If you thought the WWE was intense, you haven’t witnessed Stardom, the professional women’s wrestling league in Japan.
While the WWE’s Wrestle Mania involves a lot of violent action, Stardom consists of real, full-on body slams, kicks, and bright, colorful costumes.
Japanese women’s professional wrestling is an entertainment show that involves a dance-routine performance before every highly intense wrestling match.
Wrestler Kairi Hojo jumps at her opponent.

Stardom was founded in 2010, five years after the All Japan Women’s Pro Wrestling came to a close after the president became ill.
Stardom became popular quickly after it was founded. Here are some of the most intense moments from professional women’s wrestling in Japan.
Stardom’s style is much like martial arts, with many of the wrestlers relying on kicking as their main line of defense.

Like in the martial arts, kicks are paired with jumping to make them harder and more intense.

The female wrestlers are required to wear bright and colorful costumes.

Some of the fights involve more than just two wrestlers.

There are tag team matches in which teams of six go up against each other.

Below, teams participate in a tag-team match.

Sometimes the rules of the ring are completely ignored. The fights can, at times, get serious and have to be stopped.

Stardom places heavy emphasis on physical attractiveness.

Many of the wrestlers are, or were previously, models. They publish many modeling-photo books and calendars annually.

The audience is predominantly male.

Below, wrestlers Kris Wolf and Starfire fight during their Stardom professional wrestling show.

The wrestlers have to partake in ice-spray treatments during shows to help numb any pain they are having.

The Red Belt is the first place Championship title, and the White Belt is second place. There are also Championship belts offered for the team matches.



Attending Japanese women’s pro wrestling live for the first time ever–and having an absolute blast
Judo gold-medalist Aaron Wolf announces move to New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Japanese ex-pro wrestler Chigusa Nagayo saves woman from assault in carpark
Why is there a wrestling ring in the Underground Arena fighting bar in Kabukicho?
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Japan’s Poképark Kanto Pokémon theme park area shows first attraction photos
Japanese sushi chain responds to racism claims after serving excessive wasabi to foreigners
Starbucks Japan releases new popcorn Frappuccino at one special location
“World’s most beautiful Starbucks” gets a makeover in Japan, but is it still beautiful?
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
We taste the Adult Cream Pie from McDonald’s Japan
To ask or not to ask: The etiquette and law of using convenience store restrooms in Japan
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
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】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
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】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Leave a Reply