Pro Wrestling Pilgrimage: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo Dome, Ryogoku, and Rikidozan’s and Inoki’s Memorials

Korakuen Hall in Suidobashi, Tokyo, is a multipurpose venue that regularly hosts boxing and professional wrestling. Its October 2026 schedule lists wrestling events on 20 days. New Japan Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, Stardom, and other promotions hold shows here. With the ring viewed from tiered seating on all four sides, the hall has come to be called “the sacred home of pro wrestling.”

At nearby Tokyo Dome, New Japan Pro-Wrestling will hold its biggest annual event, WRESTLE KINGDOM 21, on January 4, 2027. Ryogoku Kokugikan, which hosts the G1 CLIMAX final, and Nippon Budokan, where Antonio Inoki faced Muhammad Ali in 1976, are also historic venues. This route includes 10 places, from the temples where Rikidozan, who popularized wrestling in Japan, and Inoki, who founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling, are buried to a gallery in Sanjo, Niigata, that displays a car once owned by Giant Baba, founder of All Japan Pro Wrestling.

10 places from Korakuen Hall and Tokyo Dome in Suidobashi to Ryogoku, Nippon Budokan, Ikegami, Tsurumi, Osaka, and Sanjo

The route includes six active wrestling venues, New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s official store, temples where two wrestlers are buried, and a gallery in Sanjo City. The Sumo Museum on the first floor of Ryogoku Kokugikan is open on weekdays, and admission is free. Homarea in Sanjo City is also free to enter; both can be visited on days when no event is scheduled.

1Korakuen Hall | A fifth-floor ring where Hiroshi Tanahashi made his debut and 20 days of wrestling events are scheduled for October 2026

Korakuen Hall is on the fifth floor of the Korakuen Hall Building in Tokyo Dome City. Its predecessor, Korakuen Gymnasium, opened in June 1958 in a renovated former Kodokan building. On April 16, 1962, it moved to the fifth and sixth floors of the Korakuen Bowling Hall, which also housed a bowling alley and sauna. The opening event was a boxing card. The venue was renamed Korakuen Hall in 1967.

The building’s exterior was revamped in 1983, and its bright blue walls earned it the nickname “Blue Building.” It was renovated in 2014 along with seismic reinforcement following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the exterior was changed to its current brown. A Tokyo Dome public relations representative, whose company operates the hall, says the venue itself never promoted it as “the sacred home.” Rather, the name arose after countless events were held there.

The hall’s pro wrestling history began after Rikidozan’s death in December 1963. The main event of the first wrestling card was Giant Baba vs. Luis Hernandez. In January 1983, Baba’s All Japan Pro Wrestling and Inoki’s New Japan Pro-Wrestling held daytime and nighttime shows here for the first time. Several promotions, including Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling, New UWF, LLPW, and GAEA Japan, also launched at this hall.

This was also the ring where Riki Choshu, returning from Mexico, fell out with Tatsumi Fujinami (now known as Tatsumi Fujinami) on October 8, 1982. Their rivalry began with Choshu’s “kamase inu” (“sacrificial lamb”) remark. On October 10, 1999, Hiroshi Tanahashi, who would later become New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s ace, made his debut here against Shinya Makabe (now known as Togi Makabe).

Korakuen Hall’s 60th anniversary festival was held on April 15 and 16, 2022. On the first day, women’s wrestling promotions gathered; the second day featured a joint event by New Japan Pro-Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling. In the main event, Tanahashi teamed with Kento Miyahara of All Japan Pro Wrestling. A standing statue of Giant Baba was placed in front of the hall for those two days.

In October 2026, DDT Pro-Wrestling, Dragon Gate, and Pro Wrestling NOAH are also holding events here alongside New Japan Pro-Wrestling. On November 19, “TANAHASHI JAM 2,” organized by Tanahashi, now president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, is also scheduled. Only the south side has fixed orange seats; the tiered seating on the other three sides is movable. The east and west sides of the second floor have balcony-style areas that are sometimes opened for standing-room viewing.

