(NOAH) Professional wrestler Kaito Kiyomiya, talks about his thoughts on the battle with the legend Keiji Mutoh, who will retire next spring.

6th July 2022

Radiko.jp

In Reina Yamazaki's TOKYO FM'S program, "Reina Yamazaki wanted to talk to someone", on the 6th July (Wednesday), Pro Wrestling Noah's Kaito Kiyomiya was welcomed as a guest. Kiyomiya enthusiastically answered Reina's questions one after the other, saying "Today, I want you to become a "Pu Girl" (i.e. a girl who likes pro wrestling).

To start with, the promotion "Pro Wrestling Noah", to which Kiyomiya belongs, is a promotion established by Mitsuharu Misawa, an admired pro wrestler, who was originally from All Japan. It was Misawa who inspired Kiyomiya to enter pro wrestling. Kiyomiya explained Noah's characteristics as "a promotion that values history very much, and has techniques handed down for a long time without interruption. As the theme of the promotion, we are laying out the coolest pro wrestling". Kiyomiya entered pro wrestling at the age of eighteen at the same time he graduated High School. What Reina was interested in, was how to get started in the promotion. According to Kiyomiya, talent may be scouted, but in general a resume is sent to the promotion, an introductory test is taken, and the successful applicants will join the promotion afterwards. And when you become a pro wrestler, you get a nickname. Kiyomiya's is "Supernova". He did not give this to himself, it was the company who allotted it as they said that they wanted young Kiyomiya to try new things more and more. Kiyomiya seems to like it quite a lot saying, "Such a cool nickname to get."

Also, speaking of pro wrestling, there are many techniques and all of them seem to hurt from everything an amateur sees. When asked how the wrestlers actually feel, Kiyomiya immediately answered, "It all hurts. There is nothing that doesn't (laughs)". Therefore, what is important is "passiveness". Kiyomiya explained, "We are different from other martial arts, we put a lot of emphasis on passiveness and practice the most. Especially before a debut, we will practice to the point of dying. So whatever happens, it's okay because bodies and spirit are built to stand in the ring and I am confident that I will accept whatever skill comes." That is why the offense and the defense of technique is also fierce. "We are pleased to see the intensity of this reflected in our customers. I have absolute confidence in being passive."

I did wonder what pro wrestlers, who not only in matches but endure rigorous practice every day, did on their days off. But, surprisingly Kiyomiya answered, "I used to play soccer, so I see children playing it while walking along the river."

On Saturday, July 16th, Kiyomiya will fight against Keiji Mutoh at the Nippon Budokan, a legend who will retire next spring. Kiyomiya talked about the joy of being able to have a match with Mutoh calling him, "a God like existence." 

The match record so far is two losses and one draw in the past three matches. For the fourth and final match he spoke of his aspirations saying, "At the big venue known as The Nippon Budokan, I will be able to fight the final singles match before Mutoh retires. I want you to see where I am going."

Translated from Radiko.jp

Picture credit, Radiko.jp