Hiroshi Tanahashi named President & Representative Director of NJPW

Hiroshi Tanahashi is the new President of NJPW.

In an announcement on their website Friday evening, it was announced that the eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion has been appointed the new President & Representative Director of New Japan Pro Wrestling. This appointment came following a meeting of NJPW’s board of directors and shareholders.

Tanahashi will talk about his new role within the company at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4. The company issued the following message to NJPW fans:

Thank you for your ongoing support of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. On January 4 at Belc Presents Wrestle Kingdom 18 in the Tokyo Dome, Hiroshi Tanahashi will address the fans directly in his new role as President. NJPW looks forward to your continued support under the new leadership structure.

Takami Ohbari, who has been President and Representative Director of NJPW since 2020, will step down from the role effective December 23. In addition, Michiaki Nishizawa, another Director, will also step down on December 23.

Along with Tanahashi’s appointment, Hitoshi Matsumoto (Chief of Business Production for TV Asahi) and Taro Okada (President & CEO of Bushiroad Fight) have been named Directors of the company. Okada will be a Director on a part time basis.

A press conference regarding the new changes will take place on December 26 at 1 pm JST.