Location

Fifth floor, Korakuen Hall Building, 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Connection to pro wrestling

Opened in 1962; the venue for Hiroshi Tanahashi’s debut match and 20 days of wrestling events scheduled in October 2026

Venue features

A blackout hall with fixed seating on the south side, movable tiered seating on the other three sides, and a ring owned by the venue that is available for rental

Upcoming events

“TANAHASHI JAM 2” is scheduled for November 19, 2026, followed by New Japan Pro-Wrestling events on December 20 and 21.

Sources:List of official documents and facility information

2Tokyo Dome | The January 4 tradition since 1992 and WRESTLE KINGDOM 21 on January 4, 2027

Tokyo Dome opened in 1988 as Japan’s first all-weather multipurpose stadium. It can hold 55,000 people, or about 43,500 for baseball. Its roof is made of a glass-fiber membrane and is supported by keeping the air pressure inside the dome 0.3% higher than outside. The dome is in the same Tokyo Dome City complex as Korakuen Hall, just a short walk away.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling first held an event at Tokyo Dome on April 24, 1989. Antonio Inoki lost that day to Soviet judo gold medalist Shota Chochishvili. Jyushin Liger (now known as Jyushin Thunder Liger) also made his debut at the same event. Inoki’s retirement match on April 4, 1998, drew 70,000 spectators.

Since 1992, the promotion has held an event every January 4, known by the date as “1.4” (pronounced “Itten-Yon”). The January 4, 2013 event was called WRESTLE KINGDOM 7, and the series has continued with a new number each year. In 2020, the event was held over two consecutive days, January 4 and 5, for the first time. The January 4, 2023 show honored Inoki, who had died on October 1 of the previous year.

WRESTLE KINGDOM 20 on January 4, 2026, was Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match. His opponent was Kazuchika Okada, who had moved to the US promotion AEW. It was their 18th singles match. Tanahashi lost to Okada’s finishing move, the Rainmaker, bringing his roughly 26-year in-ring career to a close. Attendance was 46,913, a sellout. After the match, Tanahashi rode a gondola around the arena and shouted his signature phrase, “I love you!!,” together with the crowd.

The event “55 Years of Fighting Spirit: WRESTLE KINGDOM 21 in Tokyo Dome” will be held on Monday, January 4, 2027. It will kick off the 55th anniversary year of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the show starts at 4:30 p.m. Its tagline is “A legend is born! The world will be shaken!!” New Japan Pro-Wrestling considers the period through its Tokyo Dome event on January 4, 2028, its 55th anniversary year.

Location

Tokyo Dome City, 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Connection to pro wrestling

Since 1992, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has held its biggest annual event, “1.4,” at this stadium every January 4.

Capacity

55,000

Upcoming event

“55 Years of Fighting Spirit: WRESTLE KINGDOM 21 in Tokyo Dome” is scheduled for January 4, 2027. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.; the event starts at 4:30 p.m.

Sources:Tokyo Dome | Facility information ／ Tokyo Dome | Event schedule ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | History ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | WRESTLE KINGDOM 20 results ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Schedule ／ Web Sportiva | The history of January 4 at Tokyo Dome

3Toukon Shop Suidobashi | Official New Japan Pro-Wrestling merchandise at its own store

Official New Japan Pro-Wrestling merchandise is available at Toukon Shop Suidobashi, a one-minute walk from JR Suidobashi Station. The store is on the first floor of VORT Suidobashi II, at 3-3-20 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., except over the New Year holidays.

The official online Toukon Shop sells T-shirts, towels, caps, and event programs featuring wrestlers and teams. Its selection also includes masks, dress-up items, books, and DVDs. Toukon Shop Satellite counters are located inside Geestore branches in Sendai, Akihabara, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kokura.

Location

First floor, VORT Suidobashi II, 3-3-20 Kanda-Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Connection to pro wrestling

An official store selling New Japan Pro-Wrestling merchandise

Nearest station

One-minute walk from JR Suidobashi Station

Hours and closing days

11 a.m.–8 p.m.; open daily except during the New Year holidays

Sources:Toukon Shop | Store information ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling official online store | Toukon Shop

4Ryogoku Kokugikan | The G1 CLIMAX final and Hiroyoshi Tenzan’s retirement in August 2026

Ryogoku Kokugikan in Yokoami, Sumida-ku, hosts the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournaments and is a two-minute walk from the west exit of JR Ryogoku Station. The Sumo Museum on the first floor displays kesho-mawashi (ceremonial aprons), yokozuna regalia, woodblock prints, and rankings of celebrated wrestlers in three special exhibitions each year. From September 13 to December 17, 2026, it is presenting “Chiyonoyama and His Disciples,” an exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of the 41st yokozuna. The museum is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with free admission. It is closed on weekends and public holidays, but opens daily during Tokyo’s grand sumo tournaments, when a tournament ticket is required.

