Tag: japan news

Japanese wrestling venue announces impending closure

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Shinjuku FACE, a Japanese event hall that has hosted pro wrestling events for the past two decades, is closing its doors later this year.

The Tokyo venue has issued a statement confirming that it will be shutting down when its lease agreement expires at the end of September 2026. Seating several hundred people, the venue is located on the seventh floor of a complex in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. It’s well-regarded by fans for its setup and has been an important mid-sized venue for Japanese promotions, particularly women’s wrestling ones.

“We regret to announce that Shinjuku FACE will close its doors on September 30, 2026, following the expiration of its long-term building lease agreement,” Shinjuku FACE announced.

“Since opening in 2005, we have been deeply grateful for the patronage and visits of so many guests. We take pride in Shinjuku FACE as a rare entertainment venue worldwide, possessing two distinct faces—a stage and a ring—that transformed its character with each performance.

“It is deeply regrettable that such a facility must close its doors, and we too feel a profound sense of loss. Our entire staff will continue to give our utmost until the final day of operation. We sincerely hope you will enjoy every performance at Shinjuku FACE until the very end.

“We sincerely hope that someday, somewhere, we will have the opportunity to meet you again. We express our deepest gratitude for your patronage thus far, and humbly request your continued support until the very end.”

DDT Pro Wrestling, GLEAT, Dragon Gate, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Marigold, Pro Wrestling WAVE, Zero1, and Tokyo Joshi-Pro are some of the promotions that have events booked at Shinjuku FACE in the coming weeks.

Stardom announces Saya Kamitani injury, reveals title status

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Though she’ll be sidelined for a bit, Saya Kamitani won’t have to vacate her World of Stardom Championship.

Stardom sent out an update last night announcing that Kamitani requires surgery for the finger injury she suffered while facing Starlight Kid on February 7. Kamitani will miss approximately one month of matches but will not have to relinquish the World of Stardom title.

“After conducting a detailed examination of Saya Kamitani’s injury in Osaka on Feb. 7, the decision was made to pursue surgery and minimize further risk. As a result, Saya Kamitani will miss 1 month of in-ring competition, with a return date yet to be announced,” Stardom wrote. “Kamitani will remain World of Stardom Champion in this period. Thank you for your continued support.”

Kamitani was able to finish her match against Starlight Kid despite the injury, though she needed medical attention and had to have her fingers taped. The bout lasted almost 30 minutes with Kamitani retaining the World of Stardom title.

In 2025, Kamitani was one of the best wrestlers in the entire world. She made history by becoming the first women’s wrestler to ever win MVP in the Tokyo Sports Awards.

Stardom also announced that Suzu Suzuki, Saya Iida, and Bea Priestley will miss the promotion’s February 13 show at Korakuen Hall due to injury. The injuries to Suzuki and Priestly were described as “minor,” while Iida is undergoing a follow-up procedure from a previous surgery.