By Jeff Mazziotta.
On August 31, a group of YCAPS members both young and old came together to enjoy a quintessential Japanese cultural experience for the first time: Japanese professional wrestling. Organized by YCAPS Activity Coordinator Jeff Mazziotta, the event offered an exciting, family friendly experience and helped participants connect with each other and the community they live in while learning about popular local pastimes. The event was guided by Jeff Mazziotta.
The day started with everyone meeting at Suidobashi Station where Jeff gave an overview of what to expect at the days event including an overview of Gatoh Move; the organization putting on the days show, as well as some background of the different wrestlers, rules of the competition and how matches can be won or lost. The group then walked over to the legendary Korakuen Hall where the day's show would be taking place.
Our group was able to enjoy the show from wonderful seats, very close to the action thanks to the kindness of Gatoh Move who wanted to help our group have a great first experience. It was an action-packed show with seven different matches with both male and female performers from around the world! YCAPS members even had the opportunity to throw colorful paper tape during some of the wrestlers entrances as well as meet and talk with several of the show's stars after the show.
After the show, YCAPS members perused the different merchandise from the show with several members purchasing commemorative t-shirts or special keychains and goods from some of the wrestlers visiting from Thailand and Singapore. The group then shifted over to a local restaurant to share a meal and some drinks while everyone chatted about the days events and built new connections. During the meal, through Jeff’s connections with the organization, our YCAPS group was joined by several performers from the show. Initially Baliyan Akki, The only Indian born wrestler living and working in Japan and Dr. Gore, a visiting wrestler from Singapore joined us and shared their experiences and perspectives and then later Chris Brookes, a wrestler from the U.K. who is one of the top performers in Japan today, his tag team partner Masa Takanashi of Japan and Hoshitango of Argentina. It was a wonderful chance for our members to learn about this unique part of Japanese culture.
