AJPW Trainee Yasutaka Yano Set To Re-Debut on May 17, Looks to Make Most of Second Chance

By: Lewis Carlan

All Japan Pro-Wrestling trainee Yasutaka Yano looks to make the most of his second chance as he announced on April 12th that he will be re-debuting on May 17 at Ota Ward General Gymnasium.

Yano made the announcement during the opening night of the AJPW Champion Carnival 2026 tournament and was well received by the crowd on hand at Korakuen Hall. The crowd broke into a “Yano” chant as he was addressing the fans in attendance.

Yano is a former Pro Wrestling NOAH prospect who along with Kinya Okada were arrested on the suspicion of touching a woman in an ‘obscene manner’ back in April 2023. After an apology by Yano to the woman, all charges were dropped against him.

After the incident, Yano went to Mexico to resurrect his career as the masked wrestler KURAMA. He returned to Japan as KURAMA in January and unsuccessfully challenged Atsuki Aoyagi for the AJPW World Jr Heavyweight Championship.

During the course of that match he removed the mask and revealed himself to be Yasutaka Yano. Yano later confirmed he has joined AJPW as a trainee and will start from scratch.

People make mistakes and deserve second chances and the very talented Yasutaka Yano’s second chance begins on May 17 and he has the opportunity to show the world that he has truly redeemed himself.