Hiroshi Tanahashi issues New Year’s message to NJPW fans
In his role as company president, Hiroshi Tanahashi sent out a message on Wednesday thanking NJPW fans for their support in 2025.
The message — translated on NJPW’s English-language website — included Tanahashi wishing fans a happy new year. He vowed that everyone in NJPW will work together to deliver “even more exciting” events in 2026. The promotion’s year kicks off at the Tokyo Dome on January 4 with Wrestle Kingdom 20, which will be headlined by Tanahashi’s retirement match:
Tanahashi wrote:
- Happy New Year, everybody.
- Thank you to all of you for coming to NJPW matches and showing your support in 2025.
- In 2026, all NJPW staff and wrestlers will be working together to make events and broadcasts even more exciting.
- On a personal note, of course my year will start January 4 in the Tokyo Dome and the end of my pro-wrestling career. I’ll be giving it my all and my absolute best. I’m so excited to see and experience a sold out Tokyo Dome along with all of you at Wrestle Kingdom 20.
- Of course, if you’re not in the building, we will be live on NJPW World, with the event also having a special airing in prime time on TV Asahi in Japan.
- Wherever you are we hope you enjoy a historic event to the fullest.
- Of course, this year like every year, I love you all- aishitemasu!
- Hiroshi Tanahashi
- President/CEO
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Wrestle Kingdom has a start time of 2 a.m. Eastern in the United States. Kazuchika Okada will be Tanahashi’s opponent at the show, with Okada making the trip back to Japan to renew his rivalry with Tanahashi one last time.
Along with Okada, AEW stars Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay will be present at Wrestle Kingdom for Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.