of them are named after interesting stories, it wasn't on purpose, it was just the name I came up with and it's just how things turned out.
Finally, I have a question for Kobashi.
Shiga* has become a hot topic, but is he in Burning now?
There Burning even in a punch?
I'm sure some of you are interested, so I thought I'd ask.
See you all in two weeks. Have a nice Golden Week.
Notes
*Warmer & Colder: In winter, three days of cold weather followed by four days of warm weather
*Ota: Ippei Ota. A Noah Born who debuted during the Golden Era. After Misawa died he developed terrible anxiety and quit wrestling. He now is a body builder and runs a gym, where a picture of Misawa stares out over the lobby. According to CIMA, Misawa had named him "Ippei" after a Pokemon character.
*Golden Week: Week of public holidays which can coincide with Cherry Blossom season.
*Hanpen: Misawa's beloved bulldog. Mayumi Misawa (Misawa's wife) wrote that when he was at home Misawa was the only person allowed to walk him or feed him. After Hanpen died, Misawa used to walk alone the route they used to take by the river.
*Misawa's turtle: If the turtle was over ten years old and this is 2006, Misawa must have gotten him in the early 1990s, which was the All Japan era of the Four Pillars.
*Kentaro Shiga: All Japan wrestler, who was part of the walk out to Noah. He left Noah in 2010 when his contract expired and left wrestling all together after 2011. Naomichi Marufuji reached out to him to see if he would like to come to the Baba Memorial, but he declined.
- For some reason, Misawa started spelling Kotaro in romanji and not kanji.
5TH MAY 2006
Do your best. Golden Week is almost over, how are you all doing? I think I wrote something before, but I hate crowds = I hate holidays.
I'm Misawa, and I love to rest when people are working on weekdays. When the final match is over on Sunday, we eat after the event is over, and then we go out for drinks. It's usually until morning. So, on Monday morning, when you are going to work, I'm still drinking. At times like that, I feel a slight sense of superiority, but I realize that I worked hard on tour. This may be the same feeling that you all have when you have a day off in lieu.
Now, let's start by talking about the Budokan.
Aside from my own match (or rather, my match has already been read about in magazines and on this site), the Budokan this time was Masao Inoue's first GHC main event. I was on commentary for the match, and was able to talk about it from the commentary table, but the presence of the fans was more important that the content of the match. Inoue lost, but I think he worked hard, and I think his hard work was greatly helped by fans at The Budokan. Thank you very much.
The semi main junior championship, must have been a lot of pressure for Ishimori*, as this was his first Noah and first GHC. I would say this is a passing score as think this was a match where he was able to fend off that pressure. I think KENTA, who defended the belt, has also stepped up a notch.
And as a behind the scenes topic, at the Budokan I met Kotaro-kun again for the first time in a while. Since he was recovering well, I thought it would be nice to have a drink once in a while, so we went out for a drink together. So, here Kotaro, talks. As mentioned in Nishinaga's diary, Kotaro insists that "humans will eventually live in colonies". He insisted, so I smacked him on the head three times saying, "Are you stupid?" Noah isn't all geeks like this, so I'd like to thank all the fans for their support.
A week later, Haruka Eigen's retirement party was held. To be honest, I didn't expect so many people to come, even though he has been doing this for forty years. But the thing that surprised me the most was that he had become one of the founders before he knew it. By the way, I am often asked to give a party speech or something, but I'm not very good at talking seriously. In other words, I get tired of talking seriously, so unless I'm the guest of honor asked to give a speech at a wedding ceremony, I tend to laugh. If you ask me to give a speech, you need to be prepared. After all, I rarely give praise. At a wedding, other people will fight to give praise, and basically it's in the way of lowering the bar. The lowering of the bar rate is about 80%.
Everyone beware.
To get back on topic, I went to eat sushi with Master Irakutaro*, who also attended the party (Master, thank for the meal). Kotaro-kun was here, and Ota too. Kotaro has been talking about the colony so far, but Ota puts a spin on things, saying things that don't make sense like, "Doors are built everywhere, aren't they?" According to Ota, "Actually, there are doors everywhere, but the public transportation system is paralyzed, so it's not possible." How should I put it...they say stupid things, but not everyone is such an otaku, so thank you to all the fans. Even so, listening to these guys made me feel uneasy about the future.
Lastly I have a question for Kobashi. The photobook* is on sale now, but which photo would you recommend for an "mature woman"?
See you guys in two weeks.
Notes
*Taiji Ishimori. Left Noah in 2018.
*Master Irakutaro:Sanyutei Enraku was a a Japanese rakugo comedian (equivalent to stand up comedian) and actor. He died in 2022.
*Shiro Koshinaka
19TH MAY 2006
Do your best! I think it's about time for this "Do your best" to start to come to fruition, and I think it's getting annoying. How do you feel about it? "Not again". I'm sure that it is frustrating for those of you who are thinking about it, but well, it depends on the person.
It's finally here again this year!
It's that time! "What time!"
I can't hear everyone's voices, so I am going to take the plunge by myself, but from that time to summer, it's the season for health checkups here. The so called physical examination so to speak. Wan-Wan*...since I'm not that dog, I'm mixing in more dad jokes. For the young people, let me explain here (and I'm a little embarrassed that I am the only one in high spirits here). Do students also have a health checkup once a year? There is no mistake if you think of it as an improved type, but starting with height and weight, internal organs, vision, hearing, electrocardiogram, blood, urinalysis, and stool collection, we spend the whole day testing everything.
This is why Misawa gets a little depressed at this time of year. For whatever reason, I'm very, very, very bad at barium. If it wasn't for that, I could handle it. I can't understand the fact that things that aren't usually drinks go into my mouth, (even dentists put things into my mouth, but I don't swallow them, so I wonder if I can somehow clear it), besides I can't understand why the cup is to big, like a McShake.
I will never forget the first barium test, and I had very underestimated it. First of all, barium has a bad taste. After a barium or stomach examination is complete, a laxative is always given to prevent poop from hardening. Anyway, I had learned the horrors of barium, so I was given two laxatives, and I had a terrible experience when I had only taken one. If you have read this far, I am sure you have guessed that no poop came out. It took half an hour to emerge, and it looked like a rocket had taken off. In terms of image, I could hear the sound that geta make*....to put it simply, I felt like I had turned to stone, or rather, it felt like a stone was protruding from my butt. People who think this story is vulgar, don't have a sense of humanity. It's hard to maintain your health, so please think of it as "about yourself".
By the way, this check up is compulsory for all wrestlers and employees. So that wrestler you like, that cool wrestler, and the wrestlers who think "Oh, he's been a long time in the toilet", have also been drinking barium and doing stool samples. I also do it, so it's not bad. Pretty much any cute girl will poop, and there's no guy who doesn't poop. Today I am repetitious for some reason. Well, it's such a melancholy season, I'm fully booked this year and my checkup is in August, so I'll get myself in shape by then. When I think about it calmly, it's still a long way off, but I really don't like barium to the extent that I break out in a cold sweat. By the way, Ogawa is a coward who stops drinking alcohol a week before the examination.
I don't want the story to end on a depressing note, so I'll say goodbye with an interesting story at the end.
Recently, at a dinner party, I had the opportunity to sit with a certain company consultant, Ohyagi-san, when Fukuda suddenly said to me, "Boss, isn't "Goranger" the official name?", when I answered it's "Himitsu Sentai Gorenger*", it suddenly started on karaoke. Just when I was wondering who was going to sing, Ohyagi-san suddenly grabbed the mic and started singing. As someone who likes Super Sentai, I was happy, but I was surprised because I didn't think that 70 year old's would suddenly start singing. I heard later that he would watch it with his son as a child, and felt nostalgic and sang it. However, that story may puzzle young people.
This is really the end now, so I will answer Kobashi's question. As long as it is with someone you like, you can go anywhere, right? I think it's important to have a period of time where you don't overload each other. As a side note, I'm not yet old enough to enjoy a vacation like relaxing in a country onsen for many days, and if you're going anyway, it'd be nice to go somewhere you can hang out. I don't get tired of watching animals, so if there's a zoo or a theme park, I'd like to go there, but basically it's a place where you don't get bored.
I have a question for Kobashi. The weather is still unstable every day, but at what temperature does Kobashi wear short sleeves? At what temperature should you change your clothes? Earlier, I asked you what you wear when you go to bed, so this time, please tell us about the clothes you wear outside.
The date has changed, and the May tour begins today. This time, I will visit Hokkaido for the first time in a year and a half, starting from Tokyo. All the wrestlers will do their best, so please give us your support.
...Oh, come to think of it, I wonder if Morishima and Yone are doing well...
Notes
Wan-Wan: Dog character on a children's TV show. The dog transforms into different things throughout the course of the episodes i.e. a superhero.
Geta: Traditional wooden clogs, they make a clacking sound when one walks in them. As you walk in them taking short quick steps (traditionally as a woman) this indicates a sound done in quick succession. I think that is enough imagery for this purpose somehow.
Himitsu Sentai Gorenger: Misawa's love of SFX shows is demonstrated in this show about the earth being saved by robot beings. I think he would have seen a lot of Kotaro in Yasutaka Yano, who posts a lot of SFX type characters using TikTok effects.
2ND JUNE 2006
There are only two matches left on this tour. This time, I will start with something that I noticed before it began.
The tour started on the 19th (Friday) at Korakuen Hall, but on a personal note, my teeth started to throb when I ate four or five days before the tour started. I wasn't sure if it was swollen gums or toothache, but I was a little worried about it, so I went to the dentist three days before and he told me that he was putting a bridge on the tooth that was aching. The fact is, the bridge on my back teeth are almost bent. The reason is that most of my back teeth have been crushed by clenching my teeth during matches, and most of my teeth other than my front teeth are in that condition. In the last few years, I have been using a mouthpiece during matches, so that kind of problem has disappeared. Regarding mouthpieces, we leave the final decision up to the individual, but the company makes recommendations for the wrestlers. I have gotten sidetracked, so with gum treatment and after taking an x-ray because the tooth with the crown was damaged, the dentist said "Can you come back in 2 - 3 days?" When the bus left for Sendai, I gave up taking it and went to the dentist for treatment (even if it wasn't for that, after the match at Korakuen was over, I was in pain again, so I think I had to go). I think it's the same as when you go abroad, it's important to take care of your teeth when you go away for a long time. It's not fun to have pain during the tour, which is why it is always planned to have dental treatment before it. Moreover, there are dinner parties in rural areas, so I don't have a lot of free time, I should get them fixed before the tour.
As an aside, people often say things like, "It's nice to be able to travel all over the country", or, "it's nice to be able to eat delicious food from all over the country". I feel like I have written this story before, but the shops are closed after the event is over, so I can't go to many, and firstly, I don't come here to hang out. Life is not so sweet (once again I am being repetitive). I have travelled all over the country, but I can't go sightseeing at all*, if anything most of my life is spent going back and forth between the hotel and the gym. It's true I go to bars at night all over the country, but I don't think there's anything interesting about going to a "delicious restaurant" like you think.
So, this time, the event was held after the Obihiro* show on May 30th. It's rare to have an event while on the road, but unlike the previous event in Hakata, this time it's even more unusual pattern. By the way, what were my impressions after the event...well, the number of female fans have decreased. Of the 90% of the participants in this event, 4 - 5 were women, so I had mixed feelings of happiness and sadness. But I appreciate my same-sex fans, and it makes me happy when a man says, "You're cool". This event consisted of a talk, an autograph session, and a photo session. Don't you hate speaking in public? Although it's only natural, pro wrestling speech is the main focus. It's rude to fans, but the language of pro wrestling is funny and uninteresting to us, so we get tired of it, or rather, it's boring...I think we can have conversations without putting too much effort into each other's private conversations and personal life advice, but it can't be helped.
On a different note, the new Super Mario was released today. I thought, "Probably I will have it when I get home". I didn't think about it, but on the day of the Aomori event, Fujimaru suddenly appeared on the bus and said in a loud voice, "Oh, I want the new Mario! It's on sale but I don't know where to go". Putting this aside, when I got to the gym, a photographer said, "Misawa-san, today is the release date for Mario Brothers". He came here on purpose to say that? Do I really look like a gamer? Well, according to the photographer, he went looking for the department store in front of the station but could not find it, so he gave up and came to work. A staff member passing by said, "It's in the Ito-Yokado* in front of the gymnasium". So, Fujimaru happens to pass by there again. He asked me, "Hey, do you want Mario?", when asked I replied, "It appears that is in the Ito-Yakado near the gymnasium, so you can go and buy it". The press man and Fujimaru went out together, and after about 15 minutes they came back smiling. They said they were piled up just inside the entrance, and it was as dark as a lighthouse.
But, no matter how old Fujimaru is...
Again, this time too my diary is full of small jokes, but I will answer Kobashi's question, "Which celebrity do you look like?" He may not be a double now, but when slimmed down, it is the popular "Mountain Monkey". However, this is a different "Mountain Monkey", it's Hideaki Itō*. I wonder if he is tired of plunging in alone again* (rough). Do we look like? I can almost hear the voices of the readers saying, "You look alike". Young people might not know this, but there is Konitan*. Eh? Don't you get it? Then let me introduce someone else, Konitan and Teruhiko Saigo* Teruhiko Saigo has often said for a long time, that we look alike. In fact, I had the chance to work with him on a TV recording, and I'm sorry to say that I think we look alike.
This is a question for Kobashi. The tour of Hokkaido will soon be over, and speaking of Hokkaido, is seafood a little forced? (rough, note, either that or he was being rude). What is Kobashi's favorite Sushi topping? I am with colleague Masao, eel. Also, I can feel everyone's cold gazes with the barrage of old man jokes, so I'll wrap up around here. Misawa.
Notes
Sightseeing: Misawa might not have had time in Japan due to schedule and his own duties company president, so he loved sightseeing when abroad. There is also a story in "The Last Bump" of Takeshi Rikio being knocked off a bike by a reversing taxi when sightseeing!
Obihiro: Hokkaido. The island Misawa was born on. The family left when he was a few months old, but he seems to have retained a fondness for the place, even though he billed himself as being from Saitama. Years after his death Naomichi Marufuji would recall being show Misawa's favorite seat at a bar, and Go Shiozaki and Kotaro Suzuki (when in All Japan) went to his favorite restaurant there and set a place at the table for him with his favorite drink and brand of cigarettes.
Ito-Yokado: Department store
Hideaki Itō: Japanese actor
Plunging in: "Umizaru" is a Japanese series about the lives of lifeguards, (more diving squad than Baywatch). The title "Sea Monkey" was given by the local townspeople to the divers due to their wild behavior when off duty, and yes, in each episode/film, someone drowns.
Konitan: Hiroyuki Konishi. Japanese actor, known for Power Rangers, Kamen Rider etc.
Teruhiko Saigo: Actor. Admittedly, there is a resemblance to Misawa when younger.
16TH JUNE 2006
Cheer up. It's been about 10 days since the tour ended, but Misawa is still busy on his days off. By the way, did you enjoy the meeting with wrestlers? Well, it was interesting, the talk show with three of us...after it ended, the three of us came in one by one. I'm sorry I entered so sluggishly. It's not really an apology, but if you think that way, I'd like us to use this as a lesson and proceed smartly and smoothly from the next time. What I thought when watching the talk show was that this kind of thing means that the MC has a lot of responsibility. We are often invited to talk shows, but I once again keenly felt that "It's for the MC, isn't it?" (By the way what abbreviation is MC?) I think going forward, I think the way is to ask those who specialize in being an MC, (and of course if you feel like "I want to do this myself", we will leave it at that). I'm sure you all have your own impressions of the match after watching it, so I'll refrain from commenting here.
By the way, when the match was over, Kotaro showed up again while we were drinking. For some reason, I was just mimicking Masao that day. When I asked, "You, who is this?" he responded, "Eh? Eh?" in an impersonation. Moreover, according to what I have heard, it's also Shio's ripoff, but if you ever get the chance, please watch.
Now, on a personal note, I have been talking about renewing my driver's license this weekend. This will be the second Gold license* in my life. (Sings a jingle from a car advert) Gold license (Doraemon style). Well, I have had a drivers license since I was 18, and have an equivalent transgression with my second Gold, but I am still happy (but even if I say "transgression", it's just a parking violation...) By the way, when I went to renew, I was immediately greeted at the reception desk with, "Misawa thank you". Deep down, I had wondered if it would be possible to finish it quickly, but that didn't happen, and I finished watching the video in about 30 minutes. Why do people hate the police even though they haven't done anything wrong, or hate hospitals even though there's nothing wrong with just getting tested? Also, did you know that starting next year there will be three types of driver's licenses*? I only found out about this when I went to renew.
Now, I will answer the question from Kobashi. The best is fillet. If he hears this, will Kobashi treat me with the royalties from his photo book?* Kobashi doesn't usually drink*, but would he like to go drinking at a small restaurant? Or one of Sugiura's favorite cabaret clubs?* If two men drink together, it's easier to talk when a woman is there, isn't it? Misawa is demanding your agreement. If there are three men, the talk will increase, but even when there are two bastards drinking.
Oh yeah, one last small thing. Mario was what Fujimaru was looking for during tour, but after all, it was best when he got home. That kind of game is only played in the toilet, and Mario this time is surprisingly difficult. It's only the 3rd stage, but before you know it, it's been about 30 minutes. Misawa's legs are always numb when he comes out of the toilet, even though it's western style. I think it's the same situation in most houses, but since the bathroom isn't properly air-conditioned, it's a tough season. After finishing games, I always realise that mobile games are bad for my eyes. It's only recently that backlights have become available, and it's amazing. Nowadays, I can feel the progress in technology even in games. But no matter how much technology advances, humans won't live in colonies, do you understand? Kotaro! And I can't wait forever for "secret doors", Ippei!
This was Misawa, see you all in two weeks.
Notes
Gold License: A tier for drivers who have demonstrated over the past five years exemplary behavior i.e. no road rage, citations, fines, speeding cautions, accidents, NOSAWA etc.
Small, medium and large: Drivers licenses for different vehicle sizes i.e. a moped would be small, a car medium and a bus or truck large.
Kenta Kobashi Document: Kobashi's photo book. Jun Akiyama once stuck a copy down his pants, walked from the ring like that, and handed it to one (debatably) lucky fan.
Kobashi & drinking: Back in their All Japan days, Misawa thought it would be funny to take country bumpkin Kobashi out and get him drunk. Kobashi said he would be lying there, the world spinning around and wondering what day it was, when Misawa would appear and take him drinking again. Despite this, neither Kobashi or Misawa made their own juniors drink.
Cabaret clubs: Hostess club.
30TH JUNE 2006
It's hot, isn't it? These days I'm sweating unnecessarily (by the way, the sweat that isn't wasted is the sweat after practice). Speaking of sweat, recently, or for quite some time now, I'm dripping with it. I think that this diary is read by people of all ages, but isn't the sweat in your youth somewhat sour? If you wore a dark colored t-shirt and sweated, it looked salt blown*. Pimples are also unique to young people, and toxins must have been released in good way when they grow older. By the way, it's fine as long as you are sweating like this, but when the generation what doesn't sweat gradually comes, it is said that the waste matter builds up and cause aging odor. When I first heard the term "old person smell", I thought it was a "curry smell", and I was scratching my head wondering, "Why does it smell like curry?" (but I am sure there are many people who made that mistake).
However, I think that everyone can make such a silly mistake. The mistake that someone said previously on TV hit me hard. In the song from the anime, "Star of the Giants", when the part that says "Only one trial that I thought about, only one...", Yuma Hoshishi* is pulling a roller on the ground, it seems that person thought the roller was a tool called a kondara (note, a ground levelling tool, kind of like a roller from a steam roller, used to flatten surfaces). In other words, it's a story about "believe deeply" which the "giant roller" talks about. I don't know who it was as I can't remember, but I can't help but smile. Come to think of it, I haven't seen that roller lately and come to think if it, the current school doesn't have a dirt field, so I don't think it is necessary.
Enough of the nonsense, I'll answer Kobashi's question promptly. If I had to choose between tea and coffee, I would be more of a tea person, but I drink cafe au lait the most.
Let's finish this time with a silly story...as I wrote in this beginning, the season is getting hotter and hotter than summer. I'm a car lover, so the season is tough. The reason is that the heat when getting into the car is painful. First of all, there is the seat. It takes time to reach a temperature when you can cool off and not sweat. Well, I convince myself that sweating is good for my metabolism, but this time of year, when I'm wearing bright gray or blue-colored glossy clothes, the sweat soaks through my skin. Unfortunately, the car has heated seats (I'm not proud of it, I'm not proud of it), but I've never used it. When I take a bath, it takes time for the sweat to wash off, and it's hard work. On top of that, I get eczema when I'm exposed to UV rays, so I can't go out much (I'm often told "Misawa-san, you look pale", but that's the reason). Summer is troublesome, but summer is my favorite season, so it is inconsistent.
A new tour starts tomorrow. It will be the tour before the summer vacation, but this time too, the wrestlers will fight with all their strength, so please give them all your support.
Notes
Salt blown: Appearance of white flecks
Yuma Hoshishi: Main character of "Star of The Giants", an anime about school baseball
GeGeGe no Kotaro: Clever play on the name "GeGeGe no Kitaro", the protagonist of a manga character from "Kitaro of The Graveyard". The character is supernatural, swathed in long hair and a kimono, and throws sand at unsuspecting passersby's from the bamboo groves it lives in.
7TH JULY 2006
Sorry, this is the first time in a week. I wish you all the best this week on behalf of Kobashi. I am sure that you are all worried about Kobashi. I have received many letters of encouragement to the office and many e-mails addressed to Kobashi on this site, and I am very grateful for your concern. Pro Wrestling Noah, it's precisely because we're in this kind of situation that we're going to do our best as usual, or even better than that, so I ask for your continued support.
So...shall we begin? Cheers (^_^).
