Bushiroad Founder Issues Statement On Company Transferring NJPW Shares

Bushiroad’s Takaaki Kidani has issued a statement on the company transferring all of its NJPW shares to CyberAgent and TV Asahi. As noted, the surprising development was announced this morning by NJPW who stated that they are becoming a consolidated subsidiary of TV Asahi, with CyberAgent’s support. CyberAgent owns Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT Pro Wrestling, and Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling via its separate subsidiary CyberFight.

Kidani, who founded Bushiroad, posted a full statement on the matter to the Bushiroad website. He spoke about NJPW’s success over the 14 years that Bushiroad has owned the company and said that for the company to continue its momentum, they must “make the most of the video assets it has accumulated so far and to evolve into a diversified monetization business centered on a powerful distribution platform.” That led them to make the move for TV Asahi to take control of the company.

You can see Kidani’s full statement below:

“Thank you very much for your continued support of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

“Today, we have decided to transfer all of our shares in New Japan Pro-Wrestling to TV Asahi and CyberAgent. We understand that this announcement may come as a surprise to many of our fans.

“In 2012, at a major turning point as New Japan Pro-Wrestling aimed for further development, we were fortunate enough to welcome them into the group. For the past 14 years, we have believed in the power of professional wrestling as a wonderful form of entertainment, and together with everyone, we have worked tirelessly to deliver its appeal to even more people.

“Thanks to our efforts, the Tokyo Dome event on January 4th of this year attracted a record-breaking 46,913 spectators, achieving a sold-out show for the first time in 28 years. Having overcome the challenges of generational change, young stars in their 20s and 30s are now emerging one after another, shining brightly in the ring. As Bushiroad, it is a great source of pride for me to witness New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s powerful growth and to be able to pass the baton to the next generation.

“However, for New Japan Pro-Wrestling to make further global strides and continue its golden age, it is essential to make the most of the video assets it has accumulated so far and to evolve into a diversified monetization business centered on a powerful distribution platform.

“Therefore, we are convinced that the best course of action is to entrust the future to the best possible owner, who will be our partner from the very beginning of our founding, TV Asahi, who has continuously supported New Japan Pro-Wrestling through terrestrial broadcasting, and who will bring a breath of fresh air with cutting-edge digital media.

“To all the fans, and to the wrestlers and staff who have supported New Japan Pro-Wrestling with their passionate battles, thank you so much for walking alongside Bushiroad all this time. Your passion and cheers were our greatest driving force.

“Although it will no longer be under Bushiroad’s control, I can confidently say that the future of New Japan Pro-Wrestling is brighter than ever. As a passionate pro-wrestling fan, I will continue to support the further golden age that you all create.

“Thank you so much for the past 14 years. Please look forward to what’s to come from New Japan Pro-Wrestling.”