In pro wrestling, the arena is known as the home of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s summer league, G1 CLIMAX. Before the tournament began, Antonio Inoki won the fifth IWGP title here on June 12, 1987, becoming the first champion after it was established as a title. Masahiro Chono won the first G1 CLIMAX on August 11, 1991; in 1993, the tournament’s first-ever seven-night run was also held here. On August 12, 2007, Hiroshi Tanahashi beat Yuji Nagata to win his first G1. He also won by defeating Shinsuke Nakamura on August 16, 2015.

The semifinals and final of G1 CLIMAX 36 were held on August 15 and 16, 2026. August 15 was the retirement match of Hiroyoshi Tenzan, known for his “TenKoji” tag team with Satoshi Kojima. In the final on the 16th, Ryohei Oiwa, formerly Tenzan’s attendant, forced Yuya Uemura to submit with a headlock. Oiwa became the youngest-career first-time winner in the tournament’s history, and received the championship flag from company president Tanahashi at the awards ceremony.

The fall major event KING OF PRO-WRESTLING 2026 took place on October 12, 2026. Yota Tsuji, IWGP Heavyweight Champion, turned back Oiwa’s challenge. After the match, AEW’s Kenny Omega entered the ring and hit a move on Tsuji, sending the crowd into an uproar. The “Antonio Inoki Memorial Service” was also held at the arena on March 7, 2023.

Location

1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Connection to pro wrestling

Venue for New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s summer G1 CLIMAX final and fall major events

Access

Two-minute walk from the west exit of JR Ryogoku Station

On-site facility

The Sumo Museum on the first floor is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; admission is free.

Sources:Japan Sumo Association | Sumo Museum ／ Japan Sumo Association | About the Sumo Museum ／ Japan Sumo Association | Exhibition information ／New Japan Pro-Wrestling | History ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | G1 CLIMAX 36 final results ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | KING OF PRO-WRESTLING 2026 results ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling official YouTube | “Itten-Yon” documentary

5Nippon Budokan | Inoki vs. Ali in 1976 and the G1 finals in 2018 and 2019

Nippon Budokan in Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku, opened on October 3, 1964. Its sweeping roof evokes the slopes of Mount Fuji, and the building stands amid the greenery of the Imperial Palace’s Kitanomaru area. It served as the judo venue at the Tokyo Olympics that same month.

On June 26, 1976, New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Antonio Inoki fought Muhammad Ali. Billed as the “World Martial Arts Championship,” the match pitted Inoki against the world heavyweight boxing champion. Over 15 three-minute rounds, Inoki repeatedly tried to kick Ali while lying on his back; the bout ended in a draw. It was called “the bout of the century” sarcastically at the time, but was later reassessed as mixed martial arts grew in popularity.

Fifty years later, a commemorative exhibition opened at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo on August 9, 2026. Titled “50th Anniversary Memorial Exhibition: World Martial Arts Championship—Antonio Inoki vs. Muhammad Ali,” it opened with reflections on the fight by Inoki’s students Tatsumi Fujinami and Yoshiaki Fujiwara, along with original Tiger Mask Satoru Sayama and Akira Maeda. Fujiwara, who had trained with Inoki as a sparring partner, said it was a real fight: if Inoki lost, New Japan would also collapse.

On August 26, 1979, an all-star event brought together three promotions: New Japan, All Japan, and International Pro Wrestling. In the main event, Inoki and Baba teamed up against Tiger Jeet Singh and Abdullah the Butcher. On August 27, 2011, New Japan, All Japan, and NOAH held ALL TOGETHER, a charity event supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The G1 CLIMAX final was also held here in 2018 and 2019; on August 12, 2018, Tanahashi defeated Kota Ibushi to claim his third tournament victory.

