Tracing the Legacy of the W+M Era: Profiles and Writings on Women's Pro-Wrestlers by Takeshi Ogawa
Weekly Pro
15th October 1955
A lineup of female wrestlers—an autumnal tapestry of brilliant colors... A 1955 chronicle of female wrestlers. We begin with Japan's first-ever champion, Sadako Igari...
Members of the All-Japan Women's Wrestling Club
Sadako Igari
Japan's first female wrestler
Regarding her age—a delicate matter for a lady—she was born in the Himonya district of Tokyo. She is the only daughter of the Igari family, having entered the world with a lusty cry at 3:00 AM on March 3rd (the Girls' Festival). Though she was a chubby child, weighing in at 17 *kan* 500 *momme* at age seventeen, the subsequent two years saw her physique firm up remarkably; she now weighs 16 *kan* 800 *momme* and stands a sturdy 5 feet 4 inches tall—a figure built for professional wrestling. She seems to have inherited the athletic blood of her uncle (in Hokkaido), a former *ozeki*-ranked rural sumo wrestler.
There is a wild anecdote about Sadako, : once, while waiting at Sakuragicho Station, the edge of her Boston bag accidentally struck a local tough guy. When he lashed out with a straight punch, shouting "You cheeky woman!", she nimbly dodged it—marking the first time anyone had ever evaded his punch. She is the protagonist among the three Igari siblings.
Katsumi Tayama
The Kanto region's number-one insect-hater
A leading figure—a veritable "big sister" figure—in the Kanto region's entertainment world. Standing five feet three inches tall and weighing approximately 63 kilograms, she possesses a physique honed through acrobatic training; her skill with the guitar gives her an exceptional sense of rhythm and a flair for showmanship. She is a pioneer who, alongside Sadako Morokari, staged the first public performance of this kind in Kyoto in 1948.
Originally from Azukizawa in Akita Prefecture, she moved to Tokyo at the age of eighteen and was a woman who had endured the full measure of life's hardships.
There is a legendary tale from her time in Kyoto: while at a rough dive bar in the Kyogoku district, she was accosted by a sailor-type man. Just as she and her companion, Sadako-san, were gearing up for a fight—asking each other, "Shall we take him down?"—Mr. Chopin Igari stepped in to stop them and drove the thug away instead.
Katsumi, who has a phobia of insects—once let out a scream during a match in Ibaraki when a grasshopper took flight from the grassy ring and landed on the thigh of Rose Nakayama, who was in the middle of demonstrating a ground-fighting technique.
She possesses limbs so supple that they can be bent twice as far as an ordinary person's without issue. As for old injuries, she once hurt her left leg while tagging out Hiroi Hojoji, the muscle in her calf ruptured, leaving a lump the size of a fist—a sight so intimidating that even full-grown men recoil at the mere look of it. She certainly has the potential to eventually become an excellent female instructor in women's wrestling alongside Sadako.
Hiroi Hojoji
A Mambo Wrestler raised on the Mainland
Hiroi stands 5 feet 3.3 inches tall and weighs 15 *kan* 300 *momme*—an ideal physique. She first appeared in the public eye accompanying Sadako during a run at the Nichigeki Theatre, and subsequently plunged into this world.
Born in Mukden (Manchuria) and raised by a father who was a merchant in Swatow and Heyi (South China), she is now a leading figure among teenage entertainers. Her older sister is Makuto Hojoji (a member of the Nichigeki Theater's 11th class). While she studied classical music at Toho College of Music and isn't particularly skilled at it, she has a large following of young fans thanks to her performances of the Mambo and the Lescaut. She is currently kept busy replying to a flood of innocent fan letters from high school students and others, and she is a great lover of dogs and cats.
She is the third-longest-serving member of the Mitaka club and excels at sharp kicks—including those utilizing the ropes. She is also known for her cute, button-like nose.
Yumi Katori
Pote-chan's In-Car Scuffle
True to her nickname "Pote-chikin" (Voluptuous Chicken), she boasts a massive 18-kan (approx. 67kg) physique—earning her the moniker "Fujitayama in a skirt"—while her background as a former *kaiso* dancer shines through in her performance as a charming "bad girl" character.
Possessing nerves of steel and a love for sports, she entered this profession with a figure defined by her magnificent bust. "Pon-chan" also has her own stories of romantic woes.
One day, on a commuter train, a gentleman in his fifties touched Pote-chan’s body; she instantly seized his hand with a reverse grip and hauled it up into the air, exclaiming, "Whose hand is this?"
The gentleman in question turned bright red.