First, let's talk about the third SEM. My impression is now that "I can watch it somewhat with peace of mind". It's reassuring to hear that the young wrestlers will continue to do their best (although it is unfortunate that Ito injured his knee). You have to line up early for SEM, and I am looking forward to seeing you.
The tour started on July 1st, but the day before the opening, I had a TV interview with Endo-san from Cocorico*. It is local to Kansai, but was mostly about professional wrestling, so I if you are in the Kansai area, I hope you will take a look. The program recorded on that day was "BRAVO*!" The recording was "a conversation while eating", but once I started talking, I couldn't eat. So, at that time, I suddenly thought of something I couldn't do...I didn't get to eat on my first date. Eating one on one with the opposite-sex...I like her too...I was filled to the brim with this feeling. I was hungry and really wanted to eat a lot, but I pretended to be cool and ordered a sandwich. Well actually, it's totally fine now, right? Let alone...(*Wink*) No, let's stop here.
It's been a long time since I have been relieved, but this tour will have a big match at the Nippon Budokan, where Takayama* will make his comeback. Takayama will have his first match in two years, champion Akiyama and Sasaki (Kensuke), who has willingly agreed to participate despite Kobashi's absence, and of course the other wrestlers, all of whom will also go into the tour with their own feelings in their hearts. Kobashi, who is unable to participate in matches, is battling an illness. Thank you for your support on this tour, see you next week.
Notes
Cocorico: Comedy duo, consisting of Shozo Endo and Naoki Tanaka.
BRAVO!: Sports entertainment show, ran from April 4th 2006 to March 20th 2009. Misawa must have been one of the earliest guests. The show was split between Hanshin Tigers news and a guests corner.
Takayama: Yoshihiro Takayama, he was returning from suffering a stroke in 2006.
14TH JULY 2006
Cheers!! This is Misawa (^_^). On days when the heat continues, how is everyone spending the week? Now, when I walk outside, in 30 minutes I can use a handkerchief twice.
Noah is currently in the midst of the July tour. This tour is a little short at two weeks, and will focus on the Kansai and Tohoku regions*. When I am in the Kansai region, I often stay in Osaka, and so speaking of Osaka, I'd like to introduce you to a short and interesting story. In Osaka, there is a food that I am looking forward to somewhat, called "Tempura Curry". Simply put, it's a deluxe version of curry nanban* topped with tempura. There is a restaurant I often go, when I went I first went there I was surprised at how big and delicious it was. The Kansai style dashi soup is light and delicious to drink. Speaking of udon, it's a massive noodle similar to Sanuki udon, and since it comes in a large bowl, I think it's a bit extreme for the general public. Anyway, I've been looking forward to it ever since I went there for the first time. It used to be right next to the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, but the store moved and now it's in Namba. Sorry for the long introduction, but the day after I went out for drinks after the last Osaka event, I wanted to eat udon noodles, and when I went out in the evening, unfortunately the restaurant was closed between noon and night, so I couldn't help it. I was wandering around by myself wondering if there was anything else, and before I knew it, I was in the vicinity of MANDARAKE (it's a famous anime and live action film related shop) and surrounded by figure shops. As I was walking, thinking that this might be the rumored "Osaka Akihabara", a young man approached me and said politely, "You must be Mr. Misawa! Please can I shake your hand?" (as an aside, I was so happy that he said it so politely like this). One thing I am grateful for is the pattern of whispering "Mr Misawa" as we pass each other and then making a u-turn and saying, "Mr Misawa, please shake my hand". I am grateful that you can watch professional wrestling on TV, but when I was called out in front of the person in front of me...what is only the man in a couple knew me? The pattern becomes even more awkward.
Man: It's Misawa!
Woman: Who?? Who??
Man: Excuse me, Mr Misawa, please shake hands.
Woman: Me too
Sometimes in my heart (and out loud sometimes) at that time I was like, "Dude, you don't know me!! Don't shake hands with me right away". Sorry for the long introduction, but when I met such a pleasant young man, I asked him, "Is this the place said to be the Akihabara of Osaka?" He gave an even more accurate answer, "I've never been to Tokyo, so I don't know much about Akihabara, but this is commonly called "Otaku Road"
That's what I thought...I had a day off in Osaka with such an episode, so this time I ate "Kashiwa udon*". Actually, I wanted to eat Tempura curry, but the alcohol from the previous day was a bit painful, and so I also recommend the free-range chicken kashiwa udon with plenty of chicken meat. So, I strolled down the so-called otaku road by myself. What I bought is a secret, other than a big size soft vinyl (I was wondering if I could write "Kanki-san*") This is somewhere that only those in the know should understand. But I'm not a nerd, because I am not a nerd. During this tour, I spent my one day off like this. The next day, after the show in Kyoto, we went straight to "standing up*". This is a phrase used in our line of work, and it means that after the event is over, we don't stay overnight and move on (by the way, you spend a lot of time traveling by bus, so not getting motion sickness may be one of the conditions for becoming a professional wrestler.) This time, the day after Kyoto, we moved to the Tohoku region. I didn't stay in a hotel, so I just took a seat and flew back to Tokyo. It's nice to be able to go home early, but it's hard to get on the bus when sweating at a venue without showers* If it's late, the restaurant in the service area will be closed, so it's hard to eat. This time, I was able to eat at the last minute, around 10:00pm. I returned to Tokyo at 2:00am. After that, I went home and prepared for the next tour. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the venue without any injuries, until the final match in the Nippon Budokan. And I would like to inform you that Kobashi, who you have been worried about, has just completed the surgery as I announced the other day. Of course, I think he still has some pain, but I have received reports that Kobashi himself is doing very well. Ladies and gentlemen, please continue to support us. See you next week.
Notes
Kansai & Tohoku: North (Tohoku) and South (Kansai) Japan, roughly Hiroshima to Aomori.
Curry Nanban: Marufuji said he used to buy Misawa "Chicken Nanban" during the All Japan era when he was a trainee.
Kashiwa Udon: Gourmet chicken dish from North Kyushu
Kanki-san: The totally not a nerd Misawa shopped Osaka's nerd road and bought a big soft vinyl figure from Kamen Rider.
Standing up: Play on words, this basically refers to standing up to urinate while on a moving transport, and having it splash.
Venue without showers: This has given rise to some infamous moments - the old Yokohama Bunka Gym was notorious for it's old fashioned conditions, Kenoh recalls forgetting to turn on the hot water and having to run round the venue in a sweater (yes, that was all) to turn it on in order to have a shower. A lot of the time rural venues did not have facilities which meant that the roster could shower, and one time (fairly recently but after Misawa's era) they all got on the bus in the heat of summer, with the air con broken down.
21 JULY 2006
Cheer up! The Budokan is over, and this is Misawa, who is these days battling the pain in his body. How was The Budokan? I will write about that later...actually, two days before the Budokan, I tore my right ligament after the Fukushima show. When the match was over, and I was thinking, "Oh, it's only a day until the Budokan", and at that moment my knee clicked. I thought, "What?". But at the time, I didn't feel much pain, so I thought I was fine. That night, when I was drinking with Kotaro and others, I couldn't get up when I wanted to go to the bathroom, and it seems that I hurt my ligament. (The next part doesn't translate, but he likens the pain the next morning to be being like shot with an arrow). This kind of thing happens sometimes. It is not uncommon to get injured when the tour is over, or when you are in the middle of a series of matches. It would be nice if we could concentrate on the Budokan, but... it means that we should not focus on technique until the end. Although I regretted my lack of learning ability, the next day I felt a little uncomfortable, but I was relieved to find that it had disappeared from the day before. At The Budokan I think that I managed to do something without the fans and the opponents noticing, but what do you think?
With that in mind, let's talk about The Budokan.
Thank you to the enthusiastic cheers, and I'm personally happy that Takayama was able to return safely (I haven't heard about the pain after the match, so I can't say for sure). Again, a personal matter, but I injured my shoulder during the match. I hurt my right shoulder. When I went to the top rope, the joint felt uncomfortable. The next day was a holiday, and so since the hospital was closed, I went on Tuesday.
Every time I have an X-ray, I think it is a tough job. After all, my job is a professional wrestler. Every time I have an X-RAY, I am amazed at how deformed my bones are. This time I was told, "Rightly, this bone should be round, but it's pointy and deformed". Since pain is caused by the inflammation in serious injuries, he said it would calm down as the day progressed. However, I can't raise my right arm, in other words, I can't use it. I am using my left hand to wipe my poop, it's very hard to use it (grin). Okay, let's get down to the chinko stuff*, for example, I think for the general public jamming a finger is the common practice. It's hard to wipe even with one finger. If you have a broken elbow or shoulder and can't use your dominant hand, it's really inconvenient. In times like this, it's easier to use a fork to eat rice.
The hardest part is the bath and the restroom. When in the bath, of course the warm water shouldn't be used when injured, so don't go in the bathtub as it hurts just by putting pressure on it. If you have hurt your knee, you can't use a Japanese style toilet*. If you have hurt your lower back, you won't be able to hold on, and if you push too hard, your lower back will throb and hurt. If you have never been seriously injured, please read this and use it as a reference in case of emergency. I don't know if it will help further, but as I wrote earlier, when you have a shoulder or arm injury and cannot wipe your buttocks, it is very convenient to have a washlet. Recently, more and more hotels are equipped with washlets, but to be honest, I'm not sure if I should use the washlets in hotels...) By the way, I've never used a bidet, (this is where I'm going to say, "It's obvious, isn't it?", but I'm sure there are men out there who have tried to push that button.) Oh yeah, we went from a health check-up story to a stool test story a while ago, but is that test still called a "stool test"? But, since it's a "stool examination", I guess ``stool examination'' would be fine, but the reason I suddenly wrote that is because compared to my previous examinations, it doesn't feel like a "really good stool examination".
Did you know that it has also evolved considerably?
Right now, there's a stick that's a little thicker than the toothpick on the lid of the small container that holds the liquid and has a tip that looks like a net, so I trace the poop with the tip of the stick and snap the lid on, and that's it. It was completely different as a child. I don't know what to say, but you put "the poop itself" in a plastic case like you would put an ointment in with a disposable chopstick. After that, I put it in a bag and brought it to school, but I really didn't want to hand it in. Furthermore, I heard from an old acquaintance that for older men, they used a matchbox. The matchboxes were arranged in a system that each person prepared, and I heard that some friends brought oversized matchboxes...it was a great story. Continuing with the following story, I always have a hard time being sudden when I have a stool test in a Western-style toilet. My advice for people who are having trouble is to put the paper down and sit as far forward on the toilet seat as possible. It's a silly story, but when it comes out, it's better to get the poop out. It's poop that excretes the toxins from the body the most, so you shouldn't pretend to be be cool. Now, I can hear voices saying, "What the hell is going on, Misawa, this time it's full of poop jokes," I'm going to stop here for now, as I'm afraid you'll be amazed at how irresponsible I am.
Thanks to everyone's support, we were able to complete our July tour and our final event at the Nippon Budokan. Pro-wrestling Noah will be entering its 7th year in August, and we, the wrestlers and employees, will continue to do our best without forgetting our original intentions so that we can respond to everyone's support. The hot days are still continuing, but please take care of yourself so that you don't lose to the summer fatigue and a summer cold.
"Are you going to end it in a serious way all of a sudden?"
See you next week! Misawa.
Notes
Chinko: Slang for penis
Japanese style toilet: He means when you squat.
28TH JULY 2006
Cheers! I wonder if the rainy season will finally end. It's a weather that makes you think, but how are you all doing? It's enough, even if it is raining. I'm Misawa, and it's been hot here. I think it's because Japan is very humid, but sometimes it doesn't cool down at all even when it rains this season. But for some reason, no matter how hot and sweaty I get, I prefer summer to winter.
Noah started to incorporate "Cool Biz*" last year. Until then, not only the employees, but also the board member athletes basically wore suits and ties when they came to work. It can't be helped that the wrestlers are big, but for some reason there are many employees who are overweight, so wearing ties and jackets in midsummer is inefficient! So, starting last year, it is now OK to come to work without a tie, but it's surprisingly difficult. Noah seems to deviate from the original purpose of Cool Biz (to increase the set temperature of the air conditioner to save energy and prevent global warming), and there are many people who think that "Cool Biz = comfortable clothes are OK". And the set temperature of the air conditioner remains the same as before. The puzzling situation continues. I want to cherish the contrast, so I basically wear a suit when I go to work, but I don't like stiff clothes. Of course, I prefer casual clothes. At the age of 44, I'm the only person I know who usually wears shorts. Of course, when I say "shorts", I don't usually wear shorts that go down to the middle of my thighs like I used to when I was a kid, but rather just below my knees, but I don't see them very often in my generation. The length is the length of the "Bermuda shorts" that I often saw adults wearing when I was a kid, but I don't think many young people know about Bermuda shorts. To make it easier to understand, the length of suteteko* is shorter, but younger people might not know about suteteko. I don't know if short pants is the best way to put it, but if an overweight person wore them, they would be General from "Himitsu no Akko-chan".
And Izumida is exactly like this general.
Well, rather than pretending, it's just the way it is, right? When it comes to clothes, we often receive fan mail with enquiries like "Where can you buy clothes?" or "What is your size?". Like other athletes, I stock up on clothes when I go abroad. That being said, my size is XXL, and even though they have a variety of items up to XL, when it comes to XXL*, the designs and colors suddenly decrease. I have quite a few t-shirts, but I have a hard time with other clothes, so when I find a design that I like, I buy several in different colors. Jeans are 38 inches, which I think is probably the best-selling size in America? We (as in Japan) make different kinds, I have a hard time as they sell out and go, and the length doesn't match. Well, if you buy it over there, if the length matches, you can wear it with the hem as it is, so it's pretty easy. This is a bit off topic, but when I wear something green in my casual clothes, my fans say, "It figures, it is a connection". To be blunt, I don't really have a particular preference*. I sometimes prefer primary colors for everyday clothes, but it's not related, it's just a coincidence. So, if you see me wearing green clothes, please don't delve into it. Speaking of shoes, the normal shoe size is 28cm, which is the equivalent to 10 in inches. By the way, both Kotaro and Fujimaru have bigger feet than I do. Kotaro is definitely over 29cm, and Fujimaru chooses a larger size shoe, if you were to put our three feet side by side, people would definitely think they are taller than me.
Well, I think that many of you will be returning to your hometowns for the Obon Festival* soon, but are there any foods that you took for granted, but are surprisingly common only in your own home? In my case, it's tomatoes. These days, tomatoes are eaten all year round rather than in summer, but how do you eat them with sugar? This used to be a summer snack in my house. Perhaps it was limited to Hokkaido. I am sure that there are some of you who are thinking, "Eh?", but it's surprisingly good, so please try it. Another thing that comes to my mind during the summer is that many young people these days have tattoos, and while I think they are doing it stylishly, when you have a tattoo it is frequently not possible to go into pools or hot springs*. If you are thinking of having a child, considering that you will be going to the pool with your child during the summer vacation, maybe you should wait a little longer...? I think it's around this time of day, even if your kid wants to go to the pool, you can't go with them. As we think about these things, July is coming to an end and it is reality of summer. I believe that everyone has their own ways of spending their summer vacations, those who are into club activities and those who are studying for entrance exams. I believe that the things you concentrate on during the summer, will come to fruition in the fall. Let's get through the summer with the good spirits without getting sick (grin).
This was Misawa, see you next week.
Notes
Cool Biz: Japanese Ministry of the Environment campaign which encouraged people to wear lighter clothes and asked companies to set their air conditioners to 28°C in the summer
Suteteko: A knee-length garment that men wear over their underwear, usually worn under a kimono or hakama.
Himitsu no Akko-chan: Manga from the 1960s which ran until the 2010s. "General" was an overweight boy with pants that didn't fit properly.
XXL: Mayumi Misawa wrote in "The Last Bump" that by the end of his life, Misawa's size had increased even from this.
Green: Misawa chose green as Noah's color (and his own) as this was the color of Horst Hoffman, a German wrestler who Misawa admired, not because it was his favorite color.
Obon: Japan's season of fire and farewells. Obon occurs in the heat of summer, when the veil between this world and the next is at the thinnest, and the deceased come back to visit their ancestral/familial homes. Special foods are eaten with a place set aside for ancestors, special dances are organized and people will travel home to their hometowns to be with their families, and attend to the family graves. At the end of the three days, the dead are seen off by floating lanterns on the sea or down a river. Touchingly, even the dead with no family left are remembered, as are the "wandering spirits", who may be passing by a household at the time of the festival. In the Western world most ghost stories are traditionally set "on a cold dark night" usually in winter, in Japan, most ghost stories occur in summer on a moonlit night.
Tattoos in Japan: Often associated with Yakuza.
4TH AUGUST 2006
Cheers! The rainy season, which caused enormous damage to all of Japan, was said to be over, so I guess it's over. After such hot days, how do people without coolers sleep? I can't sleep without a cooler! It's around this time that I am thinking that.
Today's topic is...recently, I went drinking with members of the training camp (plus Kotaro), and of course, Ippei-chan, who loves Lawson*, was among them. Ippei wrote in Kotaro's diary that he "loves Lawson", but I didn't understand why in the diary, so lets reveal why he loves Lawson here! There's a Lawson near the training camp, but Ippei hasn't been back since he went there. When I thought about it, it seemed that he had completely finished using the toilet and came back. He who uses a toilet which is one minute away from the dojo...Speaking of toilets, this reminds me of an friend's story. Have you ever used a toilet at a convenience store? Here's "Poop Vol 2". Tada!! The friend of mine held a big party, and suddenly rushed into a convenience store to borrow the toilet, but he was quite desperate...so he took off his pants, and then felt relief...that's when my stupid friend realized that the lid was down.
So what happened after that?
When I asked about it, he said that he lifted the lid. While doing this. This guy, who is he? Well, he's not one of Noah's, but by the way he lives in Hokkaido. When I think of Hokkaido, I think of tomatoes covered in sugar, which I wrote about in my diary last week. There seems to be this way of eating it all over the country, regardless of the region, but it seems to be more popular in Hokkaido, but if you eat too much sugar, you will get diarrhea. Speaking of things which are sugared, I used to like umeboshi* coated with sugar, and when I ate too much it upset my stomach. I also remembered an Elementary school teacher, he was an elderly man, and when sugar became available after the war, he licked too much of it and had diarrhea.
This has become a story of memories.
By the way, Spoon Mark* is normal for both tomatoes and umeboshi, but nowadays we don't appreciate sugar anymore, but not so long ago, people used to appreciate it. Also, strawberries and sugar were a common way of eating in the old days. Adding milk to this makes it even more luxurious, but eating it with sugar was a fun way to eat it. I didn't use milk very often, but we had a spoon at home specifically for squashing strawberries. It was shaped like a strawberry, which when I think of it now, is a lot of attention to detail. Today, strawberries themselves are much sweeter than they used to be, so maybe that's why I don't eat them very often, but when I was a kid the ultimate way to eat strawberries was with condensed milk. Condensed milk was a luxury, and wasn't like it is today. Occasionally when I bought it, the quantity was a lot, so I used to dissolve it in hot water and drink it. I have a feeling that people of my generation would understand, but what do you think? So the best way to eat shaved ice was with Strawberry milk, or if you are Misawa, with shiratama*.
Somehow, this time ended with a chat*. I was going to write a story about going out drinking, but it's time!! (Here [what time is it[ it's time to hit the road). I will write about it on another occasion. See you next week.
Notes
Lawson: Chain of convenience stores
Umeboshi: Pickled plums in English, sometimes "Salted Plums". Usually eaten as a side dish with rice.
Spoon Mark: Japan's most popular sugar brand
Shiratama: Rice dumpling.
Ended with a chat: Mercifully, we never found out about Ippei and the toilets.
11TH AUGUST 2006
Hello, it's hot, isn't it? This is Misawa, who is thinking of delaying the opening sentence one by one. Well, sorry for being so quick....it's too hot, it's too humid...it's too much...
I'll pick myself up and continue with last weeks story.
We all went out to eat Chanko. The athletes who live at the dojo eat Chanko every day, so it may not be that rare, but they seem to look forward to it because the ones they make themselves and the ones made professionally* at the store are different. By the way, when we're in Tokyo, the shop we sometimes visit is called "Saga Hikaru"*, it's a one minute walk from Minami-Gyotoku station on the Tozai line (it doesn't take long), but it's at...this time, I was invited by Daizen Takahiro* It's not only Chanko, but all the dishes served are delicious, so if you're in the area, please give it a try. We started with sashimi, followed by horse sashimi and beef sashimi, and finally salt chankonabe. At the restaurant we ate it as it was, with traditional weak dashi stock. After eating and drinking our fill, we moved on to a bar. Everyone sang various songs, but Ippei was still singing Hironobu Kageyama as usual. I love it, but lately I've always been singing the same thing, so there are times when I end up stopping the karaoke performance in the middle. I would like him to increase his repertoire.
When the sky started to lighten, and it was time to leave. The familiar "northern salmon bento", which you know from Kotaro Suzuki's diary, disappeared in the direction of Asakusa...by the way, it seems that when a certain wrestler* gets drunk, he gets naked, and there is a picture on Kotaro's phone. Fortunately, this time ended without me having to see the spectacle.
Speaking of August, it's Noah's anniversary. The day of the event was a hot day from the morning, but compared to those days* the scenery around Differ has changed a lot. At the back of the company, the sea used to be there until recently, but the land has been completely reclaimed, and the sea is getting farther away. Condominiums are being built, the Yurikamome is running, and a new road leading to Ginza has been built...I really feel like I'm observing the changes in this area. By the way, if you head straight on the road to Ginza at the side of the company, you will arrive there in no time. There is a station called "Shijo-mae"* midway on the Yurikamome, and "Tsukiji" will move here in the future. Oh, Tsukiji is a place name, so when it moves in, it's a name you will understand. The market is moving. I don't hate fish, but I don't think anyone likes the smell of stale fish, so I'm sure the new establishment is taking precautions.