Location

2-3 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Connection to pro wrestling

Venue for Antonio Inoki vs. Muhammad Ali on June 26, 1976; the 1979 Pro Wrestling Dream All-Star Match; and the G1 finals in 2018 and 2019

Opening date

October 3, 1964

Building features

A martial arts arena with an octagonal roof that evokes the slopes of Mount Fuji

Sources:Nippon Budokan | About Nippon Budokan ／ Nippon Budokan | History ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | History ／ Daily Sports | 50th anniversary exhibition for Inoki vs. Ali

6EBARA WAVE Arena Ota (Ota City General Gymnasium) | The Ota venue where New Japan Pro-Wrestling held its inaugural event

New Japan Pro-Wrestling held its inaugural event at Ota City Gymnasium on March 6, 1972. In the main event, promotion founder Antonio Inoki faced Karl Gotch in a singles match. That October, Giant Baba launched All Japan Pro Wrestling.

Today, Ota City General Gymnasium is nicknamed EBARA WAVE Arena Ota. The main arena has about 2,000 fixed seats and 2,000 movable seats. New Japan Pro-Wrestling held events here in 2026 on January 5, June 7, and July 25 and 26. The two July dates featured official G1 CLIMAX 36 matches.

Location

1-11-1 Higashikamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo

Connection to pro wrestling

New Japan Pro-Wrestling held its inaugural event at the former Ota City Gymnasium on March 6, 1972; the current venue still hosts events such as official G1 matches.

Seating

Main arena: about 2,000 fixed seats and 2,000 movable seats

Major 2026 events

Official G1 CLIMAX 36 matches were held on January 5, June 7, and July 25–26.

Sources:New Japan Pro-Wrestling | History ／ Korakuen Hall | Fight history (1970–1979) ／ Ota City | EBARA WAVE Arena Ota ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | DOMINION 6.14 results ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Event results archive

7Ikegami Honmonji Temple | Rikidozan’s grave and the bust with folded arms

Ikegami Honmonji in Ikegami, Ota-ku, is a head temple of Nichiren Buddhism built at the place where Nichiren died. The 96-step stone stairway, Shikyo-nanjizaka, is said to have been donated by Kato Kiyomasa. The temple grounds also contain the oldest five-story pagoda in the Kanto region; it was consecrated in 1608 and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Rikidozan, who popularized pro wrestling in Japan, is buried here. After reaching the rank of sekiwake in sumo, he retired from the sport and switched to pro wrestling in 1951. He established Japan Pro Wrestling in July 1953, and wrestling broadcasts on television the following year drew large audiences. His NWA World Championship match against Lou Thesz at Korakuen Stadium on October 7, 1957, recorded an 87% television rating.

In December 1963, Rikidozan died after being stabbed by an assailant. At his grave stand “Rikidozan Monument,” erected on the first anniversary of his death, and a bust of him with his arms folded. November 14, 2024, marked the centennial of his birth, and a series of related books and photography exhibitions followed.

Location

1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo

Connection to pro wrestling

A head temple of Nichiren Buddhism where Rikidozan is buried; he founded Japan Pro Wrestling in 1953 and helped popularize the sport in Japan.

Highlights

The Rikidozan monument erected on the first anniversary of his death; a bust with his arms folded; the 96-step Shikyo-nanjizaka stairway; and a five-story pagoda designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan

Sources:Ikegami Honmonji Temple | About the temple ／ Ikegami Honmonji Temple | Temple grounds guide ／ Korakuen Hall | Fight history (1952–1969) ／ Daily Sports | Rikidozan centennial ／ Nippon Tabimagazine | Rikidozan’s grave

8Daihonzan Sojiji Temple | The Tsurumi temple with the “Burning Fighting Spirit: Antonio Inoki Statue”

Sojiji in Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, is a head temple of the Soto Zen school. It relocated here from Noto, Ishikawa, on November 5, 1911. Large temple buildings stand across its 150,000-tsubo grounds (about 50 hectares). It is about a five-minute walk from the west exit of JR Tsurumi Station.

The temple grounds include the grave of Antonio Inoki, who died on October 1, 2022. In September 2023, the “Burning Fighting Spirit: Antonio Inoki Statue” was unveiled alongside a memorial service marking the first anniversary of his death. About 120 people from the wrestling world attended to see the bronze statue portraying him in the muscular prime of his career.