As for her lipstick, she is a devoted user of "Kiss Me" and takes great pains with her grooming—applying it well before the match begins (since applying it right beforehand causes it to smudge).
Yoko Sakurai
She reveres the actor Susumu Fujita.
She has a gentle side — evidenced by the time she let out a squeal of surprise when a student embraced her at Asakusabashi Station during this year's Ryogoku River Opening festival— she is also the subject of countless tales of daring.
She favors sporty attire and possesses a polished, impressive track record of skills.
Her trim physique projects a fresh, appealing image to both clients and fans alike, and she is fueled by a burning ambition to eventually travel to the United States.
Fumiko Nakata
A rookie in women's wrestling (nicknamed "Wakame-chan") she is a native of the area housing the Mitaka Research Institute and a second-year student at Mitaka No. 3 Commercial High School; she stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 57 kilograms. She hails from the Inagi family; her parents were deeply committed to her entry into the sport, and as the eldest of three siblings, she has two younger brothers.
A volleyball player whose father was a sumo enthusiast, she was originally intended to take up judo but, reflecting a modern sensibility, leaped straight into professional wrestling instead. Although there were fears of polio after she suffered knee trouble in childhood, her daily training transformed her limbs into vibrant, energetic ones (reminiscent of the chinquapin nuts native to Musashino) making her a truly adorable "female Tarzan."
Seiko Tomoe
Her background lies in women's sumo, where she competed under the ring name "Isamigoma" and reached the rank of *Komusubi*.
A female wrestler weighing in at a massive 20 *kan* 500 *momme* (approx. 77 kg) has appeared! It is no wonder, really; in the world of Akita women's sumo, the name "Yukoma" belongs to a wrestler who rose to the rank of *Komusubi*. Her massive physique, honed through three years of competition, makes her the female equivalent of the legendary *Yokozuna* Azumafuji.
While on tour in Chiba Prefecture, she was treated with affection by Chiyonoyama’s group, and Fukuiyama, in particular, even personally coached her in a practice session.
Born in Ikebukuro, she grew up helping her father run his trucking business and was adept at handling the company vehicles. Circumstances led her into the world of women's sumo; during matches in rural areas, she would often frustrate young men who tried to jump into the ring by nimbly dodging left and right before they could get too close. After switching to women's pro-wrestling, she reportedly struggled at first with the diet—finding it hard to adjust from the soft rice porridge (*okayu*) of her sumo days to solid foods—but she is a natural at preparing *chanko* stew. With her ability to perform moves like headlocks and full-nelson holds, she is sure to stand out as a unique talent in the super-heavyweight division.
Members of the Tokyo Women's Pro-Wrestling Association
Chiyo Obata
Toyo Kogyo's Number One
Her parents ran an old printing shop in Koto Ward; she is the fifth daughter among nine siblings—three boys and six girls—all of whom are still alive, a true testament to the joys of a large family. She has been training in wrestling since her days at Sumida Junior High and stands as the association's top all-around technician.
Since her older brother was a teacher, he was dead set against it at first, and her older sister and mother kept telling me to quit, too; but then her fourth sister, joined the group twenty days later, leaving their parents with no choice but to give in. She even turned down a spot at Honjo High School—a place she had worked hard to get into—and spent her days instead in a whirlwind of activity, from swimming at Jingu Stadium events to playing volleyball on the rooftop. It seems the Obata family follows a pattern: the men are quiet and reserved, while the women are spirited tomboys.
She has been fearless since birth—except when it came to vaccination needles, which sent her running in terror. Every autumn, at the invitational matches, prizes would pile up high, ensuring she never lacked for school supplies. During a tour stop in Uwajima, Shikoku, last year, elementary school children—along with their older sisters—swarmed her lodgings; it was a delightful kind of popularity. When asked to describe her ideal man, she rattled off the following: someone about 172–175 cm tall, aged 16 or 17, earning a monthly salary of 30,000 yen, deeply affectionate, and full of vitality—essentially, she wanted a "good salaryman" type who heads out to work and returns in the evening.
Chiyo Obata
Her signature "Flying Scissors" move
While Keiko, her older sister stands five feet two inches tall and weighs 16 *kan* (approx. 60 kg); while her younger sister is a slender Japanese beauty with long hair, Chiyo sports a short, boyish cut and has large, round eyes. She wields her thinning shears like a prized sword and moves with remarkable agility. Having witnessed firsthand the pain her younger sister endured—including a cracked rib and the grueling struggle to master the art of falling safely (*ukemi*)—she never parts with the protective amulet she carries from Asakusa Kannon.