Regarding my shoulder that everyone was worried about, trainer told me strictly "Don't move it", but as I kept calm, I began to recover little by little. What I think about when I get injured is, "Ah, my car is fine with automatic". The injury was so painful that I was driving only with my left hand, but this would be impossible if it wasn't an automatic. But my license isn't just limited to automatics*. It's not cool, but I won't say who's got an automatic license (by the way, there's a few wrestlers). That said, my match will be held in the blink of an eye this week. During Obon, the Ariake area gets very crowded with the Tokyo Bay fireworks display and then Comiket* at the International Exhibition Hall. Those who are coming to watch the show at Differ on the 13th will be in the midst of the summer vacation, and the trains and roads will be crowded. The restaurants will also be quite crowded, so it would be better to plan to eat curry at Differ. If you are planning to meet at a shop, I think it would be safer to come here after finishing your meal and waiting. If you think about it like this, there are many different ways to enjoy the summer. There may have been fireworks displays in Saitama and Tochigi, but I didn't have the time to enjoy such things because I was so busy with club activities during the summer vacation. It was a depressing time when practice increased during summer vacation. Especially when I was in High School, as there was an Inter-High School, so it was really hard. When I went to the dojos in the Self Defense Forces or at a University, the practice times were strictly decided, so I was made to practice endlessly to the point where I felt at ease. In this way, I can hardly remember the summers of my school days. So, let's take a step back, I wonder what everyone is wearing in their homes when it's this hot? At home, I mostly wear pants and one pair of shorts. Oddly enough, I think women with big breasts must have a hard time sweating and even if that is not the case, women seem to care about getting rid of unwanted hair at this time of year. In other words I like beautiful women....
(Erection implication)
This is Misawa.
It's abrupt, but see you next week.
Note
Making Chanko: Naomichi Marufuji commented that because he was a former sumo Takeshi Rikio's chanko was the tastiest.
Saga Hikaru: Restaurant still exists
Daizen Takahiro: Former sumo wrestler from Osaka
A certain wrestler: Probably Kotaro, he told a very similar story about getting naked and walking the streets after karaoke because he was drunk (credit, Metal-Noah)
Scenery around Differ: Noah moved in in 2000. The wrestlers & staff had to park in a nearby bakery factory car-park, which was demolished years later due to expansion of the Yurikamome line, but this caused a rodent problem at Differ Ariake when the rats found Differ was their new source of food and travelled along the pipes.
Shijo-Mae: Literally "Market Front"
Tsukiji: Literally means "reclaimed land", but is probably best known for being a famous fish market.
Driving licenses: AT (automatic) and MT (manual). With an AT only license, you cannot drive an MT vehicle.
Comiket: Fan convention for self publishing comic writers.
Inter High School: Inter-scholastic athletics.
18TH AUGUST 2006
Hello, this is Misawa.
Now that Obon is over and the summer vacation is almost over, how are you all doing? If you're a fan, you probably know that Noah have matches every year during the Obon season. This year there will be a three day event on August 13th, 14th and 15th. Firstly, on the 13th (Sunday) after the Differ Ariake event was over, we moved to Utsunomiya. We ate at a service station on the way, and since most of the restaurants in the service area are open until 22:00, we were barely able to eat. We arrived at our hotel in Utsunomiya a little before 23:00. I thought that I would just go to sleep, but in the end we decided to go out for a drink, and so Kotaro and Ippei went out to Utsunomiya Station and saw a sign that was glowing red. I experienced "Shirokiya" for the first time. For a long time, I had been wondering if it was "SHIRAKIYA" or "SHIROKIYA", but this was a first hand experience and I found out that it was "Shirokiya". From today "Uomin* = gyomin" and "Warawara = Shosho* is called. It's pretty embarrassing if you do it without knowing it, but since I've been doing it for a long time, no one will bother me*. Returning to the topic...I returned to the hotel at 2am, and we moved to Sendai the next day. After checking in at the hotel, we went to the venue. You can read the report on the website about the match, but that day I went out drinking with an acquitance in Sendai, but left early at 4am. Kotaro and Ippei were taken away by the acquaintance. When I heard about it the next day, I heard that he had been drinking until 7am, but still the match was still very steady, so I thought "The young man is doing well".
The next day was the annual Minase show, but this years event will be the last. There were many people who said that they were sad that it was ending this year, but I was very annoyed with the many people who said, "Please do it again next year". We are all sad too, but it's not because of Noah's circumstances, but because of the organizer's circumstances. At first, this event was held under the auspices of "Minase Village", but due to the merger of municipalities, it became "Yuzawa City" instead of "Minase Village". It is not possible for Minase to do the planning alone, and it will be necessary to coordinate with everyone in Yuzawa. Some of the people who called out to me, seemed to be irritated, even those who didn't know the situation, that is why I couldn't say it too forcefully. Outdoor matches are rarely experienced these days, so I hope you will call me again if there is the chance. As for the match, you can check it on the site for this day, but my right shoulder, which had been recovering, was injured again. Well, there is more than a week until the next match, so I will do my best to fix it (I can't help but do my best...)
By the way, Minase doesn't have any showers because the event was an outdoor one, but as we were going back to Tokyo by bus, I wanted to do something about it....so we decided to use a small pool for children. Like you do. What's more, the water comes from the mountains, so it was freezing cold and Ogawa and I were screaming as we showered. Then the bus headed to Tokyo. It was about 4:30 when we arrived at the office*, but for some reason I couldn't sleep, so I ended up playing GameBoy on the bus. Well, doing that in the dark really hurts my eyes, and my eyes get tired.
Like as I wrote at the beginning, there are only a few days left for summer vacation. When I was a student, I didn't do homework during this period, so I was in a hurry. Besides, when the summer vacation runs out, I feel depressed, it's sad when you think, "ten more days, one more week". Well, I think that working people have already gone back to work, but I hope that students and society members alike will please make use of the summer experience in their future life. I think there are many people who have had (omitted) experiences and bitter experiences, but I hope that you will think positively and do your best in your future life. People who have experienced (omitted) this summer, I am collecting your e-mails. I can't write about (omitted) stuff, but if it's (omitted) in your e-mails, it's okay. For those of you who read my diary and thought, "What's wrong Misawa, there was only a few dirty jokes", that's why I'm waiting for your mail. Mind you, poop jokes are not dirty jokes for me....(grin)
See you next week
Misawa!
Notes
Uomin: Local Sake
Warawara (smile, laugh) = Shosho (a Japanese comedy duo)
KENTA told a story of when Noah were in Haokdate, and he was eating with some locals and Kenta Kobashi, and Kobashi asked him if he liked the band "Judy & Mary" and whether he liked Judy or Mary. "Judy & Mary" were a local four peice band, which Kobashi thought were a duo. To avoid embarrassment for Kobashi as the locals were giggling, KENTA said "Judy".
Office: Differ Ariake the complex where Noah had their dojo, dormitories and offices.
OMITTED: I.DON'T.WANT.TO.KNOW!
25TH AUGUST 2006
Hello, this is Misawa telling himself that he has a match tomorrow, and so he will do his best.
One thing that caught my attention was Morishima. He was pretty drunk, so event attendees, is he okay? I'm sure you were worried, but Morishima called me at 3pm the next day. He doesn't remember anything after the party broke up at Tokyo station at 5pm, but he seemed to be fine. When Morishima got drunk, we muttered "How are we going to carry him?" A limp 130kg is quite heavy. Even an ordinary girl would be pretty heavy when she has lost her strength (although I've never carried one...) and athletes are pretty heavy when they're drunk. By the way, "Family" is not a yakiniku restaurant that is exclusively for events, so if you are in the area, please stop by even during normal business hours.
Well, this week, the next topic is "Health Examination".
I woke up at 7am, and had the health checkup at 8:30am, or rather the "Human Dog" ("woof..woof"...you are a dog and you are holding a conversation). Whenever I work early in the morning, I always think that being early in the morning is bad for a day off. For me, getting up early is not a boon. In the first place, it is difficult for people who are night owls to not eat anything after 9pm. To summarize, it was hard again this time. Barium, of course. Enter the room...make a disgusted face...the doctor (who knows) "Misawa-san, do you hate Barium?"...(Me. Quickly) I hate it!...almost no one likes barium. What do you mean by giving me barium to drink with "Don't burp"? So while suppressing the feeling, I wash down the barium and the foaming agent* all at once. Lie down for three rotations (i.e. the scan) and at this point I am drenched in cold sweat and normal sweat. I don't think the actual time was too long, but it was a tough time for me.
Later, the doctor, said to me when I was drenched in sweat, "Misawa-san, you must have sweated more than in matches", next he said, "Is Kobashi-san okay?". Kobashi is currently recuperating at home. Thank you very much for your concern. After that conversation, I left the room I and my dog clothes (I guess) were wet with sweat, I was given six laxative tablets, and I took two on the spot. People who have never used barium may misunderstand that poop is white and seedless for two days, but it is not pure white. It's like when brown turns into yellow. By the way, this is not a silly story, but a medical one. After I had finished all the medical tests, the receptionist asked me if I wanted to wait thirty minutes for the results other than the blood tests, but what did I want to do? I thought that it would be a problem if the laxative worked during that 30 minutes and something happened, so I decided to have the results mailed to me. I'll report back here when I get the results (no..., maybe not...).
As I wrote at the beginning, matches will start tomorrow, but I will do my best not to get hurt during the hot weather.
"Unkochinchin"*(For those of you who know what this is, it's a nostalgic joke by Mr Cha Kato.) *grin*......I hear some voices asking why this is the end, but I will see you next week.
Notes
Sadly, Morishima's drinking would affect him later in life, and he was arrested for assaulting a taxi driver.
Human dog: Typo which has become infamous in Japan to refer to health examinations, (other equivalents are "Human Dock"). Misawa uses the "Human Dog" one.
Foaming agent: In English this is known as "blowing agent". Basically a chemical that is added to produce foam in a product (i.e. sodium bicarbonate)
Unkochinchin: This is hard to explain (mercifully) but means something along the lines of "shit dick". The joke, which combines the two great favorites of Misawa's humor (toilet and genitals) was said by Cha Kato (a Japanese comedian who Misawa mentions) on TV in 1971 at the end of the watershed, 8pm, when kids were still watching. Naturally, parents complained, but children (and anyone of Misawa's humor) thought it was the funniest thing ever.
1ST SEPTEMBER 2006
Cheers! It's still hot in the gym right now. This is Misawa from the middle of Navigation.
"What is Navigation"
In our case, the title of each tour always includes the word "NAVIGATION"*, in short "NAVIGATION" is the title of each tour. "Touring" is old-fashioned, and I'm reluctant to say "series*" as there is no "series" attached to this, and neither am I "on tour", so I'm "Navigating". So from now on, let's go with "On Navigation". I firmly promise to say "On Navigation" during matches during the tour. After reading this, when you see me at the venue, please say "Your Navigating now, aren't you?" Even though I'm still navigating, I'm still "commuting" mainly to the Kanto region (I feel like I wrote this in the diary before, but it's a schedule where I leave Tokyo and return to Tokyo without staying overnight), so it's not a very interesting story. I don't have anything to say...I'll write about something interesting when I come across it during my stay in the countryside.
It's both hot and cold, and the days of difficulty in sleeping continue, but how are you all doing? I keep the air conditioner running until I wake up, and the other day I had a night sweat, so I lowered the temperature halfway. It's definitely not good for the body, but am I the only one who thinks it's nice to sleep wrapped in a blanket while the season is a little chilly? But it will soon be the season when you will can enjoy a long and pleasant sleep a little more. I was wondering what kind of alarm clock do you use? It's surprisingly difficult to wake up, isn't it? For those who use electric alarms, if there is a power outage like last time, the clock will stop and you won't be able to wake up. It's hard to choose an alarm clock....I think that many people now use their cell phones as alarm clocks, but I don't know how to use the alarm function, so I can't use it. Besides, if you use your phone as an alarm clock, it will be a problem if it runs out of power, and to prevent this, you need a power source at your bedside, and above all, if you recieve a phone call or an e-mail, you will wake up*. That's probably the biggest drawback to using your mobile phone as an alarm clock.
So, what are you using!?
Finally....Taniguchi's* Terminator impression is excellent.
(Hums the Terminator Theme)
See you next week!
Notes
Navigation: Names ranged from the poetic "Navigation with storms" to the abstract "Shiny Navigation". Noah no longer use "Navigation" as much as they used to, but have settled for "Voyage".
Series: All Japan used this a lot, i.e. "Giant Series", "Summer Tag Series", so rather an a "reluctance", he probably had an aversion.
Misawa vs cell phones: I think he was a technophobe, or else typical of his generation and new fangled technology.
Transformation sound: When Ultraman becomes Ultraman, I have left out the sound effects that Misawa includes as they are hard to explain, other than it makes the theme and then shooting noises.
Taniguchi: Shuhei Taniguchi.
8TH SEPTEMBER 2006
Cheers! In the peak of Navi (if you don't know what that means, please refer to last week's diary...or rather, it will be over in a day) in terms of matches it was a short "Navi", but this is Misawa, who is slightly tired. The schedule for the first half was a close commute, and commuting is surprisingly tiring, isn't it? So, first of all, I will briefly list the schedule since the last diary entry. On the 2nd (Saturday) after Differ, we travelled to Fuji. The next day was the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium on the 3rd (Sunday), we left the hotel in Fuji in the morning and went directly to the venue. You can check the match on the website, but the next day was a holiday, so after the match the usual members (Ogawa, Kotaro and Ippei) ate their usual meal (Yakiniku). Since it's too late to eat while navigating after the event is over, I often end up eating yakiniku or going to a Izakaya. So, on that day I didn't want to eat much, and so I had yakiniku as a side dish for drinking. Towards the end, I remember suddenly thinking, "The Shochu has gotten darker". I think I was drunk before I knew it. On the 3rd, the matches started at 4pm, so compared to the pattern of going out drinking after the event, which usually starts at 6:30pm, I got off to an early start, and although I don't remember much, I think I probably got home around 2:00.
It seems that Ogawa, Kotaro, and Ippei went out drinking again after that.
Later on, Misawa thought, "I wish I had been invited too."
Then, in the evening of the next day, Ippei sent me a mail saying "Sorry I couldn't answer the phone. I was going to change my cell phone." "I didn't call you, and I wonder why Ippei went to change his phone?" As I thought about it, my memories gradually came back. Come to think of it, I might have put Ippei's phone in the Shochu when I was drunk, and stirred it up. If I remember correctly, I think he was singing Gagari-kun's* music...By the way, I didn't call Ippei the next day, so perhaps he thought that he might have received a phone call while he was on the way to change models. I'm sorry, Ippei. So, instead of directly apologizing to the person himself, I am going to apologize here (grin). But it's true that I was the first one, but after that, Ogawa and Kotaro also got in on it, so I don't know who actually got the kill. According to what I heard, the vibe didn't stop after the first shot. Secondly, Ogawa put it in a mug of beer and stirred it.
Everyone, be careful not to drink too much. When I charged into that, I said "It's not everyone, it's you". Speaking of drinking too much, I remembered that the results of the health checkup have arrived. Blood sugar and uric acid levels are within normal range. There were some bad points, but I feel like I'll be able to manage it with moderation on a daily basis, so don't worry too much. As expected, my liver numbers are bad, but that's because I drank too much. I should be careful not to drink too much.
Well, tomorrow is the final round of this Navi, at The Nippon Budokan. It goes without mentioning the main event, but I think that watching the other matches at the venue will be the most enjoyable, so if you have time, please do. I hope you will be able to come. This time it has become like a reflection diary during the provincial tour. See you next week (grin)
Notes
Gagakari-kun: Technowave/electronica band. I think they may have done music for a phone commercial, which is what Misawa is referencing here.
15TH SEPTEMBER 2006
Cheers! This is Misawa, who has caught a cold.
It's been a while since my last diary entry, but let's start with the continuation. After my match last Thursday, I went to Tokyo without taking a shower. At that time, I already had a feeling that I was going to catch a cold, and I wondered if I was going to be okay, so I took a bath and went to bed. It figures that the next day it came, bit by bit. When I took my temperature, it was 37°C. Figuring that it had come, I attended a party of an acquintance from 18:00 to 23:00, at midnight I went home and immediately went to bed. As you all know, I had a match at the Budokan on Saturday. My fever didn't go down, and I couldn't stop coughing, but I managed to do my best to have the match. How was it? It 
was tough, but I thought to concentrate on the match, and I succeeded in trying out my new technique. Well, somehow, the Navi this time (although it wasn't safe) ended successfully. So, after the match ended on Saturday, I heard that Ippei had caught a cold...that guy..."I had a cold, did I catch it from him?" Ippei, it's you!!! I often get my colds from people around me, incidentally I used to get them from Kotaro.
Changing the subject, here's a story about Noah's Terminator (Taniguchi). In a project of the establishment of a certain northern salmon dialect, you have to drink 30 bottles of Yakult within 7 minutes, and then endure 30 minutes (you can't go to the toilet). According to Sakeben, none of our members have succeeded. The rule is that each participant contributes 10,000 yen each, and the winner gets the full amount. Shiozaki, Hirayanagi, and Ippei seem to have failed in the past, and according to their experiences, it's hard to drink all of it. He did it. My Terminator. Way to go! There were 5 people in the party that day, but first of all, we had to finish all the drinks within the time limit. At this point, the 50,000 was doubled (Kyosen Ohashi* style) The prize money increased to 100,000 yen! In the 30 minutes after we finished drinking, he even sang us a song...or rather, he sang karaoke for 30 minutes and got the 100,000 yen! By the way, I got bored with three bottles, but Yakult is said to be good for your health, so if you are concerned about your health, try one bottle a day (I'm the old lady of Yakult). If Yakult is good for you, Joie* is even better for you...I wonder if it is Yakult?
Well, this season, the weather is going to be hot and cold, and the temperature will continue to fluctuate wildly, but everyone, be careful not to catch a cold like I did. I get depressed when I get sick, and I have no motivation to do anything. When I catch a cold, all I do is go to the bathroom. Even Ippei doesn't go to Lawson if he catches a cold. By the way, as a follow-up to last week's diary, Ippei's phone was pink. If white and pink come together, it's usually white. It was Misawa who muttered "Don't make it pink". Noah is currently off, but I think there will be opportunities to meet everyone at events, so please join us. Until then, I'll be sure to get over my cold. *Coughs* (grin). See you next week! Misawa.
Notes
Kyosen Ohashi: Showa era Entertainer who was involved in horse racing, and for a while was the host of "Derby Quiz" on television.
Joie: Dairy drink
22ND SEPTEMBER 2006.
Cheer up, it's getting cooler, but there are still hot days ahead. But the lingering summer heat is over, not "Zensho". This is Misawa making an old man joke*.
Well, this cold is pretty dead. It took more than a week to get over it. I had to go to the hospital twice because of the severe cough. When he went to the hospital, he was prescribed antibiotics, but Misawa thought it would be nice if they gave them to him from the beginning. I'm the type of person who is surprisingly effective with antibiotics, though of course I shouldn't abuse them. Anesthesia works well, but it's often misunderstood by dentists and others, and they think a lot of rest doesn't work, but I'm the type who it works well with. As an aside, after I had that cold, Director Eigen went to the hospital with the same symptoms. I wonder if he got it from me? By the way, this is the first time since I have seen Director Eigin have a cold since I entered professional wrestling. He leads a healthy life, so I hope he gets well quickly.
In the midst of this cold, I had a photo shoot for next year's calendar. Whether it's on the calendar or the actual season, it's already autumn. A year goes by in the blink of an eye. I didn't think much about it until I turned 30, but once I was over 30, time seems to fly by, and moreover, my time off goes by in the blink of an eye. I need more time off, but during navi (if you don't know what that is, please refer to an older entry), I think the time passes quickly. When you're a student or when you're young, especially those who are athletic, you tend to think that time passes too quickly. On the other hand, the fun times go quick. Time passes quickly when you are with your boyfriend and girlfriend, right? In the past, I used to think that the two-hour break time was the shortest time (<- This is a point that only those who understand will get). I wonder if the break time is still 2 hours? The persistent sonovabitch (Nagase-san style*). I don't have many interesting stories this time, but the little people inside my head* ("My Boss, My Hero*") did their best, but they died of a cold, so I don't have anything to write about. So, these days it's getting a lot easier at night, and I'm sure that a lot of you have noticed that my interest currently is in this bastard, Nagase-san! Of course, that is Nagase-san from TOKIO*. It's just like that. I'm sure some of you have read this diary and thought about watching "My Boss, My Hero", but unfortunately it has ended airing. Please watch the rebroadcast (or should I say, when are you doing do it, asshole?). I feel lonely because I don't have anyone around me who understands me even though we look alike or say the same things. By the way, if you don't understand what that means, it's called "Hanya!"* (Confused emoticon). I'm the original of this Nagase-san series because no one has done it yet. Talking more about it, Kokubun-san is a year younger than me*. That means he is the same as Shiga*. When I was getting started at work, he introduced me to his diary and said, "He's the Year of the Tiger." Good luck to everyone at TOKIO.
It's a not so great ending, but I will be performing at an event in Sapporo in two days from today. If you are in the area, please come along. See you next week.
Misawa!
Notes
Misawa's old man joke: "残暑" (ざんしょ, "Zensho") means "lingering summer heat" and "ぜンショ" ("Zensho") which is a brand which owns restaurant chains.
Healthcare in Japan: The Japanese do not register with GP Practices or physicians who cover their medical insurance, whenever they need to see a medical professional they go to the nearest hospital that they can afford.
Nagase-style: See below.
My Boss, My Hero: Wikipedia entry
Little People Inside My Head: Reference to an episode of "My Boss, My Hero" where someone has a math's difficulty and refers to his thoughts being like people opening draws all at once.
Nagase from TOKIO: Japanese singer-songwriter, actor, and model, also appeared in Misawa's current interest "My Boss, My Hero".
Hanya: By this point I have given up as I have no idea what he means. I think he must be drunk writing this. Then again, he's not being obscene, so I don't know.