On the first anniversary of his death, October 1, 2023, about 1,000 people had visited the grave by 3 p.m., drawing devoted fans from across Japan. Inoki’s second-anniversary memorial service on September 8, 2024, was attended by his students Tatsumi Fujinami and Akira Maeda.

Location

2-1-1 Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Connection to pro wrestling

A head temple of the Soto Zen school where Antonio Inoki, founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, is buried.

Access

About a five-minute walk from the west exit of JR Tsurumi Station on the Keihin-Tohoku Line

Highlight

The bronze “Burning Fighting Spirit: Antonio Inoki Statue,” unveiled at a memorial service for Inoki in September 2023

Sources:Daihonzan Sojiji Temple | About Sojiji ／ Daihonzan Sojiji Temple | Access ／ Tokyo Sports | Inoki first-anniversary memorial and statue unveiling ／ Tokyo Sports | Grave visits on the first anniversary of Inoki’s death ／ Tokyo Sports | Second-anniversary memorial service

9Osaka-jō Hall | From a masked pirate’s interruption to DOMINION in June 2026

Osaka-jō Hall opened in Osaka Castle Park on October 1, 1983. New Japan Pro-Wrestling held an event here the following year, and All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling followed in 1985.

On March 26, 1987, a masked “Pirate Man” interrupted a singles match between Inoki and Masa Saito, provoking an uproar among angry fans. New Japan Pro-Wrestling returned to the hall on July 5, 2015, for its first event here in 21 years. The show drew a sellout crowd of 11,400.

The promotion’s DOMINION, a major event that closes the first half of the year, is also held here. At the June 14, 2026 event, Yota Tsuji defeated Callum Newman to regain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Tsuji closed the show by shouting, “I’m the IWGP Heavyweight Champion!!”

Location

Inside Osaka Castle Park, 3-1 Osaka-jo, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Connection to pro wrestling

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has held events here since 1984; the hall hosts its first-half major event, DOMINION.

Opening date

October 1, 1983

Major events

The masked Pirate Man’s interruption on March 26, 1987, and Yota Tsuji regaining the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at DOMINION on June 14, 2026

Sources:Osaka-jō Hall | 40th anniversary ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | History ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | DOMINION 6.14 results

10Homarea (Sanjo City History, Folklore, and Industry Museum Annex) | Giant Baba’s Cadillac and a life-size figure

Sanjo City, Niigata, is the hometown of Giant Baba, who founded All Japan Pro Wrestling. In 2016, Baba became Sanjo’s sixth honorary citizen. On July 20, 2024, the city opened Homarea, an honorary citizens’ gallery in the annex of the Sanjo City History, Folklore, and Industry Museum. Its name combines the Japanese word homare (“honor”) with the English word “rare.”

Just inside the entrance is the Cadillac Baba last drove in Hawaii. Visitors cannot touch the car, but can get a close look at its seats and steering wheel. A life-size figure of Baba stands nearby, and visitors can pose for a photo beside it. Exhibits also include his uniform from his days with the Yomiuri Giants and paintings he made in his later years.

The city announced that on the gallery’s opening day, July 20, it would hold a Cadillac parade on the grounds as a 25th-anniversary event marking Baba’s death. Wrestlers associated with Baba, Toshiaki Kawada and former wrestler Akira Taue, were scheduled to appear at an afternoon talk. The city also announced a photo spot from March 20 to 23, 2025, where visitors could pose wearing a replica championship belt. Admission is free, and the gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays, the last day of each month, and December 29 through January 3. It opens when a Monday is a public holiday or when the month’s final day falls on a weekend.

Location

1-6 Motomachi, Sanjo City, Niigata; Sanjo City History, Folklore, and Industry Museum Annex

Connection to pro wrestling

A gallery with a permanent display about Giant Baba, an honorary citizen of Sanjo who was born here and founded All Japan Pro Wrestling.

