United Japan Pro-Wrestling


United Japan Pro-Wrestling, officially the United Japan Pro-Wrestling Association, is an association of several professional wrestling promotions in Japan, acting as an industry group in order to facilitate the sharing of resources and practices as well as strengthen connections to other sectors.

History

Background

On April 15, 2020, due to the self-imposed restrictions of events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Takaaki Kidani led a delegation of representatives from seven promotions to send a formal request for compensation for business suspension to then House of Representatives member Hiroshi Hase, the Japan Sports Agency, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. This led to the formation of the in the House of Representatives on November 19.

Founding

Prompted by Hase's call to establish a unified commission of wrestling promotions and recognizing the necessity for collaboration between the government, local authorities, and the wrestling industry, an organization was formed by nine promotions owned by six companies. The United Japan Pro-Wrestling group was announced to be established on December 15, 2023. On May 6, 2024, a launching event was scheduled to be held at the Nippon Budokan. The inaugural chairman was Seiji Sakaguchi, a former wrestler, president and current advisor of NJPW, and the secretary-general was Naoki Sugabayashi, the current chairman of NJPW. While maintaining healthy competition among the industry, the organization aims to provide a space for exchanging opinions and information regarding common issues within the professional wrestling industry. By doing so, it intends to ensure the industry's image enhancement, foster sustainable development, and address shared challenges. UJPW also plans to welcome additional member promotions in the future. UJPW's inaugural event, the 2024 edition of All Together, was held on May 6 and also served as a charity event to benefit the rebuilding of the Noto Peninsula following the January 1 earthquake.
On July 17, 2024, UJPW held a general meeting in Tokyo, where Kyushu Pro-Wrestling and World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana were admitted into the association.
On January 20, 2025, it was announced that UJPW would restructure as a general incorporated association with Sanshiro Takagi as its representative director, and Sugabayashi, Ryo Saito and Ryota Chikuzen as executive directors. On June 11, the board of directors had a second meeting. At this meeting, they accepted Pro Wrestling Freedoms as a new full member. They also approved Pro-Wrestling Dradition, World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana, and Pro Wrestling Wave as supporting members.

Members

PromotionOperating company
Pro-Wrestling DraditionSeahorse Corporation Co., Ltd.
Pro Wrestling WaveZabun Co., Ltd.
World Woman Pro-Wrestling DianaWorld Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana Co., Ltd.

Board of directors

The current board of directors is composed as follows :
PositionNameCompany and occupation
Representative director

Sanshiro TakagiExecutive vice-president of CyberFight
Executive directors

Naoki SugabayashiChairman of board of directors of New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Executive directors

Ryo SaitoDirector of Dragongate Japan Pro-Wrestling
Executive directors

Ryota ChikuzenChief director of Kyushu Pro-Wrestling
Directors

Tsuyoki FukudaPresident and CEO of All Japan Pro Wrestling
Directors

Yasuo OkamotoPresident and CEO of CyberFight
Directors

Narihiro TakedaDirector of CyberFight
Directors

Eiji TosakaPresident and CEO of Big Japan Pro Wrestling
Directors

Michiyoshi MishimaPresident and CEO of Ganbare☆Pro-Wrestling
Directors

Takaaki KidaniPresident and CEO of Bushiroad
Directors

Hiroshi TanahashiPresident and CEO of New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Directors

Taro OkadaPresident and CEO of Stardom
Directors

Jinji MatsumotoExecutive vice-president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Directors

Yukito NagaokaAssociate attorney at TMI Associates
Auditor

Shinya YamadaPresident of Entertainment Culture Tax Corporation
Certified Public Accountant and external auditor of Bushiroad