Kokuban-san: Kokubun Taichi, TOKIO group member (also a model, idol, actor etc)
Year younger: Both year of The Tiger, Misawa 1962 and Kokuban 1974. This refers to the full cycle of one year.
Shiga: Kentaro Shiga. Part of the exodus from All Japan. Retired from wrestling in 2013. I'm not sure what he does now, but Naomichi Marufuji did say that he hoped Shiga would come to the Baba Memorial a few years ago, but he didn't.
29TH SEPTEMBER 2006
I was in a rush this time, and I wanted to do work plus eat again the next day and so when I was tired, so I hurriedly went to Hokkaido and came back, but I was able to finish my work safely. On the second day, I didn't have a meal in the morning, and my first meal was pork bowl on the flight home at night. It was a busy trip to Hokkaido, so busy that I want to take it easy now.
The October tour will finally begin next week. Thank you everyone for your support. Everything is big in Hokkaido (grin)
Notes
Hokkaido, every single thing is big (or simply "Big Hokkaido) was atchphrase of the 1977 "All Nippon Airways Refreshing Campaign." You can imagine what Misawa, with Misawa's humor, turned this into...
Hokkaido wa Dekkaido: This is a pun made by combining the word "Hokkaido" and the word "Dekkai" which means "big" because "Hokkaido is big". The word "dekkai" is changed to "dekkaido" to match the sound of the word "Hokkaido."
Saury: Fish, mackerel pike.
Sushi restaurant: Noah visited Sapporo in 2023, and Naomichi Marufuji visited a Sushi restaurant in Sapporo where Misawa used to take him when he was his attendant. Even though this was not somewhere local to Noah, they always kept a bottle of Sake for Misawa, and the manager would prepare it for him personally. This is most likely the same place.
Drinking party ten years ago: This would have been probably May or November 1996 when All Japan visited for the Super Power Series (May) or the Real World Tag League (November).
Lotteria: Fast food chain with venues all over East Asia (Taiwan, Korea and China). Opened in 1972.
Tiger Mask: Misawa had hated being Tiger Mask II and often would ask Baba for how long he had to do this? His unmasking was such a well kept secret that only himself, Kawada, Baba and the match referee knew of it, with Great Kabuki on commentary screaming "What are you doing?" when he asked Kawada to unmask him. Misawa himself said he was glad to "get rid of that stupid mask", and go back to being Misawa again.
Yorutama: Sadly I haven't been able to find out anything about Misawa's appearance on it, or even what this show is (but it sounds like a variety), a blog I did find is after 2006.
Hiroaki Igarashi, Shinya Kamimura and Hiromitsu Furesawa: Entertainers, only two are native to Hokkaido though, the third is from Osaka.
6TH OCTOBER 2006
Cheers! Misawa went on tour in Hawaii*. To all the fans who participated, I hope you enjoyed it. Is Hiroshi living a happy life*? (Inside joke).
This time, I would like to look back on this tour, focusing on the food. One of the joys of traveling is food, but when I go to Hawaii, I mainly eat Japanese food, so I doubt everyone was satisfied in that term....but first, lets start with the flight to Hawaii. I was planning to sleep on the plane, but I ended up watching three movies and not having slept when I arrived. By the way they were;
1) X-MEN
2) Poseidon
3) Over the Hedge
By the fourth day, I was pushing myself, and on this day, we had free time. As it was our last day, we went out for a "Sunset Cruising Dinner" in the evening in true Hawaiian style. In Japanese, we would say, "A delicious meal on a boat while watching the sun go down."
Well, it was a buffet style meal, but...I'm here, I'm here...(raised eyebrows). Put simply, "Lets get up on the stage and dance together" (?) A long time ago, I went to see a Polynesian dance show in Hawaii, and at that time, five or six people selected from the venue danced. I was able to interact closely with the fans for four days like this. I hope you enjoyed it, and I thought it would be interesting to read about it. If you think so, please come and join us next time.(Next time, however, if there were more people, I think it would be difficult to plan as closely as we did....) Thank you to everyone who participated, and thank you for your hard work*.
 |
Well, October's navi begins today. There are only two tours left this year, so if you're in the area, please come and see us at the venue. See you next week. Misawa
Notes
Noah and Hawaii: Noah's association with Hawaii was through Giant Baba, who loved the island and would often take the dojo there to train. Misawa carried this on with Noah, holding shows and training there (Kobashi took KENTA there following an injury).
Hiroshi living a happy life: Probably refers to comedian Hiroshi (Ken'ichi Saito) who did a a stand up of an "annoyingly depressed character"
Noah's Honolulu Branch: A small satellite office created to handle Noah's USA bookings as in that period they did a lot of work with Ring of Honor. They were also meant to have an English news service, but this was extremely sporadic and never very concise (I recall there was only about two news articles, none of them about Noah). The branch closed sometime after Misawa's death and the website has long been defunct.
Shirokaya: Japanese department store
Misawa's tree: I don't want to know.
Thank you for your hard work: Misawa uses "Samadeshita", instead of the usual, "Arigatou", which is a very polite way of saying thank you in Japanese.
13TH OCTOBER 2006
Cheers!
The temperature during the day is still uncertain, but the nights are starting to get chilly. However, Misawa still uses a fan after taking a bath. A fan is also an air conditioner that has an immediate effect. *grin*.
Well, the October navigation has started and the week is coming to an end, but I hope everyone came out to support us. Ippei lost in the opening match, but I hope he uses this humiliation as a springboard to grow. During the first half of the week, I was busy, and so there wasn't much interesting stuff to talk about. But, since it's a provincial tour starting from today (...oh, even though this has been updated at midnight, I can hear small comments like "Are you writing today" and "Don't lie", but I am going to ignore it...), I think I will be able to write about my travels next time.
Now, as I wrote at the start, it feels like autumn is here, not just from the calendar, but also from the cold mornings and evenings. What do you think of when you hear the word, "Autumn"? There are many public phrases such as, "autumn appetite", "autumn reading*", and "autumn sports", but for me there are no such sentiments as simply, autumn makes it easier to sleep. I don't feel particularly tired during the summer, so I don't lose my appetite. However, in the summer, when I go out for drinks in the morning, the sun is already high in the sky, but when I go out in the morning and it's still dark, I feel a little relieved. I think it's a season where clothing can be difficult, but I think I can still wear just one long-sleeved shirt even if I don't have anything to wear (It's just us! I thought to myself again...) However, as I get older, I find myself thinking more and more how quickly a year passes by. At the end of this month, it's become an annual tradition to get the flu shot, and we start talking about New Year's cards. As a result, the company's operations are already in mid-winter and end-of-year mode. That's why I always think to myself, Misawa, to cherish each day to the fullest. I thought to myself, "You're not growing (younger)," for the umpteenth time today, and this time I'll leave you with this; autumn is here, so I hope you all eat something delicious. This is Misawa, see you next week!
Notes
Differ Ariake Crossing Ultra Quiz: Sadly, I can't find any details on this.
Autumn reading: Saying from a Tang (Chinese) poem which says that the autumn is perfect for reading books, as the weather is cooler.
27TH OCTOBER 2006
Cheers! In one shot, am I the only one who thinks this navigation is so boring? (does not translate) This is Misawa.
The last diary entry was up to Hiroshima, but after that I moved to Kyushu. In the first half, I often stayed in the same hotel for several nights, so I was able to get some rest, but in the second half I used the off period to travel, so I didn't have any real rest and so I'm feeling pretty tired. This is the last episode of Misawa's diary before its renewal*. As I mentioned earlier, I headed south from Hiroshima to Kyushu, and this time the navi included the Miyzaki show, my first since becoming Noah. I hope the Miyazaki fans were excited. Speaking of Miyazaki, when I was in High School, I went to an athletics meet, or rather, and Inter-High School meet. The memory of going to Miyazaki for the first time after getting into professional wrestling suddenly crossed my mind. I've been to so many different places, and it's normal for me to be on the move, and I don't have many opportunities to remember things like that, but as it happened when I was in High School, I guess it's a rare memory. This time I only stayed for one night, so I didn't have much time to spare, but next time I would like to go on a schedule that is more relaxed. Everyone in Miyazaki, please support us again at that time.
The next day, we headed straight from our hotel in Miyazaki to the venue in Nagasaki*. After the match, the bus went to Hakata, but Kotaro, Ippei and I remained in Nagasaki for a dinner function. The meal started after 9pm, and Taue and the others who had remained behind, appeared midway through. However, the three of us excused ourselves around 10:30pm and took an advertising car* back to Hakata. When I asked the sales guy who was driving me, "How long does it take to get to Hakata?" He said it was, "about two hours, so I guess we will arrive in Hakata around half twelve". I said (without any hesitation), "It would be nice to arrive at half twelve". As a result, we arrived in Hakata at around ten past twelve. Of course the speed limit was obeyed, it was raining on the way and there was an 80 km limit, but if it hadn't been for that I would have arrived earlier. Maybe. That said, you did your best sales guy. Thank you. I arrived at the hotel, took a quick shower, and met up with an acquaintance who works in sumo and was in Hakata in preparation for the Kyushu tournament. We had dinner again, and during this meal, Ippei-kun told me something that caught my attention.
Ippei's own words were, "When I entered the hotel room, I could smell the smell of incense and, for some reason, the smell of an old man..." It was around 4:30 when we finished the meal and went back to the hotel, but I lied to Ippei and said, "It's around four o'clock. It is said to be the time of the ox*, when even the plants and trees are asleep." I also threatened that when I got back to the hotel, the old man would be sitting waiting for him. He didn't say anything the next day, so I guess nothing happened.
Well, the November Navi will be over with just two more matches, including the Budokan. I vow to keep working hard until the end. This site will be renewed in November, so thank you everyone for reading the "No Worries Diary" for a long time, this diary is coming to an end, but I hope we can meet again some other time (serious face)....Goodbye...FOOLED YOU!! (<---Hey, hey, that's an obsolete phrase*!) From next time onwards, I'll start exchanging diaries (?) with the members who live at the training camp*. So, no matter what the renewal is, it starts with me. I don't know how many interesting conversations I will have with the young wrestlers, but I hope you continue to enjoy them.
See you next week!
Notes
Renewal: I guess he wanted to make a decision as to whether or not he wanted to continue, which fortunately he did.
Miyazaki to Nagasaki: A five hour journey in 2023, probably a little longer in 2006 when you consider they were going up the coast, around and then down.
Advertising car: Probably an official Noah vehicle which would advertise Noah as it moved
Time of the Ox: 3am, the time when spirits emerge.
Obsolete word: Misawa used the word "Dead Language", which basically means people don't speak that way anymore or use such phrases anymore, think of the boom of the "Wassup" phone-calls following the advert as an example. This doesn't translate well into English as this would be the equivalent of someone speaking Old English or Medieval English.
Training Camp: This is/was part of the dojo which is used to mean it as a whole; the dojo being the gym so to speak and the dormitories being a separate entity.
17TH NOVEMBER 2006
Cheers! It's been two weeks, long time no see!
First of all, let's answer Hirayanagi's question first. Well, you don't have a girlfriend (your right hand is in the habit of being a lover).
Well, lets talk about our era for the sake of the distant future...(I don't know if my story will be of any help to you, but) I don't know when theme parks became as popular as they are now, and there wasn't a whole lot of them. That's why I first thought about using cheap clothes to save time. When it comes to first dates, the classic choice is a movie. I am sure that some people think that, "If we were at the movies, we wouldn't be able to do it together". At first, it's nerve-wracking to do anything, so it's a good idea to watch a movie to relieve the tension. Actually, this is a story about teenagers, but I'm already an adult (I mean "adult in terms of age"), so I don't think I'm as excited as I was when I was a teenager...when I was a teenager, I was so nervous when I went on dates. First of all, food. I had no idea what to eat. There were no American restaurants like there are now, and you couldn't go to a ramen shop in a department store, so coffee shops were the norm at the time. Even at coffee shops I got nervous in front of the opposite sex, and she gets all dressed up to eat spaghetti with her boyfriend, she eats a sandwich *Weep*. I hear people saying, "Was Misawa living in an age of such innocence?", but it's true! That era of innocence also happened to me..."So what's going on now"...please don't enquire any further. Back to the topic...dates, huh? As I mentioned earlier, there are so many theme parks now that you won't have any trouble finding a place to go. My recommendation would be a zoo or an aquarium. Amusement parks require a lot of walking, it's not cool if you don't like the thrilling rides, and most of all, it's surprisingly expensive! This is a big problem when you're young. But usually, even on a date, you're definitely thinking about something naughty - when you're drinking at a bar with girls, you always make that "hungry" look. It's true, Even if you don't have a lot of money, you have to look like you have a lot of money. Hirayanagi, I don't know if this was helpful or not, but here is the answer to your question.
Well, the pre-face has become long, so what kind of business should I start with? Let's start on Wednesday 8th with the recording of "Impersonation Battle CLUB". It's been a while since I last saw 
Ijiri-chan, Kannazuki-san, Zatatsuchi and the two Asaridono again. The broadcast ended on November 15th (Wednesday), but...Then on Saturday the 11th, I was recording a TV show with Kotaro and Shio. The performers were KAT-TUN'S Nakamaru and Tanaka, Deputy Manager, Sarina Suzuki, Mami Yamase, and Daisuke Shima. Shima-san came to the venue, and I was very happy to hear that Mr. Nakamaru from KAT-TUN had also given me a gift. It seemed like they were watching the midnight broadcast, which made me happy. Thank you to everyone who contacted me (*bowing emoticon*). Kotaro made a good shot, but Shio missed by the way. If it doesn't get cut it will be broadcast, so if you have time, please watch. (Note, if you click here you can see some Gifs from the show from my X account)
On the 14th, there was a lecture at a High School. The MC was an eighteen year old high school student, who asked me to write about this in my diary, so I will touch on it a little. Although it was only a short 30 minutes, I think it was a difficult meeting. Good luck with your University life starting this spring.
Well, this time I'm just rambling on, so the next question for the diary, is for Ito*. I'm sure the fans are also worried about his absence. He seems to be working hard on his rehabilitation, but what is he doing when everyone at the dojo is out on tour in the countryside? So that's all for now. The November tour starts today. Although I will not be participating in the GHC tag team tournament, I will be challenging Marufuji* for the GHC Heavyweight at the Budokan on October 12th. I don't feel it's time to talk about my enthusiasm for the challenge yet, so please take a look at the tour match report for more information. This is the last tour of the year, so I know it's a busy time, but please come out and cheer for the wrestlers at the venue. See you next week.
Notes
Ito: Akihito Ito. Noah born whose career spanned 2004 until after Misawa's death in 2010. In 2016 he revealed that he retired due to mental issues. He now works in manufacturing and wholesale.
Marufuji: Probably the only time Misawa doesn't call him "Fujimaru".
IST DECEMBER 2006
Cheers! It's been two weeks since I last saw you. There's only one more day left for the last navigation of the year. This time's navigation is Misawa, who is feeling tired after a long journey (I guess he's always tired). This time, we had two shows in a row in Sapporo, but we arrived the day before, and the journey the day before, including the ferry, took about twelve hours. On top of that, as I am sure the other wrestlers have written in their diaries, the highway we entered Hokkaido on was closed to traffic due to a blizzard, so it took us longer than planned and was doubly tiring. After the match ended in Sapporo, the next day we took the ferry to Honshū*. Misawa was fast asleep on the ferry both on the way there and back.
And what happened on the ferry?
As usual, I drank until morning (what is this "as usual!"), got on the ferry, and woke up just before we reached Hakodate and was about to get on the bus when...
Tokyo Sports: Misawa-san, can I take a photograph?
Me (instantly): No way
The truth is that my face was swollen from drinking until morning, and I woke up in a bad mood, "I can't stand being photographed in this kind of place", but I didn't have time to explain anything and just answered. When a photo was taken afterwards, I thought, "That's a shame", but I guess there's nothing I can do about it. Although it is a little different from the venue, when even if fans are waiting in front of the hotel before departure in the morning, we may not be able to fully respond to autographs and photos if there is not enough time before departure. I hope you understand the situation.
By the way, I wrote this at the beginning, but this Navi has one day left. The event tomorrow is the final one, the 10th at the Budokan, and then two consecutive matches before Christmas. Would everyone like to enjoy Noah next year? Soon I think it will be the exciting time of the year end and New Year holidays, so please do not get sick.
So, for now, let's answer the question from Ito...in the style of an old story (Manga Nippon*), once upon a time (this is a similar imitation, even if I say so myself)...I think it was about ten years ago that I went to a certain region, and a senior colleague of mine invited me to a sushi restaurant. The hostess asked, "Customer-san, where are you staying?" When I heard that, I told her honestly that I was staying in an Ryokan*, and she said "I see" in a stammering manner. I was curious about the way that was said, so I asked about it, and she said, "A long time ago, a maid at that inn committed suicide" (The word "Maid" may be considered rude these days, but it recreates the atmosphere. Sorry for the inconvenience.) I thought that there was no way it could be in the guest room*, so I asked, "Which room"...my "No way" was correct.
Moreover, it's my room...
It was around 2 or 3 o'clock when we returned to the inn after dinner. No matter how much I don't usually pay attention to stories like that, I was intrigued after just hearing about it, so I went straight to the large room where the younger wrestlers were sleeping. I woke up Gamo* (Masao Inoue), who had just started wrestling at the time, and told him, "You, sleep with me in my room". When I said that, Gamo was a bit sleepy, but he came without complaining and fell asleep. Gamo was snoring so loudly that I had a hard time sleeping, but before I knew it I had fallen asleep and the morning came without any incident. The next day, when I explained the reason to Gamo, he didn't seem to mind, saying "Oh, really?", so I was relieved (now that I think about it, he didn't seem to care much about what happened, which is no different from now). By the way, of course, Gamo is not what you think he is. There was nothing strange, so just to be sure...Even if your passionate, I refuse to accept your request! (What kind of duck is going to say this after being woken up in the middle of the night?). The only other scary experiences I've ever had were experiencing sleep paralysis two or three times, and hearing the sound of rapping a few times. Well, because of my job I stay in a lot of places, so I feel like I am starting to open up to the feeling that it's normal for something to exist, but it would be strange if it didn't exist. Now that that I think about it, if anyone saw something that made you feel scared or disgusted, I would like you to share it with me.
Lastly, I have a question for next week's diary. Ippei, who is getting excited because people say he looks like Shidô Nakamura*, (I don't think they look alike), but why is he a "bu*sen"* What? That's it for Misawa. Tomorrow is the Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium Tournament. If you're in the area or have time, please come and cheer for the wrestlers at the venue. See you in two weeks.
Notes
Honshū: Largest of the four islands (main islands) of Japan
Manga Nippon: Japanese folk tales
Ryokan: Traditional Japanese inn. Back then, the younger wrestlers would be housed in the banqueting hall or else the larger guest rooms, while their seniors had their own rooms. The juniors wrestlers did not get much sleep as the seniors used their room to congregate and drink in. Added to this, Jumbo Tsuruta was followed around by groups of people, which made Baba once yell out about the noise, "Be quiet, you bastards!". So no one really got much sleep usually.
Guest room: Kind of a parlour type room.
Gamo: See entry dated
Shidô Nakamura: Kabuki actor (his son was the voice of Yoshitaka Mine, Chairman of the Hakuho Clan in Yakuza 3)
*Bu*sen: Misawa omitted a word, but I think this refers to someone who is ugly and likes ugly people, and in turn is liked by ugly people
15TH DECEMBER 2006
Cheers, cheers....cheers. When you hear someone say "get on with it"....this is Misawa.
First of all, thank you very much for your support at the Nippon Budokan on December 10th. As always, please visit our website for more information about matches and the comments about matches. Thank you very much. Physically, I only slightly hurt my neck and lower back, so please don't worry (is it really "just a little"??). My next defense opponent is Morishima. He's a tough opponent...I'm a potbellied man with thinning hair, but I'll do my best.
Now, after finishing the last Budokan of the year, I am saying goodbye. There are only two shows left this year: SEM on the 23rd (I won't be participating) and Differ on the 24th. Like I said at the Budokan, please come if you have the time (however, the reserved seats for the 24th are sold out, so if you don't mind standing, that will be fine). The SEM on the 23rd will be attended by the members of the dojo, who are also participating in diaries*. The other four members, except Shiozaki and Hirayanagi, made their debut on the 24th of last year, so it's already been a year. How time flies! As you can see from the diary, we have a group of unique members, so I'm looking forward to seeing what the match will be like. Since we are talking about the dojo, let's answer a question from Ippei, who was in charge last time..."Do you do any winter sports?" The question is, what is "winter sports"?. What's included? I didn't snowboard when I was a student, and since I got into professional wrestling, I've never skied because of injuries. I've only skied twice so far, and I've never skated once, but I was good at roller skating, and I used to do it a lot when I was in elementary school. Back then, there were no rollerblades, and instead of wearing shoes, you had to fasten them with a band to your shoes. Not to mention they were originally made with iron wheels, which was noisy. Back then, there weren't concrete spaces like there are now*, so I used to use the City Hall parking lot, sometimes getting yelled at. So, when I upgraded, I bought rubber tires. If you were born in the Shōwa era from the 30's to the early 40's, can you explain?
I've strayed far away from the topic of winter sports.
I don't know if this is considered a winter sport, but when it snowed, we often went sledding on the banks of the river. It's good if you have a friend with a sled, but if you don't have one, you'll have to slide on corrugated iron. You don't see many banks like that these days. In the old days, we used to have fun even if we didn't have money.
Now, my next question is to Taniguchi..."You should sleep here!" (<---What's going on?! He knows what he's doing, so I'm fine with it*). As soon as Christmas passes, it's New Year's Day. Speaking of New Year's, it's o-zōni*. At home, we eat Kanto-style o-zōni with chicken, komatsuna*, kamaboko*, and square mochi, but I wonder what Taniguchi's local Tottori o-zōni is like?