Hours and closing days

9 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Mondays, the last day of each month, and December 29–January 3; free admission

Main exhibits

Baba’s last Cadillac in Hawaii; a life-size figure of Baba; his uniform from his Yomiuri Giants days; and paintings from his later years

Sources:Niigata Tourism Association | About Homarea ／ Sanjo City | Event marking the 25th anniversary of Baba’s death (PDF) ／ Sanjo City | Homarea events (PDF)

Learn more about pro wrestling’s sacred sites | From Rikidozan, Baba, and Inoki to Hiroshi Tanahashi and Ryohei Oiwa

The same wrestlers’ names recur throughout the histories of these 10 places. The stories of eight wrestlers who shaped these venues, from Rikidozan to 2026 G1 winner Ryohei Oiwa, intersect with New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s 2026 event schedule.

Wrestlers who shaped the venues’ histories

Sources:Korakuen Hall | Fight history (1952–1969) ／ Korakuen Hall | Fight history (1970–1979) ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | History ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Hiroshi Tanahashi ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Hiroyoshi Tenzan ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Ryohei Oiwa ／ Sanjo City | Event marking the 25th anniversary of Baba’s death (PDF)

A year of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and its venues, from Tokyo Dome in January to Ryogoku in October

This timeline follows New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s major events in 2026 by venue. The year begins at Tokyo Dome on January 4, then moves to Ota City General Gymnasium the next day. After a return to Ota for an event on June 7, the schedule continues on June 14 with DOMINION at Osaka-jō Hall.

During the summer G1 CLIMAX 36, official matches were held at Ota City General Gymnasium on July 25 and 26. The semifinals and final followed at Ryogoku Kokugikan on August 15 and 16. The fall highlight was KING OF PRO-WRESTLING 2026 at Ryogoku on October 12. TANAHASHI JAM 2 is scheduled at Korakuen Hall on November 19.

The remaining 2026 schedule includes events at Korakuen Hall on December 20 and 21, followed by the Tokyo Dome event on January 4, 2027. FANTASTICA MANIA 2027, a joint series with Mexico’s CMLL, is also scheduled as a three-night run at Korakuen Hall from February 25 to 27.

Sources:New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Schedule ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Event results archive ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling | DOMINION 6.14 results

Venue and event context | Korakuen Hall’s facilities, video records of January 4, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s history

The venue’s design, official videos documenting its events, and changes in the promotion’s management all help explain why these places are called sacred sites.

Korakuen Hall’s own ring and its competition-dance floor

When it opened in 1962, Korakuen Gymnasium attracted attention as Japan’s first blackout hall, with no windows. With no outside light coming in, the venue can be staged freely for different purposes. Tiered seats surround all four sides, making the central ring easy to see even from the back row. The capacity for a boxing event using every seat is 2,005, including standing room. For wrestling and television recordings, seats can be stored away to open up the floor.

The hall owns its ring and rents it out as part of a package that includes setup. It also provides ushers for events. A Tokyo Dome public relations representative explains that a boxing promoter can arrive with no equipment and still put on a show. Dance competitions are held here more than a dozen times a year, so the floor is built for competitive dance. The venue is also known as a recording location for Nippon TV’s Shōten.

Sources:Tere-Tō Plus | Korakuen Hall seating and operations ／ Korakuen Hall | Facility overview

The announcement of the 2027 Tokyo Dome event and video records of the Inoki tribute show on January 4

The January 4, 2027 Tokyo Dome event was announced on August 15, 2026, the day of Hiroyoshi Tenzan’s retirement match. The latter part of the announcement video features “AI Antonio Inoki.” It was created by a project involving Inoki Genki Factory, whose president is Keisuke Inoki, Antonio’s younger brother. The AI version of Inoki leaves a message entrusting the promotion to President Tanahashi.

The January 4, 2023 Tokyo Dome event, which honored Inoki, carried the subtitle “Fighting Spirit, Forever.” New Japan Pro-Wrestling released a 73-minute official-channel documentary following the event behind the scenes. It is narrated by Baron Yamazaki.

Sources:New Japan Pro-Wrestling official YouTube | WRESTLE KINGDOM 21 announcement ／ New Japan Pro-Wrestling official YouTube | Itten-Yon documentary

From television broadcasts to streaming: changes in New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s business

The television program World Pro Wrestling, which covers New Japan Pro-Wrestling matches, began airing on April 6, 1973, the year after the promotion was founded. On November 14, 2005, game company Yuke’s made New Japan Pro-Wrestling a subsidiary. Bushiroad became its new owner on January 31, 2012. On December 1, 2014, the streaming service New Japan Pro-Wrestling World launched in partnership with TV Asahi.