It is said that the formula for professional wrestling lies in a combination of body weight, speed, technique, and showmanship. When the wrestlers travel in a van with their younger sister, fellow passengers often gaze at the girls in their uniforms and ask if they are athletes involved in women's baseball, keirin cycling, or volleyball; apparently, very few people recognize them as female pro-wrestlers at first glance.
Chiyo was originally slated to take over the family printing business and learn the trade, but she ended up following her younger sister into the world of women's wrestling—leaving her father with no choice but to accept the situation. It seems difficult for them to face each other as opponents; regardless of who is stronger or weaker, the sight of Keiko and Chiyo wiping the sweat from each other after a match reveals the true bond of a close-knit sisterly duo.
Shizuka Itō
"Junior" to Oedo
She is one of the wrestlers who transferred from the "All Japan" stable in Setagaya. Originally from the Fukagawa-Takahashi area and having left university, she was introduced to sumo by a senior wrestler known as "Oedo." She was taken under the wing of greats like Chiyonoyama, Tochinishiki, and Narutoumi. During her early training days—commuting from her home in Sunamachi—the impact of taking falls took a severe toll on her body; the pain in her neck, legs, and lower back was so intense that she struggled even to squat to relieve herself.
Thanks to the understanding of "Big Brother" Oedo, she was spared the "acting unladylike" criticism; instead, she was encouraged to give it her all since it was something she loved doing. Currently, she is demonstrating great prowess in wrist locks, arm locks, and other joint-manipulation techniques.
She always keeps a Naritasan amulet close to her fair, soft skin, and true to her reputation as a woman of impeccable character within the Association, "Shii-chan" is, by all accounts, a thoroughly sensible and reliable person.
Yasuko Hanabusa
A cheerful, cute "villain"
Possessing exotic beauty and a physique—standing five-foot-three and weighing roughly 125 pounds—that seems ready to burst with the vibrant energy of her nineteen years, she is a charmer who scores a perfect ten. Yet, despite her lovely face, she is a "witch" of a woman who admits to a weakness for "bad guys" like Tony Curtis.
What thrilled her the most was being recognised by the crowd at the theatre; if she were a flower, she would be a rose or a carnation.
She loves chocolate and is a fan of the Giants—specifically players Bessho and Hirota—and for a young lady, she has a surprisingly unladylike fondness for the *tomoe-nage* (circle throw); she shows every sign of becoming a splendid wrestler of the "Class of '55" vintage.
Shoko Hashira
A Yokohama girl who excels at ground fighting
Eighteen years old, the second daughter—standing five feet three inches tall and weighing 15.5 *kan* (approx. 58 kg)—a girl from the port city of Yokohama. She took the plunge after her father told her, "If you like it, go ahead and do it."
Currently in training, she is a young lady who works hard at her lessons—so much so that the Kannon amulet she wears becomes soaked with sweat. She is a fan of the National Railways* pitcher Kaneda and singer Minoru Oki; as for her tastes, despite being of an age to be interested in romance, she is instead obsessed with *Katsu* (cutlets*). She is also the sort of person who gets the creeps if a cat so much as climbs on to the veranda next to her.
Shizuko Tsukimura
Was she born a Kanda "kid"?
In Omiya, she will team up with Ritsuko Yoshikawa and Tsuyako Kyoda from Hiroshima—as well as Tomisa Fujiwara—to compete in the lightweight tag-team match. As for Tsukimura-san—or rather, the person I feel more inclined to call "Tsukimura-kun"—she comes across as a mere "kid," or perhaps more accurately, a boy (?) with an excessive "M" (masochistic) streak.
Seventeen years old, weighing 13 *kan* 600 *momme* (approx. 51 kg), and standing 5 feet 2 inches tall—with a tomboyish streak (even down to the fuzz on her upper arms—oops, pardon me!).
A true child of Kanda and a "Kappa" who competed in the Chiyoda Ward swimming championships, she is someone who made up her mind instantly the moment she laid eyes on the American woman's Frederic Marsh.
Since she is light on her feet, she favors throwing techniques; as the only "male" (?) in the association, everyone calls her "Boy"—making her the group's one and only pet—which is precisely why she says she prefers the company of older women...
Nobuko Sunahama
The Tomboy "Elephant-chan"
She has a delightfully plump, well-rounded physique—weighing in at 18 *kan* and standing 5 feet 2.5 inches tall. Among her peers, she goes by the nickname "Elephant-chan" and is also known as "Azumafuji"—or rather, the "Female *Kagamisato".
With a waist measuring 83 centimeters—and thighs said to be as slender as the average person's waist—she is a striking figure. She initially considered judo but says she is glad she took the plunge into modern professional wrestling.
