Yoh performs a takedown on Sho during a New Japan Pro Wresting match at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, July 6, 2025. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)
Despite its name, New Japan Pro Wrestling is the country’s longest-running and largest professional wrestling franchise, offering fans year-round opportunities to catch live events.
The franchise hosts matches across Japan, with Tokyo-area venues ranging from 2,000-seat Korakuen Hall to the Tokyo Dome, which can accommodate more than 50,000 spectators. The scale of the presentation tends to match the venue’s size, with larger spaces often featuring more elaborate productions.
New Japan Pro Wrestling maintains an active touring schedule, with upcoming events listed on its website – www.njpw1972.com – up to six months in advance. Ticketing information is typically posted two to three months before each event.
At an early July event at Korakuen Hall, fans – some wearing masks and shirts featuring their favorite wrestlers – cheered loudly throughout the evening. Devoted spectators are known for their passionate support, especially when popular fighters like Tiger Mask and Desperado make surprise appearances.
Hiroshi Tanahahsi engages with the crowd as Tiger Mask prepares for their match at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, July 6, 2025. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)
Tiger Mask greets his fans during a New Japan Pro Wrestling event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, July 6, 2025. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)
The matches feature dynamic and theatrical action, including wrestlers using referees as human shields, throwing opponents over the ropes and out of the ring, and introducing unauthorized weapons into the fray.
In some cases, a wrestler may intervene in a match to assist a teammate, escalating tensions and intensifying the crowd’s reaction.
Wrestlers lean heavily into their personas, emphasizing everything from dramatic entrances to exaggerated fighting styles. Fans respond with enthusiastic cheers for heroes and boos for heels, feeding the high-energy atmosphere.
Ticket prices typically range from 5,500 yen (about $37) to 25,000 yen, depending on seating and event scale. The full event schedule and ticketing information can be found on the New Japan Pro Wrestling website.
Douki releases Master Wato after bending over backwards to pin him and win a tag-team New Japan Pro Wrestling match at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, July 6, 2025. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Directions: Matches place at venues across Japan, including the Korakuen Hall and Tokyo Dome, Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall and Kitagas Arena Sapporo 46.
Times: Events are scheduled year-round. Visit www.njpw1972.com for an up-to-date schedule.
Costs: Tickets for most events range from 5,500 yen to 25,000 yen.
Food: Snacks and refreshments are typically available at all venues.
Information: www.njpw1972.com
