Chika Goto Recalls Advice She Received From Marigold Owner Rossy Ogawa

By: Lewis Carlan

Chika Goto has been competing for Marigold since the promotion’s inception back in May 2024. Due to her size, she has proven to be a force in Marigold but she has been unable to secure a championship despite a number of attempts.

After Miku Aono won the Marigold World Championship in October, Goto campaigned to be the first challenger for the new champion. Goto had an opportunity to prove herself in a non-title bout with Aono in November at Marigold Battle Heart but fell in defeat.

On Jan. 3rd at Marigold First Dream 2026, GoChika will face Utami Hayashishita in a high profile singles bout that could have championship implications. If Goto wishes to be considered for another title shot whether it be the Marigold World or United National Championship, she knows she must defeat Hayashishita on Jan. 3rd.

Image Credit: Marigold

In a recent interview with Kakutolog, Goto recalled advice she had received from Marigold owner, Rossy Ogawa. Goto also indicated her desire to take her career to the next level.

From Chika Goto:

“But in any match, or even in the eyes of senior wrestlers, I have to become someone they acknowledge for my stamina and power. I think that’s what it means for a wrestler to ‘get through’ to people. What Ogawa-san actually says to me is more like, ‘Being big alone makes you nothing more than a wooden dummy, so I really want you to do something about it’ (laughs). Directly. But ‘doing something about it’ is what Gochika does. I can’t just coast on ‘being big gives you conviction.’ I have to get to the point where people say, ‘The height on that Gochika Chokeslam is insane.’ I believe polishing my moves, including the ‘Goto-n’ and the Giant Swing, must become a major focus for me. My appearance should translate directly into destructive power.”

Goto will hope she can display that destructive power when she faces Hayashishita at Marigold First Dream 2026 and turn that into a big victory. If GoChika can emerge victorious on Jan. 3rd, she could very well position herself for another shot at a championship belt in the near future.

(H/T goes to meraWRESTLING for all English quote translations)