Now, as we approach the end of the year, it's time to hold drinking parties. Everyone, be careful of your livers. In other words, while I'm talking about you, this time I'm mostly pointing at myself, but this is Misawa. The next entry will be my last diary entry of the year. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Notes
Diaries: PXDX, Go Shiozaki's is still going.
Concrete spaces: I think he probably means skate parks etc
Misawa and childhood sports, see interview - "Dandyism? It's not like that"
Shuhei Taniguchi's sleeping: For a while, Shuhei Taniguchi and Atsushi Aoki both slept in the dining room at the training camp. This is most likely an inside joke, but this could be what Misawa is referring to.
O-zōni: Traditional Japanese New Year's soup dish with rice crackers and vegetables.
Komatsuna: Japanese mustard spinach
Kamaboko: Steamed season fish paste. After Misawa's time it became more closely associated with Kazuyuki Fujita, who ate it at press conferences while downing beer.
29TH DECEMBER 2006
Hey. There's no point in it. I just wanted to write it! *grin*. This is the last "Donmai, Donmai" diary entry of this year, so lets start with the answer to Taniguchi's question. In the first place, isn't Taniguchi using words incorrectly? Isn't "Memories I'll never forget", "Unforgettable memories" or "Memories you'll never forget?". There it is, the da de da da (note, Terminator Theme) Terminator (Sorry for the inside joke again).
I would like to ask everyone about Christmas, is it fun? Let's face it, apart from Christians, isn't Christmas in Japan really meant for women and children? There aren't many fun things for grown men. Even if lovers exchange gifts, women probably get more expensive items in most cases, and it's always crowded no matter where you go (I think this is the day when tissue consumption is the highest on any given day). It's a nuisance for people who come to Tokyo for work, and even business hotels are rarely empty, so I feel like I'm complaining, but I don't have any particular memories of Christmas. But since it's a "memory you'll never forget,'' I guess it's a big event, or maybe it's the fact that Noah came and we decided to hold a show every Christmas. We have been holding events at Differ since December 24th 2000, but the Ariake Coliseum show the day before, was the first time we were having matches at a large venue with over 10,000 people since our launch in August of that year. I was really happy that so many people came to support us, even though the location was difficult to access at the time. The day before that, we had matches at Kawasaki, so it was the third match in a row, but it was the first time for the wrestlers to have matches under pressure at a large venue, so the next day was very event-like. I did wonder in part if it would be a good idea to do that, but when I actually tried it, I felt like it worked in a positive direction, and it turned out to be a relaxing and fun show, so in a sense it was a success. 
Looking back at the Christmas video* that quickly became a standard after that first show, it all started with me watching a JR commercial and thinking, "I want to do something like that". It seems that some people came to the venue and were looking forward to the video, which makes me very happy. This time I played the role of Mitsugoro*.
So what should I do?
My Christmas memories are something like, I like hot chicken (Taniguchi tried to dodge "sleep there", but ended up giving a surprisingly long answer) for those who want to know, the hint is..."Ikebukuro*"...I can't write any more.
The other day, I went to see a preview of G+'s year-end special program, "Pro wrestling Noah broadcast New Year's Eve 19-hour special GHC Heavy - 39 rapid shots". This is a look back at the GHC matches. If you have time or are not a member of G+, please take this opportunity to consider joining. It's a 19-hour program, and although it's long, I think it might be a good idea to record it and watch it little by little. For those who don't subscribe to satellite or cable, it may be time to reevaluate your viewing circumstances until you switch fully to digital broadcasting*, but flat-screen TVs are still expensive. I wonder if they'll become a little cheaper in the future? When I talked about the year end program, I was reminded of year-end parties. When I was younger, the year-end parties were depressing and unpleasant. I don't drink as much as I do now, and my seniors forced me to drink*, and I had to worry about it, and since it was a year-end party I 
didn't want to end up having a bad experience. Nowadays, I don't have to be so careful when I go to drinking parties, and I've gotten used to drinking. Since I only talk about drinking parties in this diary, you might think that I drink every day. You may think that, but its not the case. People often ask me, "Do you get hangovers, Misawa-san", but anyone can get a hangover if they drink too much. Also, many people think that wrestlers are strong against alcohol because they are big, but that is wrong. Just because they are big does not necessarily mean they are strong against alcohol. Sometimes women are stronger than men.
Lately, even though I'm busy at the end of the day, I've been watching DVD movies. Lately, I haven't been going to the cinema at all, but as I was watching DVDs, I realized how much I love movies. Even if I am working the next day, if I watch a movie on late night TV, I will end up watching it all, even if it's boring. When I'm watching a movie, I can get absorbed in it and forget about many things, and most of all, I'm looking forward to the excitement before the movie starts.
Well, this is the last diary entry of the year, and things are normal. and although I don't like seasonal events, I want to welcome in the New Year as relaxed as possible. This year has passed by in the blink of an eye, but I hope you have all enjoyed reading about the Noah matches plus the diary. This is the question to Aoki, who is in charge of the New Year's diary, and is the only one who pretends to be drunk, even though everyone else is, and observes everyone calmly. If the target audience is limited to women, I don't need a vague answer to "What fetish?"
So then everyone, this diary will of course be updated on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so please enjoy it daily. The New Year's Navi will begin on January 7th. We look forward to your continued support at the venue in 2007. Happy New Year! Misawa.
Notes
Noah Christmas Videos: For a few years Noah used to do a special Christmas video, the most famous being Santa Misawa (in green) delivering Santa Misawa dolls to kids and Junji Izumida (the same sound effect used when Misawa smacked his face to wake him up, was used when Akira Taue threw a snowball into his crotch), and "Misawa The Teacher". The videos generally contained the roster warbling Christmas carols, most memorably to "I Need A Hero", but sadly the videos stopped being so elaborate by about 2007/2008. After Misawa's death Noah held Christmas shows and the traditional (and much missed) costumed rumble, but sadly even this has not happened in recent years.
JR Commercial: Central Japan railways.
Mitsugoro: Parody of Masanori Hata, who was a zoologist. He was nicknamed "Mutsugoro"
Ikebukuro: Hip area of northern Tokyo
Analog to digital: Misawa did not live to see Japan switch from analog to digital, this occurred in July 2011, two years after his death.
Misawa's seniors: Mayumi Misawa wrote in "The Last Bump" that Misawa hated this so much, that he never forced his own juniors to drink. On a funnier note, Naomichi Marufuji writes in "Heir to The Ark" that Baba scolded Akira Taue for giving whisky to one of his own juniors. Probably not so funny when you discover it was Takeshi Morishima.
3RD JANUARY 2007
(Misawa starts the year off with a very sombre entry)
Happy New Year. Thank you for your support over the past year.
What was last year like for you?
Just as many things have happened to Noah, I think every day in your year has been important. We sometimes hear from people who come to the venue despite their busy schedules and say, "Seeing Noah made me want to do my best". If our matches can help you live your daily life in a positive way, it will also be a great source of encouragement for the wrestlers. We, the wrestlers and the staff, will continue to work hard and hope to see you all at the venues again in 2007, so we appreciate your continued support. I wish you all the best in 2007.
Notes
GHC Heavyweight Tag Titles: Vacated in September 2006 due to Kenta Kobashi's kidney cancer, and won in December that year by Takeshi Morishima and Mohammed Yone.
Misawa's picture is the Year of The Pig
12TH JANUARY 2007
Well, how did you all spend your time from the end of the year until the New Year? Misawa doesn't really like seasonal events, but these days there are convenience stores and supermarkets open on New Year's Day, so I don't think it feels like a New Year's Day. Anyway, I often see shops that say they are open all year round and closed for the year-end and New Year holidays, but don't you think that is a contradiction? I wonder if that is the correct Japanese?
Noah was off until January 4th, and started working in the New Year on January 5th. Of course, I didn't have much time to relax as you all know the first Navi of 2007 will begin on the 7th. This time, I will be challenged by Morishima in the final match at the Nippon Budokan. The last Budokan was actually when I had my first singles with Morishima. This will be my second match, and I can already feel the same enthusiasm I felt then. It's about a week until Budokan, but I'm trying to keep my spirits up, so please check out the match results on the website.
First, I will answer Aoki's* question, "What games did you often play when you were a child?". I have often written about this, but in any case in my day, there was no money!! So we often had no choice but to be physically active and play outdoors. After school we played can kicking, kickball* (some people call it "kickbase"), and dodgeball. I would get scolded if I continued to play after class, so I would go home from school, which was about ten minutes, leave my bag, and go back to play in the schoolyard. At times like this it was usually just boys, but what were the girls doing? I often saw them playing jump rope...
In Aoki's generation, it may have been soccer, but in my day and age, even though we used a ball, it was dodgeball, so it was an artless game. At any rate, this was a time when the number of children in the area was increasing, and the junior high school was split into two by the second year students, so the schoolyard could not be used as widely as possible.
 |
| (Modern estimate of Misawa's route) |
After I bought a bicycle, I went out a lot. I remember when I went from Koshigaya to Urawa, the welding on my bicycle broke, and I had to ride home on the back of a friend's bicycle and that was before it had a semi drop handlebar. This too is a word that only people of my generation understand. I also saw older people playing with radio controls. I think there were a lot of people who driving cars and airplanes, and using radio controlled boats on the river and stopping midway. Some people were rowing boats, so it must have been very difficult for them. Speaking of radio controls, Mabuchi Motors released a motor that could be attached to the bottom of a boat and it was revolutionary! Does anyone remember it? When I was a child, snacks were things that I could eat as soon as I opened the refrigerator, like tomato, grilled cucumbers, and other snacks. It was healthy, or rather simple. If I were to meet children of today's generation, I wonder if they would be playing a lot of games? I can't imagine what it would be like, but I do know that I don't see children playing outside these days. I talk as someone who loves games when I say this, but games that require a lot of physical activity outdoors are more fun as a way to relax than games played by just one or two people, but but I think it's a bit different if they become the center of play. However, it's not an environment where children can play outside with peace of mind. Before I knew it, I stopped answering the question. I'll stop here for now.
Well, next week Shio will be in charge, so the first question is for him...who doesn't have a good drinking habit*. First of all, at what age did Shio start drinking alcohol on his own? Let's have him answer this, taking into account that his father is a police officer*....is that being high handed? (<--- To suit Shio, who loves comedy, I've put a twist on Taka and Toshi*'s material. I hope you enjoyed it.)
It's still getting colder, but everyone please try not to catch a cold.
See you again in two weeks.
Notes
Atsushi Aoki
Foot base: Kickball
Koshigaya: Saitama, where he billed himself from, although he had been born in Hokkaido.
Urawa: Saitama.
Bad drinking habit: This doesn't mean that he is an alcoholic, this basically means when he gets drunk he gets up to mischief (anything from bursting into tears to passing out drunk to even getting naked). I haven't heard any stories about Go Shiozaki when drunk, but Katsuhiko Nakajima (long before AXIZ, and when Nakajima was competing in Noah before Misawa's death), said that he did used to phone him when he was drunk. Nakajima it seems was the more sober of the two, and didn't quite approve of Tadasuke's drunken InstaLive's during the COVID lockdown.
Police officer: Shiozaki wanted originally to be a cop too, but he kept failing the entry exams.
Taka & Toshi: Comedy duo
26TH JANUARY 2007
Cheers! Everyone, I know you're worried, but I'll start with cheers as usual.
Well, it's like this.
I'm sure the course of events has been covered in the press and on this website, but since this is my diary, I'll add a little bit of extra information. I barely remember, or should I say remember, up to the Tiger Driver. I think the moment I lost my memory was during the powerbomb outside the ring. I've lost my memory a couple of times in the past, but this is the first time I've lost my memory at all on such a big stage*. Even though I don't like ambulances, I have to ride in them, and even though I don't like hospitals, I still go. Before I knew it, I was having a match, and the next thing I knew I was sitting backstage. After the match, there was a member (Vice President, Akiyama) who isn't usually in the locker room, and he asked me if I was okay. That made me think, "Oh, I guess I hit my head". At that time (and I didn't know who it was), I overheard someone saying, "An ambulance is waiting", and it's strange how people are, but I suddenly became calm. (well, maybe I wasn't really calm) and said, "If I'm going to the hospital, I have to take a shower", so I took a shower despite everyone's concerns. By the way, I was turned away from one hospital because I was waiting for a shower during that time.
This is the second time that I have been to hospital in an ambulance after a match. I wonder how long ago it was, but my nose was broken in a match against Tsuruta-san*, and I had to take an ambulance straight to the hospital from the venue in Osaka. But, I had a match at Korakuen the next day, so I rushed back to Tokyo with an ice pack hanging from the seat of the bus*. I didn't get much sleep that day, but I also didn't get any swelling, but after the match at Korakuen, the next morning my nose suddenly swelled up and I was in a "Pierre State*" (<---<---This is what we call swollen noses. It's like having a foreign nose*, so you can kind of imagine it). The next day while the others headed to Kanazawa by bus, I believe I took a plane to Komatsu Airport. The topic has veered off to the side a bit, but trainer Asako accompanied me from The Budokan to the hospital. When I came out after the tests, I saw Ogawa, Kotaro, Ippei and Ricky* all looking worried (they came to the hospital because they were worried). This week, I will monitor the condition of my neck and prepare for the next navigation. Thank you to everyone who has expressed concern. Anyway, it's been years since I haven't had a drink after the final show, and since everyone was worried about me, I couldn't even go out for a drink, and Asako had to escort me home. Well, I appreciate your concern, but Ippei forgot to give me a jumper, so I went home in only short sleeves in cold weather. This is Ippei. My current attendant, who is missing a few screws.
Now, I would like to answer a question from Shio. I'll preface this by saying that there are a lot of things I can't write about...I think the stories of my past attendants are more interesting than the stories of my failures. I don't think you can go wrong with alcohol. It's true that I haven't always been a strong drinker. I started drinking after I got back from Mexico, so I guess I was around 23 years old. Back then, I would go out drinking in the evening, come home in the morning, take a break before practice, and then go back to drinking again. Every day I would go out in the evening. I would vomit and think, "I should stop drinking." Back then, I used to go to Ginza a lot and to the people working in the stores, a 23 year old is like a child. They didn't even know that I was the guy wearing the Tiger Mask. When I was told to do my best, I replied, "I'll do my best," in a somewhat deliberate manner.
Now, let's talk about my past attendants. First up, Asako*. Asako is a bad drinker. When he gets drunk, he breathes through his nose, and sometimes his nose is runny. Asako, who was so drunk that he wouldn't go home, even if I told him to, is now a great trainer. Time makes people grow. It's good to see that is the case, right, Asasko-chan?
Next is Morishima. Morishima is my phantom attendant. Marufuji came in soon after as my attendance, but since I was asked to take care of Marufuji by my wrestling teacher, he quickly became my attendant and Morishima was replaced in the blink of an eye, but it's not as if I hated Morishima and replaced him. By the way, Morishima was not my attendant, and we ended up hanging out at a drinking party afterwards, but although he got pretty drunk he didn't make trouble. He often becomes reckless, but I don't think he ever gets violent*.
When Marufuji first joined the company, he said things like, ``I'm a strong drinker,'' but that was just because he wasn't drinking beyond his limit. One day, after hard drinking, I suddenly got up from my seat and in a flash, he had moved into it.
Kotaro is funny when he's drunk, and if anything he laughs a lot. He didn't have many failures, but if I had to guess, I'd say it was when he did the "execution pose" (by Gaki Deka* <---sorry to those who don't get it) to me and said, "President, sing!".
Currently, I'm enjoying myself with Ippei. Unless you enjoy yourself with him, Ippei is a man who is uninteresting, and he doesn't shine unless he is messed with. Moreover, as he himself admits, he is an "M*". I guess I can end this by covering up my own shame and dodging Shio's question. Finally, a question for the next person, Hirayanagi: When was your first love? Even if it's unrequited love, it's still your first love.
It's about three weeks until the next Navi, so I would like to recover and be in the best possible condition.
Finally, congratulations to Kotaro and Ricky* \(@^o^)/
Notes
Misawa losing his memory:
Tsuruta-san: Jumbo Tsuruta (AJPW era)
Ice pack: Presumably he rigged it to hang on his face, meaning his arms were free and he could sleep, read etc. According to The Patriot, the All Japan bus (compared to the bus for the foreign wrestlers), was very quiet. No one spoke much, and everyone laughed if someone farted.
Pierre State: This seems to be an expression unique to either All Japan, Noah or else Puroresu at that time. I cannot find any mention of it as slang, as a tagline from an advert etc. Misawa said that it gives you a nose like a foreigner, so I wonder with the use of the word "Pierre" (a French name), this had its roots in the big nosed Cyrano de Bergerac, or else Charles de Gaulle.
Ricky: Ricky Marvin
Asako: Ironically when this was translated, Takashi Sugiura had been drinking with Asako, and posted a picture of him drunk.
Takeshi Morishima: Morishima being reckless kind of chimes in with KENTA saying that Morishima was (or could be) a mean drunk, but Misawa did not live to see how out of control and violent Morishima could be when drinking. See "Traces to Nowhere" for the full sad story.
Naomichi Marufuji: Ironically, when this was translated, Sanshiro Takagi made the comment that Marufuji never came to the office, but he always seemed to come to drinking parties.
M: I don't know about Ippei, but Naomichi Marufuji did say that Misawa was an honorary member of the "M's alliance".
Kotaro Suzuki and Ricky Marvin: First Japanese/foreign wrestler team to win the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
Note: Genichiro Tenryu says that when he met Mitsuharu Misawa, Misawa didn't drink. However, he did when he started associating with Tenryu, before that when Misawa went out for karaoke with Ryu Nakata he would drink fruit juice.
9TH FEBRUARY 2007
Cheers. My name is Misawa, and I have a hard time sleeping because my neck isn't feeling well. How is everyone doing? I went to "Sumo Chaya Chanko, Saga Hikaru" in Minami Gyotoku during this long day off. I think I introduced it in this diary a long time ago, but after reading it, It seems that many of you have visited the store. Thank you. It's a short walk from Minami Gyotoku Station, so it may be a little difficult to get to if you live far away, but if you live nearby, please come to visit again. Chanko is delicious to eat, even in the summer when your appetite is low, and it warms your body in the winter, so you can enjoy it regardless of the season. By the way, as I wrote about this before, it is served with a soy sauce base and yuzu pepper.
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Here I will answer a question from last week's regular employee. When it comes to female celebrities, there are always a lot of them who are younger than me, so I can't really see them as grown women, but if I had to chose, I would say that Yui Aragaki is the strongest. She appeared in "My Boss, My Hero". Who are the idols of my time? It's a generational thing, but when I was in elementary school, it was probably Mari Tenchi. When I was in junior high and high school, I was so absorbed in club activities that I didn't really have an idol that I liked until I bought magazines and photo books and looked at them, and I don't think there was ever an idol that I loved so much that I went to their concerts every time. Now that I think about it, if DVDs were available back then, idols back then would have made quite a lot of money.
Well, next week is the start of the tour. Thank you for your concern, but I am gradually recovering. Having said that, the off-season is really short. I'm sure you all agree, but the good times feel short and the hard times feel long. That's not to say that matches are tough, but I don't think there's anyone out there who doesn't like the way they look.
Now, here is a question for Ito*; the other day, Taniguchi told me that Tottori's ozoni* is no different from Tokyo's, so I'll talk about food again. No one believes me when I say this, but I saw a TV show a while back saying, "In Ehime, rice is cooked with tangerine juice." Okay, you don't believe me? But it's true. In the video it is served in school lunches. So, Ito, who is from (Kuwana, Mie Prefecture), please let me know if there's something you noticed for the first time in Tokyo that "Please let me know if you find a way to eat food local to you in Tokyo"
...I wonder what rice cooked with tangerine juice tastes like...it's simple, but worth it.
Well, that's about it for this diary. Misawa bought a 1/350 Space Battleship Yamato Plastic Model during these off days. The plastic model is a faithful reproduction of the wave motion gun and barrel laser, and its size is 766mm. I don't have time to make it, and I don't have any more space to display it...What should I do...I'll say it again this time just in case. Unlike you guys, I'm not an otaku, Kotaro-kun. Also, I won't go to Akihabara with you. It wouldn't be fun to do group activities where everyone has different hobbies.
I've been keeping you sitting here for a long time, so this time I will really say it. Although it's spring according to the calendar, I think the weather will still be unstable. Everyone, please be careful not to get sick. I also want to make the most of the week leading up to the opening*. See you again in two weeks.
Notes
Setsubun: Setsubun marks the end of Winter, and the beginning of spring. The tradition is to throw roasted soybeans saying "Devils out! Fortune In!".
Sitting Seiza: Traditional way of Japanese sitting with your legs tucked under you.
Kimono worn: Old ceremonial costume worn by Samurai
Ito: Akihito Ito, retired from Noah in 2010.
Ozoni: Japanese New Year soup
Opening: Tour or more appropriately, Navi
23RD FEBRUARY 2007
Cheers! How are you all doing these days, as the weather is getting warmer and it's starting to feel like spring? Fortunately for people with hay fever, this is the perfect time. I am not suffering with it at the moment, so I am sorry for speaking as if it was a personal matter. For me, this is the season where I feel cold when I wear short sleeves, but hot when I wear a jumper, and when I get to the hotel, it's hot when I turn on the heating, but cold when I turn it off.
Now, let's talk a little bit about this: right after I started this Navi, I had a two days off in Osaka. It feels like the days off during navigation go by quickly. You may not realize it, but in general, think of Saturdays and Sundays as passing by in the blink of an eye. Tours and days off from tours also go by in a blink of an eye. The time off between tours passes by quickly, but in our case, off time during Navi is quick, and it may feel unnecessarily short because of moving soon after. Kotaro went to Nihonbashi as usual, as this time he had a day off in Osaka. He went when I wanted to, but this time he was gone for less than an hour. It might have been about 30 minutes, but I was done in half an hour, and ate tempura curry udon for the first time in a while. It's been a while since I've eaten it, but it's still filling. It would be amazing if the general public could try it.
