They’re skinny, have floppy hair and are kind of pale. They’re also coming soon to a wrestling tournament near you. Well, if you live in Tokyo, that is. And there you were thinking Japanese wrestling was all about those big sumo guys!
These are bishōnen – beautiful young men. The first kanji character of bishōnen (美少年) is 美 meaning “beauty”, and the last part 少年 is “young man”. Bishōnen puroresu is the latest addition to Japan’s burgeoning puroresu (pro wrestling) scene.
Here are the chosen ten (the eagle-eyed among you will notice that it’s actually a team of twelve – there are two stand-ins, presumably in case someone needs to have a little sit down after all that posing).
▼ Sho is the guy in the middle, but why’s he wearing pyjamas?
▼ He really does like those PJs.
Compared to American pro-wrestling, the Japanese sport is generally less theatrical, more contact-based, and sticks harder to the pretense of being a legitimate fight. Bishōnen wrestling looks like it might be the exception to that rule, though.
The website also features these character profiles of the athletes, including their reasons for joining the gang. Some of their reasons are refreshingly honest!
▼ Sho’s aim is to make his lifelong dream come true. No, not getting off that drip, starting his own wrestling league!
▼”Sho is my best friend. I wanna make his dreams come true.”
▼ This guy, on the other hand, says “I want to escape from my parent’s control”.
▼ Kōichi goes for it idol-style with a cheery “I want to give everyone a happy smile!☆“
▼ “I dunno… Something to do with my time.”
Anyway, it looks like they’ve been hitting the gym (although not too hard…):
The website also promises merchandise, although none is available yet! For now you’ll have to do with these iPhone lock screen downloads:
▼It’s worth pointing out that virtually all of these captions read “hey, wanna do it with me?”
So far, so good. When we get deeper into the website, though, it becomes clear that not all these guys actually appear in the June show. In fact, the line-up for the show looks drastically different to those skinny guys on the front and profile pages.
▼ “But wait, where did the hot young ones go?” I hear you cry.
If you still fancy your chances at actually seeing some beautiful wrestlers at the June 13th show, which will be in Shin-Kiba, Tokyo, a seat in the stands can be grabbed for 3,000 yen (US$29.45). Top-price “special ringside seats”, meanwhile, are 5,000 yen ($49). I’ll be sticking with the free wallpapers for now though, I think.
Judo gold-medalist Aaron Wolf announces move to New Japan Pro-Wrestling
This is how a Japanese pro wrestler’s breakfast looks: Huge! 【Photos】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
Does a poopy butthole translate to lottery-winning riches in Japan? The results are in!
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Denny’s in Japan?
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
【2016 Lucky Bag Roundup】Contents of McDonald’s 2016 lucky bags revealed!
Sakura Ride Plan: A new way to see the best cherry blossom sites in Tokyo
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Kyoto’s Living Room pug café lets all the dogs out【Photos】
Adorable New “Pokemomo” Brand Goods Coming to Pokemon Center Stores Across Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply