Mayu Iwatani Reveals How She Spent Time Away From the Ring as She Gears Up for the Marigold DREAM STAR GP 2026

By; Lewis Carlan

On August 9th, Marigold superstar and current Superfly Champion Mayu Iwatani made her return to in-ring action at MARIGOLD SUMMER DESTINY 2026 after being out with an injury for four months. Iwatani had been sidelined since early May with a broken toe. Her return was welcomed news for Marigold as they have been struggling with the injury bug in 2026 that has seen many of its stars miss considerable time.

Photo Credit: DSF Marigold

Iwatani spoke with Tokyo Sports recently and discussed how she spent her four months away from the ring. The Icon revealed that she actually had a fun break which included travelling to South Korea and Cebu Island. She also indicated that it gave her a good opportunity to really observe Marigold as a promotion.

From Mayu Iwatani:

“I had a fun break. I traveled to South Korea and Cebu Island, so because it was so fulfilling, it didn’t actually feel like four months. In the past, whenever I took a long break, I often felt insecure, thinking, ‘I’m going to lose my place here,’ or ‘Why did I get injured at a time like this?’ But this time, it gave me a good opportunity to really observe the promotion, so it was a great period.”

Iwatani also discussed the upcoming Marigold DREAM✴︎STAR GP 2026 tournament. She said that singles tournaments are truly grueling and instead of saying she will win, she just will be happy if she can get through it.

From Mayu Iwatani:

“I really want to win. Singles tournaments are truly grueling, and it’s going to be such a tough month that I’m anxious about whether I can pull through. There’s no meaning unless I get through it and win. So rather than saying ‘I’ll win,’ I’ll say ‘I’ll get through it.'”

The Marigold DREAM✴︎STAR GP 2026 tournament kicks off on Aug. 28th at Korakuen Hall. Iwatani will face Komomo Minami in a Block B match-up on the tournament’s opening night.

Photo Credit: DSF Marigold