Rossy Ogawa Issues Statement Regarding Mai Sakurai’s Departure From Marigold

By: Lewis Carlan:

At the Oct. 3rd MARIGOLD BATTLE HEARTS 2026 event, long time Marigold superstar Mai Sakurai made the surprise announcement that she will be departing the promotion. Sakurai indicated that her final match for Marigold with be at GRAND DESTINY 2026 on Oct. 24th.

Marigold owner Rossy Ogawa released a lengthy statement via social media regarding Sakurai’s departure. Ogawa stated the decision was reached after several discussions with Sakurai. Ogawa mentioned Sakurai has been dealing with injuries and medical conditions for quite some time.

From Rossy Ogawa:

“Thank you for watching the Osaka competition. Regarding Mai Sakurai’s departure from the group, this decision was reached after several discussions with her. She has been dealing with a combination of injuries and medical conditions for quite some time, and we have respected her wish to focus on recovery and start fresh for the time being, leading to her departure. She has worked hard for us since our inception, but we understand that differences have emerged between her personal direction and that of the group. In the early days, we focused on themes such as “incorporating the best of the Showa era” and “a policy of national isolation,” but nearly three years have passed since then. A promotion is constantly evolving and changing. We are now moving forward with an eye toward the future of the wrestlers who are giving their all at Marigold. While there are various opinions, the true answer lies in the future of the promotion and its wrestlers. Rather than mocking the promotion or individual wrestlers, we hope you’ll all enjoy your pro-wrestling lives to the fullest.” (Translation via Deepl.com)

Sakurai is a former Marigold United National Champion, Twin Star Champion and 3D Trios Champion.

With Sakurai’s leaving Marigold, the door is now open for young talents such as Yuuka Yamazaki or Rea Seto to step up and fill the void being left by the departure.