Latest news with #KorakuenHall
Japan Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Japan's World Barber Classic tries to bring back business
Hundreds of rowdy spectators, many heavily tattooed, roared Monday at a Tokyo arena usually reserved for boxing — except the contestants were not athletes, but barbers. A dozen Japanese and foreign contestants were taking part in the World Barber Classic at Korakuen Hall, showing off their hairdressing skills surrounded by national flags and the blare of hip-hop tunes. The event is part of a bid by Japan's struggling barber industry to attract young male clients lost in recent years to hair salons, which are popular for their high-quality services. "In many countries, men getting their hair cut by barbers is an established culture," whereas in Japan young men favor salons, competition organizer Sho Yokota said. "What we're trying to achieve is to elevate a men's cut, or barbering, as a culture for men." Popular culture in Japan driven by boy-band idols and young male actors steers men towards longer coiffures instead of the shaved, cropped or slicked-back styles usually associated with barbers. A TV trend at the turn of the century which made top hairdressers into fashion icons also increased the popularity of salons over traditional barber shops. There are around 110,000 barber shops currently open in Japan, but twice as many salons. Most Japanese barbers are elderly but a new generation has emerged, armed with social media savvy. Among them is contestant Shoma Sugimura, who made it to the final three on Monday. "Our haircuts are often manly," said the 29-year-old, whose neck and shaved head were covered in tattoos. The competing barbers were tested on their self-expression Monday, with each given a minute to woo the audience with a speech. Barbers in Japan are renowned for their skill, organizer Yokota said, but were often viewed as lacking showmanship. "I think hair is more than just hair," said judge Giancarlo Burgos, from Los Angeles. "It's a way of communicating yourself, but also connecting people. It's a language that anybody can understand." Another contestant, 32-year-old Takumasa Suzuki, said he was trying to emulate American barber culture to bring business back and keep the barber trade alive. "In Japan, people just go for trendy haircuts," but in the racially diverse United States, "they want their haircuts to encapsulate their own culture and heritage," he said. "If barbershops in Japan can become a place where we can help customers express who they are, then I don't think we will vanish."
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jeff Cobb Leaves New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Jeff Cob has left New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In a statement, NJPW announced it had come to terms with Cobb's request for his departure. Cobb's departure prompted the company to vacate the IWGP Tag Team Championship. Advertisement For those unaware, Cobb shared the tag team titles with Callum Newman prior to his departure from the promotion. He previously held the titles on two separate occasions with Great-O-Khan. 'Cobb's final match in NJPW will take place in Korakuen Hall on April 19 against Hiroshi Tanahashi. New Japan Pro-Wrestling profoundly apologizes for the sudden nature of this news and joins fans in wishing Cobb the best in all his future endeavors,' the statement concluded. Jeff Cobb first popped up in NJPW back in 2017. He's a former one-time NEVER Openweight Champion and an NJPW World Television Champion. The 42-year-old star has also made sporadic appearances for AEW. His exit from Japan's top puroresu promotion has reignited rumors about a potential move to WWE. Fightful previously reported that the company had been eyeing the United Empire star for some time, with one source going so far as to mention him being listed on WWE's internal roster. Advertisement RELATED: Jeff Cobb Addresses Rumors About WWE's Interest In Him What would you make of Jeff Cobb's departure from NJPW? Sound off in the comments! The post Jeff Cobb Leaves New Japan Pro-Wrestling appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Legendary wrestler Meiko Satomura retires after iconic final match in Tokyo
Image via WWE Meiko Satomura , one of the most cherished names in women's wrestling, has officially retired from in-ring competition, drawing the curtain on a career that spanned over three decades. The 45-year-old Japanese legend ended her wrestling journey at Tokyo's iconic Korakuen Hall, bringing an emotional close to a path paved with accolades, global recognition, and immense respect from her peers. Satomura teamed up with Minami to defeat Aja Kong and Chihiro Hashimoto in a special tag team match at a Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling event. Before the bell rang, Satomura was presented with a bouquet by wrestling great Kenta Kobashi — a gesture that underscored her stature in the sport. Post-match, in a heartwarming twist, longtime rival Aja Kong proposed teaming up with Satomura. The two then joined forces for a five-minute exhibition match against a team featuring Mika Iwata, Takumi Iroha, and others, symbolizing mutual respect and the passing of the torch. The wrestling world Reflects on Satomura's impact While her legacy was built in Japan, Satomura left a permanent impression in WWE as well. A former NXT UK Women's Champion, she was widely praised for her in-ring skills and mentorship to younger talent. Her WWE farewell came in July last year when she faced Bayley in a non-televised match during WWE's tour of Japan. Tributes poured in from top wrestling stars, highlighting the admiration Satomura commands. WWE Superstar Asuka shared a heartfelt message, saying, 'I'm really sad that you're retiring… but relieved to know you will continue training and managing.' Asuka emphasized Satomura's importance in shaping the future of wrestling. IYO SKY also reflected on her journey with Satomura, calling her 'the person who got me to WWE.' She recalled using Satomura's strength as a benchmark whenever she hit career roadblocks, saying, 'What would Meiko Satomura do?' was the question that always led her forward. Shinsuke Nakamura, KAIRI, and others sent in video messages, while Sadie Gibbs shared memories of working alongside Satomura, calling her career 'incredible' and 'legendary.' Although Satomura has retired from competing, she isn't stepping away from wrestling entirely. She is expected to focus on training the next generation of talent, continuing her role as a guiding force for women's wrestling worldwide. With grace, grit, and decades of excellence, Meiko Satomura leaves behind not just a celebrated career - but a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