This is a bit off topic, but the day before the day off in Osaka, there was a match in Kyoto, and after leaving the venue, we headed to Osaka. Today's meal was Okonomiyaki, which is Osaka-esque, but it's been a while since I've had it (I think it's been over ten years since I've been there. The inside of the restaurant has changed quite a bit, but that's normal since it's been such a long time). We arrived at the hotel in Osaka around 10pm, and started eating from 11pm. Since it was Sunday, the restaurant closed at 1 o'clock, so after that we went to karaoke as usual, and all the guys sang until morning. I was also singing songs that I don't normally sing, and my throat was sore. I think it was around 6 o'clock when I went to bed. It was a long day since it was before our holiday, but we were able to make the most of the two days off before resuming the tour.
My neck, which everyone has been concerned about, is making a slow recovery, but it is now in a condition that does not affect my ability to wrestle*. Thank you for your concern.
Now that I have summarized that in a very serious manner, I will answer a question from Ito*. Regarding "Memories of Valentines Day", as I write every time, I hate all seasonal events, so I don't have any particular preferences. Unlike Marufuji, who loves chocolate in the first place, I usually only eat it at bars when I'm thirsty and have nothing to eat...I'm not bluffing, but I've never really wanted chocolate for Valentine's Day, and I remember hating it when the boys around me were so fidgety. I went to an all-boys high school, so I don't even have those memories. However, ever since I became a wrestler, my fans have sent me messages every year, and I'm grateful for them. Does Ito have any memories of Valentines Day?
Lastly, I have a question for Ippei. Spring is the season of graduations and school entrance. So Ippei, please tell me about your memories of graduation and school entrance. I'm telling you, I don't need an uninteresting story, so make it interesting, even if it's only half of it.
See you in two weeks. Misawa!
Notes
CHIBO: A restaurant in Osaka's Dotonbori district, specializing in okonomiyaki
These are tragic words considering what was going to happen a year and a half later.
Ito: Akihito Ito. He debuted in December 2005 and retired in February 2010.
9TH MARCH 2007
Cheers. Even though the Budokan is over, Misawa is still struggling to sleep as he battles pain in his neck and lower back*. As usual, please feel free to check out the site for any comments regarding the match. It was a tough match, and as my neck hurts when I put in too much force, I couldn't use the strength to lift my opponent up. I wonder how Sugiura* fared. Lately, Sugi has been unrestrained in his diary*, but I'm worried that he's okay.
Now that it's getting a lot warmer, I've been wondering if I should turn on the air conditioner in my room*. But I've already turned on the air conditioner in my car. Speaking of cars this time I'll start by answering Ippei's question from last week. I'm sorry, but I don't understand the meaning of the answer or the question, I'm sorry, but it's boring. I haven't been able to make enough memories of graduation, or rather, I don't have a punch line. I could have just said, "I handed out all the buttons and left without any*", but that is too harsh. Those of you who are reading this will definitely not understand the meaning. I also didn't understand what was interesting about it.
So, what was Ippei's question...yep that's right, he was talking about cars. I love cars*. My first car was a red Silvia, which I bought with my parents'* help as I had just returned from a trip to Mexico and had no money. Tiger Mask's red sports car!* Moving around like Naoto Date*! (<-- Only those who know, will know). Next is the Black Z. It may be frustrating for some people who don't immediately recognize the letter "Z", but it was the "Fairlady Z". I grew up in the supercar boom era*, so I loved sports cars, and after that I became a BMW fan. First I had a 5 series, a 7 series, then an Alpina, and then my current X5. Red was my favorite color when I was younger, but now it's navy blue or black, and if I were a little older it would probably be white. Dark colors will show off dust, and white will show off water stains, so it's a good idea to have both. When I first started, I used to go to car washes and wash my own car. After my High School National Athletic Meet finished, I moved out of the dormitory and went to a driving school, I skipped a few classes, but I was able to get my driver's license in no time.
What are some of my fondest memories of cars?
Ippei's question was quite tense. I wish Ippei-chan would have pulled off this much. Ah, it's impossible...
The calendar has entered March, and Cherry Blossoms are already starting to bloom in Tokyo, but I haven't seen them yet. Cherry blossoms mean cherry blossom viewing, and Cherry blossom viewing means drinking alcohol. This is a bit of a semi forced manner, but the other day I was drinking with Kotaro and Ippeu, the subject came up of, do you all take a shower after drinking??? Women find it difficult because they have to remove their makeup.
When I'm on tour and the next day is a day off and I really need to unwind, there are a few times when I just lie on the bed without changing clothes...but at the very least, I want to wash and dry my face. I have an oily face. Kotaro likes to take a shower before going to bed. It seems Ippei goes to sleep without showering. Ippei is already an asshole, so he would be well served by taking a shower. By the way, speaking of Kotaro, the other day he gifted me the 1st prize Ultraman from the FamilyMart lottery. I was so happy. Thank you, Kotaro.
Now, in the next navigation, we will go to Shuhei-chan*'s hometown Kurayoshi. Next time Shuhei-chan is in charge, if there is anything you would like to appeal about Kurayoshi, please let me know *grin*.
It's suddenly getting warmer, but everyone, please take it easy and try not to catch a cold. That's all for today.
Notes
*Misawa uses "Doesu" here instead of "Desu". This is what is known as a "dead word", it is hard to translate, but it basically means a pause. This is also the first time he complains about pain in his lower back, after he died it was later revealed that he was suffering bone spurs.
*Yes. This is Takashi Sugiura.
*Considering that Misawa wrote that Sugi's diaries were full of "sex stories". I don't want to know the details of his being "unrestrained".
*Misawa's room: By the end of his life, Misawa and his wife, Mayumi, had seperate rooms. I don't think this was due to any marital strife as she loved him until the end, and the evidence (although sparse) seems to indicate that their marriage was a happy one, I think it was probably due to his accumulated injuries. Kotaro Suzuki remembers Misawa's wife showing him Misawa's room (Kotaro paid a curtesy call after Misawa's death), and he said it was like a giant toy box with Misawa's figures crammed up almost against the bed.
*After graduation, male students would give a second button on their school jackets to a girl. Misawa is implying he gave all the buttons away.
*Cars: Misawa and Kobashi used to drive around Tokyo and spot the cars they wanted to drive. Misawa's last car was his beloved BMW X-6. He was so attached to it thay when his wife pointed out a bigger car would fit more suitcases (he did not travel light), he said "Even so, it will do". On his last journey, she imagined herself cradling the car as he drove away. After his death, one of the roster (I believe it may have been either one of the referees or Tamon Honda), drove it home.
*Parents: After divorcing his drunken violent father, Misawa's mother married again. Misawa (whose legal surname was "Kaede", reverted to his mothers maiden name, "Misawa" in a final seperation from his hated father, who he swore if he ever saw again, he would knock him on his ass.).
*Tiger Mask drove a red sports car in the anime.
*On December 25, 2010, a school bag was given to a children's home in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture in the name of Naoto Date (a character from the Tiger Mask anime), which following other mysterious donations, came to be known as "Tiger Mask Movement Support Project". The man behind it was revealed to be an office worker called Seigo Kawamura, who due to early experiences (early death of mother, shuffled between relatives, no money for food which caused him to suffer malnutrition), who supported charities and nursing homes as an adult.
*Supercar Boom Era: The period from the late 1980s to the early 1990s was the bubble economy.
*Shuhei: Taniguchi, or "Tani" as he is usually known in Noah.
23RD MARCH 2007
*Sings "If you're having trouble finding a vacant room", this week, I watched a commercial by THE LEAVE*. This time we recorded two videos, one of which is a rap version. I think there will be many people who will be disappointed if they watch the commercial after watching the usual Noah broadcast (and I am sorry to THE LEAVE), but I hope you enjoy it as a gag. There is even a part where Ippei is in danger! Look forward to the broadcast. As a side note, I was asked to prepare sneakers before the shoot. As I thought, "Well, this is a Rap version", but when I started looking for shoes, I realized that I had more and more sneakers before I knew it, and I realized once again that I had so many sneakers. I end up wearing the same pair every time as I like them, so I forget what I bought, and there are a lot of sneakers that I've only worn two or three times. I don't usually wear high-cut shoes, but for some reason I ended up with 5 or 6 pairs..It's strange because when I buy at a store, I'm supposed to like everything I buy. I'm sure many of you have had similar experiences. If you don't organize your shoes at a certain point, you might end up with more and more (but when it comes to sneakers, I'm sure Marufuji* has a lot more than me...). By the way, I didn't end up using the sneakers I had prepared, but I'm glad that it gave me a good opportunity to organize my accumulated shoes. I'm sure the other wrestlers will write about the commercial, so I'll leave it there.
This is a completely unrelated topic, but lately I've been using the DS on the toilet, I'm obsessed with "Yoshi's Island". I think writing that gives the impression that I'm pretty excited about it, but let me put it another way...I'm not saying I really love it, I just like it. I don't have much time to play games, and lately I've been playing a lot of mobile games. I was playing "Super Robot Wars W*" a while ago, but now that it's over, I've started playing "Yoshi's Island"...If I write too much about games I'll become an otaku (I've said this many times, but I'm not an otaku), so I'll answer Shuhei's question here. Well, last week's answer was just a written guide to the tourist guide, so it's going to be really hard for people outside of Tottori to make the trip to Kurayoshi... (grin). For everyone reading this diary, the April tour will be held at the Tottori Prefectural Kurayoshi Sports and Culture Hall on Wednesday, the 12th. Kurayoshi is Shuhei's hometown. It may be a little difficult for people from far away, but please take this opportunity to come and support us while also sightseeing in Kurayoshi.
Now, getting back to Shuhei-kun's question....memories of White Day*...
This can be summed up in one word. Nothing.
As I write every time, I hate seasonal events and I'm not interested in Valentine's Day, so there's no way I have any memories of White Day. When everyone is excited about something, I hate joining in. I don't mean to be cynical, but more accurately, "stubborn" (though I'm not sure if that's really the right word...). Actually, is White Day something that you have to do? I'm not really interested. So, here are some questions for the next guest, Aoki. Recently, Aoki has started growing his hair out, but what kind of hairstyle are you aiming for? Also, if you have had any hairstyles before that you think "this is great", let me know.
March is coming to an end, and some of you may be feeling anxious about moving to a new environment in April, but if you can turn your anxiety into a positive one, I'm sure it will be a great experience for you. I wish you all the best. See you in two weeks. Misawa.
Notes
*THE LEAVE are Noah's long term sponsors, who they film adverts with each year, in an ongoing tradition. They are a property rental company.
*Interestingly, this is the second time Misawa has referred to him as "Marufuji" rather than "Fujimaru". He seemed to stop doing this after the GHC Heavyweight title match.
*"Robot Wars W". I don't know if it was "Robot Wars W", but a game in the Robot Wars series was found by Kotaro Suzuki in Misawa's DS the night he died.
*White Day: White Day (March 14); the day for giving white chocolate and other presents to female coworkers and friends in return for gifts received on Valentine's day
6TH APRIL 2007
Cheers. It has begun. April Navi. It's a fairly long navigation that will last about a month, but Misawa still has the bruises from the first day. The red areas are gradually turning brown. As a wrestler, injuries are inevitable in the course of the job, but I'm lucky that internal injuries, such as fractures, bruises, and ligament injuries, aren't noticed by the people around me. In that respect, even if I think that visible injuries are not a big deal, those around me are still worried about me. I myself have had quite a few injuries to my face since I started wrestling. The injuries ranged from major ones like orbital broken bone fractures* and nasal bone fractures, to (and I don't know if these can be considered minor), injuries that required stitches. This is a personal matter, but I find that cuts that are visible on the outside heal surprisingly quickly (so maybe my blood sugar is still okay). I think many people have experienced sprains and fractures, but injuries that damage the knee ligaments are probably rare unless you're skiing. Among injuries that are visible to the public, facial injuries seem to bleed more than the size of the wound, so please carefully assess the wound and be careful not to leave a scar, especially if you are a woman. For men, it's good to have a cool reputation...but that's no way the case!
By the way, today is Wednesday, but it's April and it's snowing! I'm feeling a sense of anger that I have nowhere to vent. It's a hassle when it suddenly gets cold, and I have to send the jacket I sent off to the dry cleaners again... New employees may also feel tired if the weather continues like this. I think the new school year has already started for working adults and university students. Middle and high school students will start their new lives in new environments from around the beginning of next week. Either way, I think there is more anxiety than expectation at this time of year. But I hope that you will turn that anxiety into expectation and do your best. That sounds bossy! But, if you have to do it, then doing it with all your might will last longer than doing it half-heartedly. These being the words of Misawa.
Now, let's answer Aoki's question. He said "something to go with white rice," but that's definitely natto. I like that it's not too big or too small, but regular(?) and not ground. By the way, I prefer sauce over soy sauce. Everyone, you should mix natto well before adding sauce.
Can I continue on the topic of natto a little more?
I like to eat it with rice, but it seems there are many ways to eat natto...After drinking the other day, I stopped by Matsuya or Sukiya*, and this guy, who was sitting next to me, ordered curry and natto, and ate it by pouring natto on the curry. When I asked the other wrestlers, they said it was a normal way to eat it. I was surprised at the time, but a better way to eat it was introduced on TV the other day. I only watched part way through, so I don't know where it was from, but it seems to be eaten by pouring sugar and soy sauce over the natto. I wonder if it will be like sweetened adzuki beans. But sweetened adzuki beans are just sugar.... Is it a bit of a mystery....It seems to be a very common way of eating them in that area. There is still a lot to learn about natto and Japan. As a natto lover I could talk forever and never stop, so I will stop here.
Now here is a question for Shio, who will be appearing next week. Since it's the entrance season, I would be grateful if you could tell us an episode related to your entrance ceremony, or how you felt when you entered Noah...
As I wrote recently, this is a navi that will run for about a month, so please support us if you are in the area. Misawa.
Notes
Orbital bone fracture: This was an injury to the eye socket that was caused by a kick to the face from Toshiaki Kawada. Misawa later said in an interview that he heard a sickening crunching sound, and felt faint. The injury should have kept him out of that years Champion Carnival, but he decided to compete, although he risked losing his eyesight. Misawa's reasoning was that he had been kept out of last years due to a knee injury, and so he couldn't afford to miss this year. Ironically, Misawa hated Champion Carnival, and tellingly there was no annual singles league in Noah until after his death.
Matsuya or/and Sukiya: Chain restaurants. Misawa was evidently so drunk, he doesn't remember which.
20TH APRIL 2007
Cheers. This is Misawa, feeling a little relieved after four consecutive matches. Having consecutive matches is exhausting. If there's a match the next day, I can't relax and drink too much (<----<----That's it, y'all) I mean, even if I'm just joking, but I can't really change my mind and I get tired. So, this time too, I had two days off after Kagoshima on the 17th, but the day after Kagoshima we moved to Hiroshima, and the day after that we moved to Nagoya. Since I was traveling both days, I had a little more time to relax mentally, but I still felt like I wasn't in great shape physically. By the way, this time after the Kobe tournament we had a dinner party. Thank you to everyone who organized it. The two guys from Himeji Pro Wrestling weren't the best MCs(!), but we had a great time. And Hiroshi Madoka*, thank you for coming all the way here. Come to think of it, a long time ago... wasn't that long ago... I think it was at Shin-Osaka station (sorry if I'm wrong), I remember someone asking me to shake their hand on the platform, and I was truly very happy. Please come and watch some wrestling from now on.
Getting back to the topic, on the Navi this time, the three matches from Takamatsu on the 6th to Okayama on the 8th were tough. But the bruise that caused everyone concern has completely disappeared. Thank you for your concern.
I've written about Navi in a disorganized way, but I'll answer Shiozaki's question here. I mean, you're not at the age when you can be happy wearing a Super Hero belt anymore...apparently he put on the belt of Kamen Rider Kuuga, and went off on a European expedition...I understand how he feels...I also have the belt of Kamen Rider (New No.1) *raises eyebrows*. Since the conversation is starting to sound like Kotaro, let's get back to Shio's question. I think I went on a tour of Mexico in my third year in wrestling. Back then, it was more like training than a tour. First of all, the company only gave me a round-trip ticket. The period was not set, so it was an open ticket, and they didn't prepare a place for me to live. I just got a weekly apartment or something and it was reserved for about a week. By the way, this was not my first time abroad. When I was in High School, I went to America for a month with my school* and for a week with the Kanto Selection Team, but both were just trips. I stayed with host families and stopped off in Hawaii on the way back. Looking back, the trips were fun. So, to return to Shio's question, when I was twenty-one and in my third year in wrestling, Koshinaka* and I left for Mexico to train. It was a struggle, of course, since it was just the two of us going to a place we knew nothing about. Once you learn the language, it's not that difficult because Spanish is pronounced the same as Japanese*, but it was hard to get used to the food. I didn't get a badly ill, but Koshinaka had food poisoning and it was a tough time for him. It must have been so scary to get sick in a foreign country. Basically, I think it's tough to live in a foreign city you're not used to for more than a month. But I guess you get used to it after about three months. In my case, I returned to Japan after five months, but I remember feeling more melancholy than anxious when I left because I didn't have a set date for when I'd be back. Narita is usually the place for departures, but because of that and whether it is a trip or whatever, it should be a place that often brings about feelings of euphoria, but for me, Narita is a place filled with farewells, painful memories and feelings of sadness*. I guess this is a little far from expeditions, but this is always the place when you go abroad, so I think it's fine to be here. But I guess people grow up by overcoming such happy feelings (I talk big....).
Next time it'll be Hirayanagi's turn. So here is a question for him, "What are your hobbies??"* I'm not interested in it in any weird way, but when I think about it, I don't know anything about his hobbies.
I'm a little tired after the long Navi, but I'll do my best in the second half and accept the challenge of Sano in the final match. As Sano himself commented, he is not a flashy wrestler, but I think he is a silent one with a strong will. I will be focusing on the final match, so if you have time, please come and support us.
This was Misawa. See you in two weeks.
Notes
Hiroshi Madoka: Singer.
Ironically, this week in Noah, Go Shiozaki dressed as Kamen Rider for an Eizen Gym event.
High School trip to America: This is where the famous picture on the plane with Toshiaki Kawada is from.
Koshinaka: Shiro
Japanese & Spanish: Both languages are syllable-timed languages with a 5 vowel system. They coincide in four of them, just having a small difference of pronunciation in their respective "u" vowel. The pacing is different, however.
Narita airport: Misawa is probably referring to Haru Sonoda, who was killed in 1987 (along with his new wife) when his plane crashed into the Indian Ocean, Misawa saw him as an older brother and held the "Sonoda Cup" in Noah in his honor (Sonoda taught Yoshinari Ogawa submission techniques), and Jumbo Tsuruta. Misawa (despite the objections of Mrs Baba, who told him that as Tsuruta was not part of All Japan anymore and therefore he shouldn't go to the airport to see him off), saw Tsuruta for the last time at the airport as Tsuruta was leaving for America, where he would teach as a college professor. Sadly, Tsuruta passed away in the Philippines, and Misawa returned to the airport to guide Tsuruta's family past the reporters. Sonoda's death was bad enough, but with Tsuruta's, Misawa recalled he was so shocked it didn't sink in for a few days.
Hirayanagi: Genba. Please don't ever let this question be answered in any detail. Ever.
5TH APRIL 2007
Cheers! This is Misawa, whose stomach is still sore after the Budokan. I got hit, I got hit hard, a back kick. The day after the Budokan, when I coughed, it really hit me in the pit of my stomach. Thank you to everyone who came to watch the match. It's been like this for a long time... After a big match, my joints hurt so much that I can't stand it, but I'm lucky to be working.
Well, Golden Week started on Saturday after the Budokan. How is everyone doing? It's been a difficult holiday with hot and cold weather and rain, but I hope you're having a good time. I've been busy with work during Golden Week, but due to deadlines, I'm writing this diary on the 2nd, so work for the long weekend hasn't started yet (and the first half was spent on the Budokan and pain...), and so I want to write about my impressions of Golden Week, but I can't. So, I will write about the events during the holidays another time. Some people are annoyed by the nine-day holiday, but for the rest of the world, it's a long holiday. For those who have just started a new life, you are probably feeling tired. For those who have not, the new fiscal year has begun and you are probably feeling tired both physically and mentally, so I hope you take some time to rest.
So, now I will answer the question from Hirayanagi, who has no hobbies. The animals I have kept so far are... dogs, cats, turtles, rabbits, cockatiels, and frogs. I've already kept almost every realistic animal, so I can't think of any right now. It would be nice if I could take care of them myself, but because of my job that's not always possible, so it's difficult. By the way, going back two weeks, I asked Hirayanagi, "What are your hobbies?" but I don't really have any hobbies like that. The only thing I like is cars, but I don't think that's a hobby*. I also like figurines, but if I talk about them, then I'll go down Kotaro's path, so I don't really want to talk about them. So, recently when I'm asked "What is your hobby", Misawa answers "Going back to sleep". It's a "hobby" because I can only do it occasionally. Also, it's not just a short nap, but I'd like to be able to sleep for 2 or 3 hours after waking up.
Since the topic is about being tired, here is a question for Ito. It's been a while since you returned from your injury, but has your attitude towards matches changed? From my own experience, you spend about a month off in pain from your injury, but after the pain passes and about 2-3 months pass, you want to have matches. I think it's true that you're feeling a sense of impatience, but I think there are some aspects that are different now compared to when you first returned, so please tell me about that.
This is it for Misawa. During the holidays, there will be the Differ Cup* and other events. Please cheer on the wrestlers. See you in two weeks.
Notes
Cars & Figurines: When Misawa died, his family chose to display the picture of him in his racing gear, rather than anything to do with wrestling. Some of his favorite figurines were also displayed on the altar, with a few being cremated with him.