Her older sister is Keiko Narita (23) of All Japan Pro Wrestling; she smiled charmingly as she mentioned how the daily cost of ice was a real financial strain during this past hot summer.
Terumi Sakura
Eager to put her mettle to the test
At seventeen, weighing 15 *kan* (approx. 56 kg) and standing 5 feet 1.5 sun (approx. 156 cm) tall, she is small of stature but a brilliant student from Tokyo’s 14th Junior High School. Her family runs a roofing business; her older brother—the designated heir—came to watch her compete and encouraged her to "give it her all," which has greatly bolstered her confidence.
She lives in the rather secluded Hokima area of Adachi Ward; she muses that if a strange man ever accosts her, she’d like to try landing a blow on him—though she admits with a touch of humor that if someone actually pounced, she might just be scared out of her wits.
Toshiko Chihaya
Her favorite food is *neko-meshi* (rice mixed with fish scraps/dashi).
Raised in Sunamachi, Koto Ward; sixteen years old; 5 feet 2 inches tall; weighing 15 *kan* 600 *momme* (approx. 58 kg). Her father is a fisherman, so—due to the tides—he can never come to watch her matches at night; she flexes her biceps, showing her determination despite this regret.
She shakes out his hair, mentioning that she’s been feeling a bit under the weather this summer. She declares that her favorite meal is "neko-meshi"—cold rice with miso soup poured over it. With a preference for ornamental kale, doesn't she strike you as a stylish girl from the downtown districts?
She has a physique that suggests she’s capable of anything. A graduate of Ome No. 2 Junior High who loves fruit and konjac*, she’s an easy-going, approachable young woman. Yet, the fact that her special skill is the "Atomic Bomb Airplane Throw*" makes her a bit scary.
Tomi Fujiwara
Otomi-san, the omelet virtuoso
A beautiful woman who looks like she would make a wonderful mother.
Sixteen years old, 5 feet 2.5 inches tall, weighing 14.5 *kan* (approx. 54 kg), and a graduate of Fukagawa First Junior High School. She lost her mother when she was in first grade of elementary school; since then, she and her older brother have acted as parental figures for their younger sister. She is an older-sister type who excels at cooking egg dishes.
Currently the second cohort (recruitment for the fifth cohort is underway).
She played basketball and volleyball and excelled at mathematics in school. Her preference for maroon-toned clothing and flowers like daffodils and tulips offers a glimpse into Tomi-chan's personality...
Keiko Komaki
A Strength Like the Zinnia
She is twenty years old, stands five feet three inches tall, and weighs 16 *kan* (approx. 60 kg). A graduate of Azuma Village Junior High in Gunma Prefecture, she originally studied dressmaking in Numata City; however, finding the prospect of operating a sewing machine all day too grueling, she decided to put her natural love for sports to use by switching to women's wrestling—specifically, a style known for its "resilient hips" (tenacity). With a spirited, unyielding nature reminiscent of the zinnia—and a known fondness for soba noodles—I hope she saves up her earnings and perseveres in her endeavors for the long haul, just like the long, slender strands of soba she loves.
Kuniko Oshima
"Kuni-chan", Raised by the Kuroshio*
Born in Ohtori, Izu (a region where the Kuroshio Current surges) she grew up thriving on highly nutritious milk. She was among those who applied this past March. Although she initially considered judo, she says she is glad she took the plunge into modern professional wrestling instead.
We plan to cover the All-Japan Association in Setagaya, Universal, and others in the next issue.
Notes
Komusubi: The fourth-highest rank in professional sumo wrestling, considered a junior title within the elite san'yaku ranks.
National Railways: In the 1950s a lot of the baseball players worked for the railways. The aim was to 'dispel the gloomy atmosphere, boost staff morale, and focus on sports—especially the popular baseball—to create a brighter workplace'
Cutlets: Despite being well known in Japan since at least the 1860s, the word "cutlet" for Katsu, spread after World War II.
Konjac: Known in the US as "Lychee Cups".
Kagamisato: 42nd sumo grand champion
Atomic Bomb Airplane Throw: In 1946, John Hershey's "Hiroshima" was published in the New Yorker, but due to censorship, it did not get released in Japan until 1949. The Japanese writings on Hiroshima (aside from poetry allowed in Hiroshima newspapers), did not emerge at all until 1948 due to it being strictly forbidden. This even extended to scientific data, and for over six years Japanese and American doctors and scientists were denied access to the data, which meant they could have helped the atomic bomb victims. Censorship could be overly strict. It wasn't until 1952, that anyone understood anything about what had happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with the end of the occupation. This article was written three years after that.
Raised by the Kuroshio: Enka song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROC3o4ly4qE
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