Bushiroad Owner Says He ‘Had No Choice’ Over Kazuchika Okada Leaving NJPW

In an interview with Proresu Today, Bushiroad owner Takaaki Kidani gave his thoughts on Kazuchika Okada leaving NJPW, which he said wasn’t his decision. Okada left earlier this year and joined AEW, where he is now the Continental Champion.

Kidani said: “Well, I can only say that I had no choice. As I have said many times, if I were in the same position, I would have done the same thing. So I can only say that it can’t be helped and that I wish them all the best, and I may sound like a customer, but all I can say is, please spread the word of Japan’s greatness to the world.”

When asked if he played a role in Okada’s success in Japan, he replied: “Yes, but I don’t think so. It is a bit presumptuous to say that I raised him. I think that in the early days, there were some things like TV commercials to raise the profile of the company, but in reality, I think that Okada has grown up by his own ability. So I think it’s just a story of giving him a little support in the early days. Of course, he became what he is because he worked hard, but I think it was also due to the cooperation of those around him and good rivalry between them. If I had to add one more thing, it would be his wife (Suzuko Mimori).“