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】
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Ride a tram that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on a new limited-time history tour
Pokémon donuts are coming to Krispy Kreme in the U.S. [Photos]
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
7-Eleven Japan has a “Super Spicy! Taiwan Mince Cutlet” that’s fiery red… but how hot is it?
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】