18TH MAY 2007
Cheers. Misawa is writing this diary, thinking that Navi will have already started by the time this is published. This is a little bit different from a story about wrestling, but the other I did a location shoot and studio recording for "Legal Consultation Office with a Line-up*". Not just me, but also Taue, Ricky*, Yone, Sugiura, Fujimaru*, Ito, Ippei and Taniguchi appeared in the video. Naturally, a video that takes less than ten minutes to broadcast, took 5-6 hours to record, so please look forward to it. By the way, when I appeared in the video before, the famous (or it infamous?) line "President, nice suplex!" was said. This time, something better may be said, so watch and enjoy. The VTR recording took place on May 3rd, but the recording will take place in a different studio on a different day. For more details, please see the latest news article on the site dated May 3rd. Don't miss it.
Now, I would like to answer Ito's question, "Do you like the sea or the pool?" I don't dislike either, but if I had to choose, I would say I prefer the pool. But even though I prefer the pool, my body is still very noticeable. So, although I actually like the slides and attractions at the pool, I try not to go... It's really hard to be active in society* (frown). By the way, I don't hate the sea, but I hate that sticky feeling. Also, I've talked about this in many places, but from my late 20s onwards, I started getting eczema from sunburn, so I try to avoid strong sunlight as much as possible. The ocean is more like swimming in water than swimming in the sea, maybe that's a confusing expression, but nowadays I only go to the ocean to go scuba diving*. But, moving in water, whether it is a pool or the ocean, uses up physical strength, so it's good for rehabilitation. That said, you'll find that you've used up your strength before you know it, so it's best not to push yourself too hard. The ocean is not a particularly safe place, and we're about to enter the summer season for marine sports. Every year there are always water accidents. I hope that people who go to the ocean will gradually increase their strength and enjoy themselves safely. Even so, the food at the Beach Houses* is not particularly impressive, and I'm sorry to say this, but it's a pretty simple menu, so I wonder why it tastes so good. For me, the standard dishes at beach huts are ramen, curry rice, and shaved ice. None of them are particularly special, and they're quite expensive... but they're delicious.
I ended up having a bit of a grumble at the end, but I have a question for next week's guest...Noah's Super Shinsei (there is no deep meaning behind the writing), Ippei. Ippei, I heard you have been into DS lately, so what games would you recommend?
Anyway, getting back to Navi, I'll be defending my title* in Sapporo for the first time in a while. I won't be able to relax at night in Sapporo, but I'm hoping to enjoy myself after the match is over. I'll be doing my best this time, being careful of my health and injuries, so please support me (grin) This was Misawa. See you all in two weeks.
Notes
Legal Consultation Office with a Line-up: Variety show with skits, which Noah appeared a lot on over the years. Misawa somehow managed to behave himself, as he had been pretty much banned from appearing on TV by this point due to his blue sense of humor.
Ricky: Marvin
Fujimaru: Misawa is back to calling him this.
Society: I think as the years went on and Misawa's physical condition changed (he did describe himself in an earlier entry as "a middle aged man with thinning hair and a potbelly"), he probably started to feel more self conscious.
Scuba diving: Mayumi Misawa recounted in "The Last Bump", how Misawa phoned her up from tour in high dudgeon as she had accidentally stepped on his snorkel and caused it to crack. Misawa said he could have drowned!! Misawa was not the only scuba diver in Noah, as both Kenoh and Daisuke Harada enjoyed it. Kenoh's friends said he was probably a fish in his former life.
Beach Houses: Does not mean a residential property by the sea, or a little hut to rest in. In Japan, a "Beach House" is a facility or shop built on the seashore. It is a recreational facility for company employees, government officials, school students, and local residents
Title: GHC Heavyweight.
1ST JUNE 2007
Cheers! Navigation in full swing. Misawa is a little tired. (<---<---Isn't that always the case?) (*frown*) I've been drinking a lot, (<----<----I think that's more often the case?) (*frown*) but I'm fine and doing my best in the ring. First, let's answer the question from Ippei, who goes to an izakaya alone (he says he spends 2000 or 3000 yen somewhere before going to the izakaya, but I won't say where he spends the money) *grin*
Now, as for Ippei's question, I'm not really into brands. I don't really understand the feeling of paying hundreds of thousands of yen for consumable items like bags. However, I think it's true that good things last a long time. So, apart from the bags I take on tours and use quite hard, I mostly don't have any other bags. They're sturdy and last a long time. It's a pain to go out and buy new ones every time they break, so it's nice that they repair them, which is a pretty standard answer*. That reminds me, Ippei wrote in his diary that he went to the Parasite Museum*. The parasite went to see parasites.
So, leaving Ippei there, Navi visited Hokkaido for the first time in six months*, and arrived last Saturday. As usual, we took the ferry from Aomori to Hakodate. Most people sleep on the ferry. I slept for two hours out of the four hour journey, and played games for the remaining two hours. This time I played "Spectrobes" on my DS (if you're interested in what kind of game it is, please look it up). I'm often asked, "Do you get motion sickness playing games on a ferry?", but I'm fine with it. This time, someone from Hakodate asked me "Did it shake?", but rather than saying it didn't, I didn't feel it. I always arrive in Hokkaido exhausted from all the travel, but the seafood there is delicious. Kotaro ate a box of sea urchins with his friends. By the way, I'm writing this diary a little early because I have three consecutive days of performances this week, so even though I'm in Hokkaido for a while, I don't have much to say about Hokkaido, and the only photo I have is of a raccoon dog. I'll tell you about my experience in Hokkaido another time, but for now, I'll move on to the questions. This time, I haven't had any alcohol lately, so I have a question for Shuhei who wants to drink. When did you realize that you were an "M*"? Well, this is a personality trait, so it could have other meanings too, but I'll leave it up to Shuhei to decide which meaning it has. Well, that's all for now. Everyone, please look out for Shuhei's answer next week*.
Navi will be holding the GHC Championship in the final match, but I will do my best to defend, so please come and support me*. There will also be a public event the day before the Sapporo show ((for details, see the event information on the website, and the article dated May 24th). If you have time, please come too. *grin*
This was Misawa. See you next week.
Notes
Bags: Mayumi Misawa wrote in "The Last Bump" that Misawa travelled with Louis Vuitton bags, which over time (and as Misawa's body changed) turned into a barrel shape. I don't think Misawa himself cared too much for brand names, but Baba insisted that everyone have designer luggage. Kaito Kiyomiya has continued this trend.
Parasite Museum: The Meguro Parasitological Museum, which is in Tokyo.
Hokkaido: Misawa seemed to visit his place of birth pretty regularly, and as we have seen, retained ties with it although he left as a tiny baby.
Spectrobes: See Wikipedia article
M: Masochist. Not M's alliance.
Shuhei's answer: Please God, NO!
GHC Heavyweight Championship: Misawa was on his last run. He would hold the belt for all of 2007, before dropping it in 2008 to Takeshi Morishima.
15TH JUNE 2007
Cheers! It's cool biz* even in winter, but what are we going to do when it's already 30°C!! This is Misawa! Navi is over, and I'm currently off work. I was able to successfully defend my GHC title in Sapporo. Thank you to all the fans who supported me.
I'd like to answer Taniguchi's question right away... I've been an S* since I was born. Actually, when I was born, I used my own strength (sorry, mom), but that's a joke. To be honest, I don't really know if I'm an S or not, but people often tell me I'm a super S. But in my case, unlike Taniguchi's M, it's not a sexual preference, it's my personality. I won't go into why it's not a sexual preference here (although I really want to*), but when it comes to my personality, I often think "I'm an S, huh?" Or rather, at least I'm not an M. For example, if a woman sitting next to me at a bar taps me on the shoulder, I get irritated. If she hits me on the head as a joke, I get pissed. That said, I don't get violent, but I stop talking to women like that. And when that happens, for some reason it just makes things even more irritating, and I get even more irritated when I'm told to "do this and that," and I hate being told things like that, even if it's not just from women. Thinking about it now, I was someone who used physical force when I was young, so I wonder if I've become an adult now, or if I've mellowed out as I've gotten older. I just don't like stories that don't make sense (although that "sense" is something I decide for myself). But still, there are a lot of illogical stories happening in the world these days. There are a lot of abnormal crimes in the world. What bothers me the most is when violent incidents occur between parents and children*. Misawa really hopes that all his fans will grow up attentively.
I think there will be some hot venues from the next tour onwards, but I hope you will watch with the feeling that you are fighting alongside the wrestlers. I look forward to your support in the next tour. This was Misawa. See you in two weeks.
Notes
Cool biz: Japanese Ministry of the Environment campaign which encouraged people to wear lighter clothes and asked companies to set their air conditioners to 28°C in the summer
Navi: Misawa disliked the word "tour" (although he did use it), and used the word "Navi" (from Noah's "Navigation") instead.
Wants to: Please don't
S: Sadist. Please let this be the end of his story.
Violent incidents between parents and children: I can imagine that with Misawa's early life, this would be a disturbing issue for him. He himself did say that if he ever saw his father again he would "knock that asshole on his ass".
BMW Magazine: This was "Only BMW Vol.11", sadly I haven't been able to obtain a copy of the interview for the library, as the only copy I can find (Amazon.co.jp) does not deliver outside of Japan.
Sweating: He omitted the word. You can probably guess what he means as he omitted the whole word. Personally, I really don't want to know, but he gets even more to the point in his next entry.
29TH JUNE 2007
Cheers! It's getting to be a weather where your penis can get steamy, so be careful not to get jock itch. However, in this coming season, you will sweat no matter what you do. I don't generally dislike sweating, but it can be a bit annoying when you sweat when you're not wearing casual clothes, but a suit. It's a standard topic, but it sure is a pain to go to the bathroom when it gets hot. For us wrestlers, going into a bathroom that isn't air-conditioned means going into a sauna (well, it's a private room so you "poop" anyway). By the way, when a wrestler comes out of the bathroom sweating, we think "they've been pooping," but we call this sweat "poop sweat." To all of you out there who think this is dirty, I want to ask: Don't you poop?
I kept asking about this, and one of my employees told me recently that someone collapsed on a commuter train, but most people just pretended not to notice. While the employee was speaking from the train to the station staff, the person next to the collapsed person was reading a comic book and pretending not to notice. There must be emergency buttons and other ways to deal with this, but it's amazing in a way that they don't do anything when they see someone in trouble right in front of them. I had a similar experience when I was younger. I think it was when I was about twenty years old, and it must have been when I got the last train after a match. I got on the Odakyū Odawara Line, and saw a woman being harassed by a drunk old man (He looked like a guy who had red wine in his boxt* <----- This weeks "Only those who know will understand"). I was young, so I went to stop him right away, but even then, the people around me pretended not to see. And this is a different story, but a long time ago, at a bar I went to for the first time, the bar owner was being harassed by a customer (maybe he was an acquaintance or just a familiar face), so I stopped him (we can't put our hands on him, so even if we get kicked and lose our balance, all we can do is stop him). The parting words the drunkard said at the end were "He's big...", I said to myself "While you had a good time, I practiced hard to build this body, boxy." ...I suddenly remembered this topic when I heard the recent news that a high school student in Miyagi Prefecture found a person collapsed on a train and, thanks to the appropriate and swift action taken, no serious injuries were sustained. I don't know if I would be able to act appropriately if I were faced with such a situation, but I think it's important to cherish the connections between people.
Now that we've gotten serious about this, I'd like to answer Aoki's question: What did you want to do after you came back from overseas? Is it okay to be frank? Is it okay to be open? But, I'll leave the details of "......" to your imagination. The only thing I can say is that, unlike Ippei, he doesn't lock himself in his own room. Other than that... food and a bath, I guess. I wanted to eat Japanese soba noodles. I also wanted ramen and rice bowls. I'm sure they had rice bowls over there too, but I didn't see them much. I also wanted to take a bath, so I wanted to soak up to my shoulders in a hotel or hot spring. In the end, I returned after less than six months, but I remember that at the time there was no set duration, so I prepared myself to stay for two or three years.
Here's a question for Shio. Summer is all about ice cream. What ice cream do you like or recommend these days? By the way, this is limited to products you can buy at convenience stores. I like "Pino" that Shio buys for me, and also "Gari-Gari-kun*" (there are times when I want something creamy and other times when I want something watery).
The hot season is about to begin in earnest, so please take care of yourself, and support pro wrestling with enthusiasm.
This was Misawa. See you in two weeks!
Notes
Red wine in his boxt: I can't find any deeper meaning to this, other than he's saying he looked like an old man doing some shopping who put alcohol in his old person cart (i.e. the one with wheels and the lid), which is also the reason for his later nickname "Boxy".
Pino & Gari-Gari-kun: Pino (which seem to be sold worldwide) are small chunks of creamy ice cream with a chocolate coating, whereas Gari-Gari-kun is more of an ice lolly.
13TH JULY 2007
Cheers! Misawa is feeling a bit tired after the consecutive matches. This time Navi has four consecutive matches, three consecutive, and then four again, with one day off in between, and since we return to Tokyo in the middle of the night afterwards, it's more like a travel day than a day off. It's not a proper day off, so I think everyone is a bit tired. The junior wrestlers are also in the tag league, so they'll probably be even more tired. Everyone, please be careful not to get injured and do your best.
On a different note, my Navi assistant Ippei, has gone to England, and so my previous (?) assistant, Kotaro Suzuki, is taking over his place, and I have been able to get through this peacefully without any irritation *makes a squealing noise* (*raises eyebrows*) I'm just worried that Ippei might be causing trouble for Rikio* in England. Ippei himself has a unique constitution that allows him to adapt to anywhere, so I'm not worried about him *squeals*
Let me answer Shio's question here. I don't have any bad habits before the medical checkup, and at most, I don't drink alcohol for three days before the checkup. First of all, if you don't follow a diet and don't check your daily condition, there's no point in having a health check. It seems that a certain Ogawa* is taking good care of his health...but, this year isn't over for me yet, because I have an inspection after this navi ends, so I don't think I'll be able to post the details, but I'll write about it as much as I can at some point.
Here's a question for next week's guest, Hirayanagi. How long did you keep growing for? When did you give up?
Well, there is only Kesennuma and the Budokan left in Navi now. If you have time and are nearby, please come to the venue to support us. The event at the Budokan on Sunday is for the GHC Championship. I'll do my best. I wonder how many times I'll have a singles match with Taue? It's getting tough for both of us, but lets do our best as much as we can, okay, Taue?
That was Misawa. See you in two weeks.
But, lastly, Natsu-chan....Achiridonari-chan, happy birthday!*
Notes
Rikio: Takeshi Rikio (on another note, I remember seeing Rikio in England round about this time in Colchester, but I have no memory of seeing Ippei).
Ogawa: Yoshinari
Happy Birthday: I don't know who this is.
27TH JULY 2007
Cheers!
I went for a health check on Monday. We all gathered at 8:30 in the morning to have our blood drawn -> vision test -> electrocardiogram -> echo -> hearing test -> lung capacity ->->->-> and....I also had a barium test this time. As soon as I entered the examination room, the attendant said, "Misawa-san, please drink as much as you can today." If if you are told to "try your best", then those who have never done it before may think that they can just stand there, and the platform will rotate around them, but that is a big mistake. You have to rotate yourself*. Even without that, my neck had been fine right after the title match at the Budokan, but two or three days after the match, it suddenly started to hurt so much that even sleeping was painful, and I had to go through the medical examination in that condition, so it was extremely difficult to move it from then on. I somehow managed to get through the test, but I was dripping in sweat (as always) when it's over. Maybe I'm the only one...After the barium test, they gave me six laxative tablets, but I took two quickly and the test was over for the time being. Since it was early in the morning, everything was over by 10:30, so I went home, ate dinner, and went to the toilet. I had a bit of diarrhea so I lay down to get some sleep, but after about 2 hours my stomach started to hurt so I went to the toilet. "I went to the toilet right after I got home so it shouldn't be hard..." I thought, but I pushed hard and got a shock. I thought I heard a "popping" sound (however, I don't think it actually sounded like that...) My anus hurts so so much....It was very similar to the first time I took barium and was still underestimating it. and then after a short pause, the second wave came. Wow, it hurt this time too. I thought my anus was torn. Worried about the bleeding, I peeked into the toilet...That night, I had a few guests over, so I had a few drinks and went to bed. The next day, I let my guard down again, thinking, "I was in pain yesterday, so it should be fine," and went to the bathroom, and it hurt! I know some of you may be wondering why, even though I went the day before... but I'll tell you what! It was a tough two days for anus-kun. By the way, (I know I'm repeating myself), but to give an example, it felt like the size of a rice ball came out (sorry to those who are eating rice balls while reading this). It only happens once a year, so it can't be helped, but the pain three times was tough. Moreover, I can't brace myself because my neck hurts, and I can't brace myself because my anus hurts. I've developed a fear of bracing myself.
Now, let's answer Hira's* question. But before that, isn't normal height something you should give up on at junior high school age? But, Hira is not good at giving up. The question was "What is your favorite hairstyle for women?", but, well, I don't really have a favorite. I don't have a "this is the only way" hairstyle, but I don't really like hairstyles with bangs cut too short. It's hard to explain, but it's a cut that's like a short, boyish cut. The reason is difficult to explain, but I think it's a shame that women can enjoy a variety of hairstyles, but I guess the choice to choose that cut could be considered part of enjoying your hairstyle. Speaking of hairstyles, more and more office workers are getting their heads shaved these days, but I'm from a generation where it still feels a bit strange. In any case, it seems like it would be hard to eat ramen with long hair, so if you have long hair, you should tie it up before eating. So, here, we ask our next guest, Ito, (who has recently dyed his hair brown and grown a beard, and is taking on new challenges as he has become more stable in matches), what is the most memorable thing about summer vacation in your student days? I often remember playing with Katsupa. I wonder what "Kaatan" is doing now...I wonder if Hercules is doing well...
Summer vacation has started, and I'm sure many of you will be heading to the mountains or the sea, but please be careful not to get injured and enjoy the summer. See you in two weeks. Misawa.
Notes
Rotate yourself: The clinician usually asks you to change position.
Hira: Genba (Misawa has evidently given him a nickname)
Katsupa, Kaatan and Hercules: I am not sure who or what this is. "Katsupa" could possibly relate to a game of buying and selling things, "Kaatan" might be a nickname, and Hercules may possibly be an animal
10TH AUGUST 2007
Cheers!
It's hot, isn't it? I wonder how people without air conditioners are getting by. I'm Misawa, and I'm thinking, "I'd die without an air conditioner." Come to think of it, when I was a child, we didn't have air conditioners, and we could get by with just an electric fan, but am I the only one who feels that Japan has been very hot these past few years? By the way, even though I'm sensitive to heat, I've never had summer fatigue (although I used to get "heat rash" as a child and used heavy powder [Siccarol?]). The trick to avoid summer fatigue is to eat properly. The key here is to avoid an unbalanced diet, and not to eat only somen noodles or chilled Chinese noodles. If you only eat somen noodles, you'll get hungry quickly.
Summer is still in full swing, but we're still as busy as ever even during our off-time. Speaking of which, the other day I had the opportunity to join Yoshio Kojima from "Oppappy" for a recording session on "CS Japan". Personally, it was hard to get along with him!!! (<---I'm kidding). Anyway, I think the details will be covered in Kotaro's diary, who was overjoyed, so I won't go into them here, but I wonder what everyone who watched it thought?
Last weekend, SEM had a match at Kasukabe Yumoto Onsen. Thank you to everyone who came to watch in the heat *bow*. I went to the venue, but I watched the match from the bus, feeling sorry for everyone. I was worried about the heat, but I was also worried that as it was an outdoor match, there would be no lighting, and people would not be able to watch the match once the sun went down, but this time it ended just in time while it was still light, so I'm relieved. Today (August 10th) there is a match at Shiodome. I think it will be much hotter than you can imagine, so if you can, please bring a change of clothes, and if you can't, please don't forget to bring a fan or folding fan. Well, I think many people will be on Obon* holiday from this weekend. How will you spend it? We have matches so we can't relax, but for those who are taking time off or visiting their ancestors graves, I think Obon is a fitting holiday to express gratitude to your ancestors for your wellbeing.
This time I'll answer Ito's question...
The Famicom is way back*! How old are you, anyway? Hasn't it been more than 20 years since the days of the Famicom? I don't think there were that many types of family computers back then, but speaking of the Famicom, I bought one as soon as it came out. I can't remember what the first game was. There was "Spartan X*", and I remember that "Block Break" was surprisingly difficult, and I remember getting hooked. Now that I think about it, the graphics were rough, but at the time I remember playing until the morning, thinking, "I can play games for free!" So, there are no particularly difficult games.
Finally, I have a question for Ippei, who will be in charge next week and has just returned from his European tour with Riki*. Please answer with a sense of regret or remorse. I don't think you caused any trouble, but what was one thing that you thought you "did wrong" during the tour? You're only as stupid as you think you are, Ippei.
The heat will be at its peak from now on, so please take care of your health.
This was Misawa. See you in two weeks.
Notes
Obon: Japan's festival of fire and farewells. In the early to mid autumn, the veil between the two worlds is at its thinnest, and the ancestors come back to their ancestral homes for three days. Family members attend neighborhood dances, cook special foods, visit graves, travel home to their hometowns, visit shrines, and prepare their homes for their visitors. At the end of the three days, the dead are seen off to the underworld with lanterns floated down the river or on the sea.
Famicom: Known as the NES in Europe, was released in Japan in 1983. I still have my beloved childhood system, and some games.
Spartan X: The Jackie Chan movie was made into Arcade game, of which Misawa (whose favorite film this was) took his theme music from. Those in Europe and America, will know this game as Kung Fu.
Riki: Takeshi Rikio
24TH AUGUST 2007
We athletes don't really like the new gyms, but if you go north* during this time of summer, you're lucky that the gyms don't have air conditioning. On the other hand, if you go south during winter, there's no heating, which is also tough. The gym is like our workplace, but most people don't have many opportunities to go to the gym, so I thought you might not know about it, so I wanted to let you know.