On December 23, 2023, active wrestler Hiroshi Tanahashi became the promotion’s president. On June 30, 2026, TV Asahi made New Japan Pro-Wrestling a subsidiary. In a 2022 interview, Kazuchika Okada said that only wrestlers who could stand on the January 4 stage were truly at the top. The annual Tokyo Dome show is a special date for wrestlers, too.

Sources:New Japan Pro-Wrestling | History ／ Web Sportiva | Kazuchika Okada’s thoughts about January 4

A history of pro wrestling’s sacred sites | From Rikidozan’s Japan Pro Wrestling to WRESTLE KINGDOM 21 on January 4, 2027

This timeline covers the founding of Japan Pro Wrestling in 1953 and the opening of Korakuen Hall in 1962, the launches of New Japan and All Japan Pro Wrestling, the establishment of the January 4 Tokyo Dome event, and major events in 2026 and 2027.

Sources:List of official documents and facility information

Research note | From a business perspective: Tokyo Dome on January 4 and Sanjo City’s honorary citizens’ gallery

Since 1992, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has held an event at Tokyo Dome every January 4, and the date itself has become known as “1.4.” The summer G1 CLIMAX final has also been held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in many years. Sanjo City, Niigata, displays a car once owned by Baba in its honorary citizens’ gallery and planned a parade and talk event to mark the 25th anniversary of his death.

The January 4 Tokyo Dome event is distinctive because it holds a major show at the same venue on the same date every year, giving fans who travel from far away plenty of time to plan. Sanjo City’s approach also continues: it keeps physical artifacts associated with a wrestler on permanent display and adds commemorative events in milestone years.

Related article from the research desk:Product design for travel companies and tourist destinations

Sources

• Korakuen Hall | Fight history (1952–1969)
• Korakuen Hall | Fight history (1970–1979)
• Korakuen Hall | Fight history (1980–1989)
• Korakuen Hall | Fight history (1990–1999)
• Korakuen Hall | 60th-anniversary festival
• Korakuen Hall | Event calendar
• Korakuen Hall | Facility overview
• Tere-Tō Plus | History of Korakuen Hall
• Tere-Tō Plus | Korakuen Hall seating and operations
• Tokyo Dome | Facility information
• Tokyo Dome | Event schedule
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling | History
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Schedule
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Event results archive
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling | WRESTLE KINGDOM 20 results
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling | G1 CLIMAX 36 final results
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling | KING OF PRO-WRESTLING 2026 results
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling | DOMINION 6.14 results
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Hiroshi Tanahashi
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Hiroyoshi Tenzan
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling | Ryohei Oiwa
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling official YouTube | WRESTLE KINGDOM 21 announcement
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling official YouTube | Itten-Yon documentary
• Toukon Shop | Store information
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling official online store | Toukon Shop
• Web Sportiva | January 4 at Tokyo Dome
• Japan Sumo Association | Sumo Museum
• Japan Sumo Association | About the Sumo Museum
• Japan Sumo Association | Sumo Museum exhibitions
• Nippon Budokan | About Nippon Budokan
• Nippon Budokan | History
• Daily Sports | 50th anniversary exhibition for Inoki vs. Ali
• Ota City | EBARA WAVE Arena Ota
• Ikegami Honmonji Temple | About the temple
• Ikegami Honmonji Temple | Temple grounds guide
• Daily Sports | Rikidozan centennial
• Nippon Tabimagazine | Rikidozan’s grave
• Daihonzan Sojiji Temple | About Sojiji
• Daihonzan Sojiji Temple | Access
• Tokyo Sports | Inoki first-anniversary memorial and statue unveiling
• Tokyo Sports | Grave visits on the first anniversary of Inoki’s death
• Tokyo Sports | Second-anniversary memorial service
• Osaka-jō Hall | 40th anniversary
• Niigata Tourism Association | About Homarea
• Sanjo City | Event marking the 25th anniversary of Baba’s death (PDF)
• Sanjo City | Homarea events (PDF)

Event dates, opening hours, and ticket information are current as of the time of writing. Check the official websites for the latest information before your visit.