Hiroshi Tanahashi Reveals His New Post-Retirement Short Haircut

As previously reported, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) President and the Legendary Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi, announced plans to cut his hair now that he’s retired from in-ring competition. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion went ahead with those plans, sharing the results last night via social media.

Before revealing the final cut, Tanahashi teased, “It’s black. And short.” After showing off the final results, Tanahashi later wrote in the caption, “Hair got shorter 👍 #HairCuttingCeremony.” So the era of Tanahashi’s trademark blonde locks is over, as the former champion enters the elder statesman and company executive era of his career.

At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 earlier this month, Hiroshi Tanahashi faced AEW star and longtime rival Kazuchika Okada in the main event of a sold-out crowd at the Tokyo Dome. Okada defeated his epic rival.

After the match, a retirement ceremony was held to honor Tanahashi and his illustrious career. AEW stars such as Jay White, Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, and Katsuyori Shibata all appeared, along with WWE Hall of Famers Keiji Mutoh and Tatsumi Fujinami.

Additionally, former NJPW star Tetsuya Naito also appeared, showing his respect to Tanahashi, who also received a ten-bell salute. You can view the photos that Tanahashi shared of his new hairstyle below.

黒い。そして、短い。 https://t.co/Kvgd7Pt7kk pic.twitter.com/7OJ8CqNZzZ

— 棚橋 弘至 (@tanahashi1_100) January 17, 2026

髪、短くなりました👍 #断髪式 pic.twitter.com/oR86aETT0T

— 棚橋 弘至 (@tanahashi1_100) January 17, 2026