I think the hottest place so far this year was the gym at Tsukidate. I was already sweating for two matches before my match, and I wore one T-shirt for practice, and two more after practice when I went back to the waiting room as I was still sweating. I had to wear three t-shirts in total, as I was still sweating before and after the match. This may be annoying for people who think that the venue will be air conditioned even if it is hot, but unfortunately even if the venue is air conditioned, the locked room often is in the same situation. It would be understandable if it was an outdoor venue and it was hot, but then rain is still a concern...I guess we just have to realize that summer is hot.
Speaking of being outdoors, the Minase event was held again this year. It was the day after Tsukidate, but as expected, it felt quite cool being surrounded by the mountains. I hope everyone who came to watch enjoyed themselves. The annual Minase Festival also had a number of stalls, and this year's atmosphere was full of summer vacation vibes. I loved festivals when I was a child, and of course I looked forward to the stalls, but there was actually another fun thing (on the day after the festival, when I went first thing in the morning after the stalls had been taken down, there were lots of coins lying around, and I remember going around picking them up with my friends).
Now, I'll answer Ippei's question... (hehe).... I mean, I don't think it's that easy. You probably have made mistakes that you don't think of as mistakes. You call yourself "positive" or "a positive person," but to put it another way, your attitude is the same as being insensitive, so I think most people are (of course, really positive) thinkers. This is just Ippei's attitude, after all. That aside, I think it would be good if they were the same, and the best thing would be the language. What else? It figures, its language and currency. If they were the same, it would be so much easier. I'll leave the answer to Ippei here, and here's a question for next week's person in charge, Shuhei. When you were in elementary school, what was the most difficult summer homework assignment for a young person? By the way, I had a picture diary, I found it a pain to write every day...
It's still hot, so I'll try not to sleep with my stomach exposed and get an upset stomach*.
This was Misawa. See you in two weeks!
Notes
North Japan: Heading up to the cold North (the coast borders Siberia), Japan is notabily cooler in summer, and with heavy snow in winter. Parts of this region are known as "Snow country".
Stomach exposed: Means to sleep belly up and topless (or else with your shirt open), which was believed to cause an upset stomach. Mothers used to use "belly bands" on their children. Thank God this is the end of his story though.
7TH SEPTEMBER 2007
Normally, I sleep in just a t-shirt, but in the summer I sweat while sleeping, and if I cool down I catch a cold, so in the end, being naked is best. If you sleep naked and sweat, you have to wash the sheets right away, which is a pain at home, but as we mostly stay in hotels, the hotel staff should change them every day...Speaking of sweat, I always carry a handkerchief with me in the summer (and in my case, in the winter too). Statistically (?), there don't seem to be many men who carry handkerchiefs, except for office workers. I often see people with sweaty faces, and I want to ask each person, "What do you do with that sweat!?" If you don't have a handkerchief, obviously you don't have tissues either. It's strange. But if you wipe your face with tissue, if you have a beard, bits of the tissue will get on your face. In the same way... (This is where I'm going to start talking about something serious. Please be careful if you're eating)... People with thick ass hair will get bits of tissue stuck on their ass when they wipe it. I have a friend with thick ass hair, and he gets his wife to shave it for him. By the way, she doesn't use a T-shaped razor, but a single-blade razor. I'm impressed... But this wife has amazing skills. One wrong move, and your butt will be covered in blood*.
I want to continue, but I'll answer Taniguchi's question for now.
I've been on a houseboat twice. The first time was at the Sumida River Fireworks Display, and the second time was the Wrestlers Association* year-end party. I wonder how many years ago it was. It was when Gamo*, was the chairman of the Wrestlers Association, but also the wrestlers who were directors joined us and drank. I think first-timers would enjoy a houseboat, but the fact that there is only one toilet makes it a little dangerous if you're drinking alcohol. Also (and this is a problem that only we have), but you can't walk properly unless you go outside, and inside the ceiling is low so you have to squat, so if you have a bad back it's hard to move around. To be honest, more than anything, I don't like Tatami rooms, the biggest problem is that there are no chairs. I think it's enough to ride it 2 or 3 times, but I think some people like it, and it's fun to be able to drink in a different place than usual. But I wonder if people who are completely drunk will fall into the water...*
Well, summer vacation is over, and work and school have started again, but did you all have fun this summer? Did you have any summer experiences? Did you meet any new people? .I can hear a voice inside me saying, "How long are you going to drag this out?", so I'll stop here. But I don't really have any ill intent. After summer vacation ended, I felt that the boys looked more manly, and the girls looked more mature. Maybe it was just because we hadn't seen each other every day for a long time. On another note, it seems like Ippei-bashing has become popular in this diary recently, and it feels like I'm reading about him almost every day. Well, whether it's a good topic or a strange good topic, it's good for Ippei to have people care about him. Of course, Ippei, who calls himself a "positive thinker," probably already sees it that way from the beginning, even without me telling him. But when I think that even teasing Ippei can become "bullying" if it pains the person in question, I am reminded once again of just how difficult and delicate it is to solve the problem of bullying. As mentioned in the news, we are now running a campaign called "Kids Project." Even if it won't directly help solve the problem, we hope that it will help those who are suffering from bullying, even if only a little. Everyone, please take part.
Anyway, this entry has gotten quite long, but I have a question for Aoki. The World Championships in Athletics are over, but what track and field event were you best at, Aoki? For me it was sprinting and high jump. I only participated in the sprint relay at the city tournament when I was in the sixth grade, but for the high jump I participated in the same tournament for two consecutive years when I was in the fifth and sixth grades, and even won (<---<---I'm not bragging, I'm not bragging).
Well everyone, just because it's getting cooler doesn't mean you can let your guard down and still catch a cold, but since we are in the change of seasons, it's important to take good care of your health and welcome in autumn in good shape. And this weekend on Sunday 9th, the Nippon Budokan will be held. If you have time, please come and support us, see you in two weeks.
...Can you stick a toothpick in Ippei's forehead? (<---Note: Please see Kotaro's diary)
Notes
I had to cut the line after this as it doesn't translate...and no, I don't want to know how, where or who from he heard this story, and I'm glad he did not continue with it.
Wrestlers Association: This came from Rikidozan, and was bought into both All Japan and New Japan, and then of course into Noah (Go Shiozaki is the current head). Basically, this is more like a management service or a wrestlers HR department than a union and they deal with things like flowers for anniversaries and charity collections, basically I think they co-ordinate everyone. There is a dorm head and dojo manager at the dojo, and on the road and off of it, someone on the roster to sort out disputes and issues amongst the roster.
Gamo: Masao Inoue.
Drunken houseboat: I do wonder if with the way this ended, this actually happened...
SEPTEMBER 21ST 2007
Cheers! Although it is autumn according to the calendar, Misawa is feeling that it's not getting any cooler.
I hope you are all in good health. Actually, I myself started feeling unwell on the 8th, the day before the Budokan, and on the 8th and 9th, I felt like I had caught a cold, but on Monday the next week, the cold was full on. When I have a cold, it affects my bronchi, or throat, but I had work on Tuesday, so I somehow made it to the office, and went home as soon as work was over. I was in bed until Friday. On Friday, I had a photoshoot at work where I had to wear my ringwear, and somehow I felt like I was getting back to normal. Even though it's not a match, wearing costume is kind if a pain. In the past there were any smiling faces in costume shoots, but now, what is required has changed, and I think pro wrestling has also changed for the better, such as an expression that is not angry but is normal, or has a slight smile. By the way, I had other work to do that day, so I had to get up at 5:30 am.
Well, the 17th, 24th and Monday are holidays, so I think many people will have a three-day weekend. It's nice to have a three-day weekend after the summer vacation is over. The weather is cooler than August, and I'm sure everyone has a lot of plans. But when I have a day off, the day before is the most fun, and the last day is the saddest. It's been like this since I was a child. I wake up early on my days off, but I can't wake up on my work days. It's nice to be able to sleep without worrying about time, but sometimes it's sad that my vacation has to end... I wish I had more time off! That's what I've been thinking lately. But isn't that the case all the time?
Now that I've complained, I'll answer the question from the dick-cheese guy. Well, I don't know if Aoki has that much dick-cheese, but I mean, "life is not going well" is not such a big deal, right? Even if you get called out during a match, the fans won't understand. Besides, do you live on a deserted island? If you are going to have a wash, wouldn't it be better to wash the dick-cheese, instead of your head?
Enough with the preamble, let me answer your question for now. I don't hate a good rainy day, but sometimes the rain affects our work. When it rains, it's a pain to go outside. That's the hard part. Come to think of it, I haven't worn Wellingtons since elementary school. And that was only in the early grades of elementary school. So that means I haven't worn them for about 35 years. I don't particularly want to wear them, but while children look cool in Wellingtons, adults look a bit strange. I think there are umbrellas that can be worn with boots for women now, but I think it would be a problem for men if it rained. People who wear them for work look great, but if you wear them for commuting, they'll look terrible if it rains. By the way, should you tuck your trouser legs into your boots?
...Is this okay? You dick-cheese asshole. But I think Ippei has more dick-cheese build up though.
So, here is a question for Shiozaki-kun, who had a gastroscopy in his twenties. Speaking of September, it's almost time for sports day. Or rather, it seems like sports day comes early these days. Nowadays, most schools finish before summer, but in mu day, sports day was held in October. So my question for Shiozaki is, "What are your memories of sports day?" I remember that we usually lined up in "smallest to largest" order, but at sports day, we suddenly lined up in "largest to smallest". I was a relay runner from the first grade of elementary school to the third grade of junior high school. In junior high school, there were also relay races between clubs, and we had to run in the uniforms for that event, so it must have been tough for the Kendo club to run in hakama. Also, during the folk dance, everyone was pretending not to want to hold hands with the person they loved, even though they really wanted to. Looking back, that innocence was a good thing.
Before I knew it, the days had gotten longer and the hot weather was still continuing...huh? Maybe it's cooler today? I don't know if it's hot or cold when this diary entry is published, but I'm sure it's easier to sleep than in midsummer. Get enough sleep and work hard at your job and studies. See you in two weeks! Misawa.
5TH OCTOBER 2007
Cheers! It's gotten a lot cooler, but has anyone caught a cold? For me, the weather has become much more comfortable. I'm wondering if I should wear long sleeves or short sleeves. Even in winter, when I wear a jumper, I usually wear a short-sleeved shirt or T-shirt underneath, so I never put away my short sleeves.
Well, last week I had a GHC match in Osaka, and I managed to defend my title. Thank you to all the fans who came to watch. On the day, there was a title match signing ceremony in the ring, and some people were making fun of Marufuji. When I heard them, I thought, "If they do that to me, I'll say something back", but when it was me, they didn't say anything, and I couldn't say anything. Everyone, let's refrain from heckling in a way that will upset other fans.
This time, it was a rare one-off tournament in Osaka, so I went into the match in a different mental state than usual. It's hard to put into words how it was different, but I think I fought with a good sense of tension. I would like to thank all the fans who came to watch SEM the next day as well. I didn't have a match, but I came to the venue, watched the matches*, and then returned to Tokyo. There was a singles match between Taniguchi and Marufuji, and I found myself saying to Marufuji, "It must be tough the day after the title match," and "have some sympathy for him." Both of them had cuts above their eyes and went to the hospital right afterwards. No matter how careful you are, injuries can't be avoided...
Now let me answer Shio's question.
I first lived alone after I came back from Mexico, so I was probably about twenty-one or twenty-two. The first things you need are a refrigerator and a washing machine. Washing machines are expensive now, but when I was young, they weren't that expensive, but it was just when fully automatic washing machines started to become available. I didn't like fully automatic washing machines, so I got a twin-tub washing machine. Young people may not know this, but the twin-tub type takes less time overall, the laundry is done faster, and it's more flexible in many ways. By the way, the first spin dryer I saw had rollers like a noodle machine that squeezed the water out of the laundry, and in the manga "The Record of Boy Hanada," there was a scene where a frog got stuck in them, and I fondly remembered that while reading it. Now that I think about it, I guess Boy Hanada and I are about the same age. That's not really important, but if you're living alone, if it's the same price, it's better to live in a slightly larger place. Also, it's better to have separate toilets and bathrooms. Our job often requires us to come home in the middle of the night and do laundry, so soundproofing is essential so that we can do laundry then. Naturally, the necessities of a wrestler are of course an air conditioner, but if you want immediate results, you should also have an electric fan. Running the air conditioner and electric fan at the same time cools efficiently. Also, you might think that a small refrigerator is okay if you live alone because it's cheap, but this is a big mistake. Food that one person can't eat at once accumulates, and bottled water takes up a surprising amount of space, so a larger refrigerator might be better. Also, you need to be careful with food waste in the summer, because if you forget, and go on tour for a week or two, it's a huge mess when you get back. If you cook at home, be careful with your rice cooker. If you forget to use it and go out without turning it on, you'll be in for a shock. You should also be careful not to forget to turn off the lights. But I wonder if these are things you'll have to experience when you actually start living alone. By the way, I lived alone in Soshigaya - Okura and Futakotamagawa, which were close to the dojo at the time (this may be hard to understand for those outside of Tokyo, but both are residential areas in Setagaya). I have many stories of mistakes I made while living alone, but one that I remember was the time I fell asleep with the home phone unplugged and ended up being late for an event*. Apparently people from work called my house many times because I didn't come, but I was sleeping with the phone unplugged so there was no way I'd notice. At the time, we didn't have cell phones, let alone answering machines at home, so for a night owl like me, the only way to get a good night's sleep was to unplug the phone. That's why no one will wake you up when you're alone, so be careful not to oversleep. And if your phone is on too quiet, you won't notice. As I wrote, I think you'll gradually become more efficient at living alone by experiencing things one by one.
So, on that note, here are some questions for the next person in charge, Hirayanagi.
Autumn is in full swing, but what does autumn mean to you?
That's right, your recent matches have been really fun and I really like them.
The Osaka tournament has just ended, but the October tour starts the day after tomorrow. There are two more tours left this year, including the one in October. We hope to finish the year on a good note. If you have time, please come and support us. This was Misawa, see you in two weeks!
Notes
Misawa watching SEM: He used to watch from the balcony.
Being late for an event: I'm trying to imagine Baba's most withering "Fool!" when he found out.
19TH OCTOBER 2007
Cheers!
Well~, no matter how much I sleep these days I'm still sleepy. I joked lightly to myself that I didn't remember hibernating in autumn, but I said "Oh dear, that's "spring fatigue". It's been two weeks since I last wrote. This is Misawa.
That's right. When I was a ninja, all my friends used words like that. When I was Chinese, I didn't use Japanese, so I don't really know...Come to think of it, when I was a cyborg, the Chinese 006 used words like that. I suddenly remembered, so I'm going to change the subject completely. During the [Kids Project], I forgot the kanji, but there was a kid wearing a "Damn Kid" T-shirt, which was interesting...
Finally, I have a question for next week's guest, Ito. Since you've become a wrestler and have traveled a lot, I thought I'd ask you: What is your favorite place that you've been to?
Well, everyone, it's getting colder and colder, so please be careful not to catch a cold. See you in two weeks. Misawa!
2ND NOVEMBER 2007
Cheers! By the time this diary was published, Misawa was no longer in Japan.
Today, Tuesday, "Noah's Annual Flu Vaccination Show" was held. I'd like to say that this isn't a show, but seeing all the wrestlers and employees actually come to work and get the injections while feeling a little nervous, it really does feel like one. And besides, if you don't say it like that to motivate them, they won't go and get it...But even so, am I the only one who thought this year's injection was the most painful ever? ? Was a vaccination that painful? But no one likes injections in any situation. I hate the injections in my mouth for dental treatment, but the most painful injection I've ever had was the "intramuscular injection" I get before surgery. I think any athletes (and non-athletes, of course) who have had surgery will agree, but what do you think?
Well, thank you for your support at the Budokan last Saturday. I defended the title, and now I'm facing KENTA in a singles match in New York for the GHC Heavyweight Championship. I'm sure I won't be able to relax until I get back to Japan, but I'll do my best. I think the last singles match with KENTA was the "KENTA Seven Match Series". I think it was in the summer of 2004 at Differ Ariake. Even back then, or rather, when he first started, he was a wrestler with a strong will and an impressive attitude of trying his best despite his not-so-big body. I myself moved from junior to heavyweight, so I've always loved watching matches between junior wrestlers, and I also chuckle at how tough it is for a junior wrestler to fight against a heavyweight. KENTA has always been strict with himself as he has grown, so I think that this championship will be a world apart from the KENTA of back then. His neck and ribs were injured in the last series, so it's a tough situation, but I will harden myself so that I can defend the belt.
Now, I would like to answer Ito's question.
But...elementary and junior high school thongs?? I don't understand why grown-up men would want to see elementary and junior high school thongs, although it might be different if they were the same generation (<--- but...). By the way, how do you know about that? Are elementary and junior high school thongs your fad right now? Don't go in the wrong direction, Ito. But even so, that's really not okay, it's no good, it's ridiculous...personally, I prefer mature women. Finally, a question for the "super mature" Ippei. I will rephrase that, this is a question for Ippei. When was the last time you felt like you had become an adult? Well, you're still not quite an adult, but if you've ever felt that way, tell me what it was like.
As I wrote at the beginning, while you are reading this diary, I will be in New York. I will make sure to show the overseas athletes and Noah matches to all the people looking forward to it there. This will be my seventh title defense. I would like to embrace the growth of my challenger, defend my title, and go into the final tour of the year.
Please cheer me on from Japan.
This was Misawa.
Well, I'm off now. See you in two weeks!
16TH NOVEMBER 2007
Cheers! I think I will write about my trip to America* this time, when I went from November 1st to November 5th.
First, the first day.
The next day, we left the hotel at around 5:30pm, and entered the venue. I think you can see the match details on the website, so I will skip that part. On the third day, we moved to New York. I think it was a small jet plane, with two rows of seats and one row, so there were only three rows in total, and I was thinking, "If this plane crashes, everyone will die." However, it was a struggle to get on as there was strong wind, and the plane was delayed. I only had a hamburger for breakfast, and went to sleep my seat... but we had to wait quite a while. Finally, we checked into the hotel at about 5pm, but as I had gotten up early, I only had two hours sleep, and got to the venue at 7:30pm. Just as Morishima and Marufuji had written in their diaries, Nicolas Cage was there. The staff asked me if the President wanted a picture with him, I said no, but Morishima was in the middle of a match, and was upset that he couldn't get a photo taken. Poor Morishima.
After the show, we left the New York venue at about 1:30am and got back to the hotel at 2am. We ate chicken without any problems at the 24-hour restaurant on the first floor of the hotel (I'm not a chicken person though), and the next day we had a meeting at 9am. It was a pretty hectic trip, to be honest.
The meeting was at 9am, so I only had to wake up an hour before, but my alarm went off at 7, and I had to wake up. Apparently, the previous alarm had been set, and was still there, but I didn't want to go back to sleep after that, so I had no choice but to stay awake, and then for some reason, a staff member knocked on the door of my room before 8:00, an hour before the meeting. When I asked what time it was, I was told I had ten minutes. So I quickly took a shower and went down to the lobby where everyone was gathered. I thought "What?", and Ryu-san* immediately said, "Sorry, I got the time wrong by an hour." Apparently, the switch to Daylight Saving Time took place in the middle of the night that day... It's a feeling that's hard for Japanese people to understand. However, it was good that it was an hour earlier, but even so, if there had been a match on that day, it might have been a little off. Daylight saving time is not observed in the warmer states, but Americans themselves often get confused because there are time differences within the same country, and some places have daylight saving time and some don't (by the way, when my alarm went off, I immediately turned on the TV to check the time).
On the way back, I took a direct flight to Narita. Only one meal was served on the plane, and we could order whatever we wanted. The person sitting next to me on the left was eating tonkotsu ramen, and I wanted to try it too, but I felt like I was "copying" them, so I ended up not ordering it. By the way, the person sitting next to me on the other side also ordered tonkotsu ramen. It was like the atmosphere of "t.A.T.u*" when the trouble between them was in the news, and I didn't look next to me until the end. Of course, the flight back was fun, and I enjoyed watching four movies: the sequel to "Transformers", "Recipe for Happiness", "Ratatouille", and "LIFE: If I could meet you in heaven*". When we arrived at Narita Airport, I was exhausted after watching four movies. That's a quick review of my three-night, five-day trip. It was a busy schedule, but I think it was a good experience. Thank you to everyone at ROH and the fans who supported me in New York and Philadelphia (I don't think you'll ever read this diary).
Well, then I would like to answer the question from the rotten dick guy. Some of you may be annoyed and think, "Is it over once I answer?" but you're right, it's almost over.
I think the question was "What is the most delicious drink you have ever had?"....you're still a novice. Any kind of drink is delicious if everyone enjoys drinking it. You don't even know what alcohol tastes like, so don't ask me that question (laugh).
Now that I think about it, speaking of Ippei and alcohol, I think it was in Okayama, when I asked for "Yaemaru" shochu as "Hachiji Yuumaru", and Ippei replied "Yaji Yuumaru, right?" He probably thought it would be embarrassing for the president, but normally you don't pronounce it as "Yaji Yuumaru". Even if he made a mistake, I think it would be "Hachiji Yuumaru". Of course, he knew "Yaemaru" and said it, so it would only have worked if Ippei had interjected "It's "Yaemaru" president". Oh well...
Finally, here is a question for Taniguchi, (who hasn't seen any naked bodies recently). Christmas is coming up, so where would you like to go on a Christmas date?
The final tour of the year has just begin. The wrestlers and staff will do their best to end the year on a good note. We appreciate your support.
See you in two weeks. Misawa.
Notes
Trip to America: ROH (Ring of Honor)
Sapporo Clock Tower: See Wikipedia article
Ryu Nakata: Noah's then general manager.
t.A.T.u: Russian girl group duo, best known for "All the Things She Said"
LIFE, if I could meet you in heaven: The only Japanese film among them. The movie is the true story of a windsurfer who passed away at the young age of 38.
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