(NOAH) What does Fujita think about reuniting with Makabe for the first time in about a quarter of a century?

Monday, 12th February 2024

Noah.co.jp

Q: A reunion match with Makabe has been decided? 

FUJITA: Korakuen, right? If I recall, we lined up together at Korakuen Hall to announce our joining (New Japan). After that, the way we looked at each other and the way we did things were completely different, but the earth is round, and so even if we looked at each other from different directions, I always thought we would meet again someday. 

Q: Did you want to meet? 

FUJITA: If I want to meet him, I can do it anytime, it's strange that we will meet again at Korakuen Hall, where we both announced our joining. 

Q: You met at the New Japan training camp. What kind of classmates were you? 

FUJITA: I didn't have enough free time to observe my peers, I was trying to survive here somehow. What I realized was that there were so many trials and tribulations.

Q: You overcame that ordeal together

FUJITA: I didn't have many trials. I could do the squats and push ups 1,000 times without much effort, but Makabe couldn't do them, and was having a hard time. I guess the senior wrestlers were able to remember his name because of all the things he did, and when something came up they would say "Makabe!" (laughs)

Q: Still, he didn't give up 

FUJITA: I thought it was amazing. It's pro wrestling, right? Life is pro wrestling. He was constantly beaten, but he gritted his teeth and took the belt. 

Q: Do you have any memories from your difficult trainee days? 

FUJITA: It wasn't particularly hard for me, not hard at all. I was working hard and desperately trying to survive here. I just wanted to eat good food. It's okay just to work hard, but before you know it, the hurdles have risen (laughs) and that's what I struggled with. 

Q: I think Makabe was gritting his teeth and doing his best in New Japan, did you ever ask how he was? 

FUJITA: We once went to do laundry together and talked about how difficult it must be. He said, "I wonder why it is that I am the only one...", I didn't know either, so all I could say was "Look...." (laughs). I made my debut about three months after joining, but I didn't want to do it so soon, so I said "my knees hurt", and they gave me another three months (laughs). 

Q: You were able to see Makabe beside you and suffering a lot, but was there any chance for you to become friends? 

FUJITA: I used to go out and eat a lot, so I was spending money, right? Makabe was at the training camp all the time, and since he wasn't spending any money, I often borrowed money. Thank you for taking care of me. After doing martial arts, I paid him back fully (laughs). 

Q: In the midst of this, you chose a path other than New Japan. Did you talk to Makabe at that time? 

FUJITA: Once I had decided to move on, my own instincts told me to go in this direction. I wanted to do it while my body was still mobile, but thanks to him the hurdles got higher (laughs), I had a lot of trouble, but it was a good experience in its own right. 

Q: While you were active in mixed martial arts, did you pay any attention to Makabe? 

FUJITA: He worked hard and got featured in magazines, challenged for the belt, and I thought it was great to win the belt, but now when I think about it, it's a good idea to lower the bar and get everyone's support no matter what he does. 

Q: It is true that Makabe is the die hard type. and he is always being encouraged by his fans to do his best. 

FUJUTA: It's true, everyone saw and understood that he had overcome some tough types. 

Q: Makabe is also very active in the entertainment industry. 

FUJITA: He gets paid to eat sweets, right? I thought he was great. I don't eat sweets, so it's not a big deal, but I found it was interesting and enjoyed watching. 

Q: I think you may have had a match with Makabe when you were young, but did your seniors ever scold you after a match? 

FUJITA: No, I don't remember being yelled at. Maybe it was Makabe, right? Maybe he was angry at me too, but he probably thought I wouldn't understand if he told me. 

Q: Did you ever think you'd like to compete against him someday? 

FUJITA: Well, when I left (New Japan), I thought I would never see him again, and now when I think about it, the earth is round. I guess that's what it means. 

Q: Previously, when Makabe won the G1 CLIMAX, he commented that he wanted to fight you. Afterwards, a video message was sent to Makabe on his 20th anniversary. 

FUJITA: Ah, that's it! When I say I'll go, I end up returning (laughs)

Q: How do you think you will feel at Korakuen on February 15th? 

FUJITA: I don't think I can confirm it without coming into contact, but I'm not the type to think too much. This time we can't just stare at each other for 60 minutes (laughs)

Q: Makabe might create an emotional atmosphere? 

FUJITA: Is this what you call, "Emo?". I didn't know what "Emo" meant, but I guess this is what it means.

Q: Thank you. Lastly, please give a message to your fans. 

FUJITA: Okay, okay, now that I understand, it's okay. On the other hand, that's enough. That kind of thing is Makabe's strong point, so I'm waiting for that kind of thing. 

Translated from Noah.co.jp

Picture credit: Noah.co.jp