Miyu Yamashita: Still the Only One

By: Thom Fain

The first time Monthly Puroresu sat down with Miyu Yamashita, it was backstage in 2022 at the now-defunct PRESTIGE wrestling, a time when Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling’s American ambitions were still theoretical. She had flown in by herself with just her 121000000 partner  Maki Itoh. They had no team, no translator — but Miyu arrived in America the way she has always moved through the world: ahead of the schedule, making her case in the ring. TJPW may not have been doing full U.S. tours yet, but Yamashita was already here, already wrestling, already building the fanbase that would eventually make those tours feel inevitable.

She said something that trip that stuck with me: “I want there to be only one Miyu Yamashita in existence.”

She has been making good on that promise ever since.

In the three years between our last conversation (at Spark Joshi’s inaugural LA Show) and today’s, Yamashita became quite the measuring stick for women’s wrestling across two continents simultaneously.

Here in Japan, she has held the Princess of Princess Championship four times, currently stands as the most decorated champion in TJPW history, and remains the fighter that every emerging talent in the promotion is quietly — or not so quietly — measured against. She is the gold standard and a boss. Abroad, she has challenged for titles in TNA, AEW, and ROH, defeated Mike Bailey and MAO in Seattle to become the first woman to hold the DDT Universal Championship, and maintained a long-running relationship with EVE in the UK that has made her as recognizable in British wrestling circles as she is in Itabashi.

She is, by any reasonable accounting, the rare kind of wrestler that different countries are willing to chirp about on social media around the clock.

Masahiro Kubota for MP

What has made her tenure at the top sustainable — now entering her second decade as TJPW’s defining figure — is the character underneath her superb ring work. There is a version of Miyu Yamashita that exists inside the ropes. If you’ve seen her wrestle once, you know she is precise, physical, relentless, with a finishing instinct that could end careers or storylines with equal measure. Yet there is the version of Miyu that exists outside the ropes. I’ve always found her to be funny, self-deprecating, warm with her juniors, the kind of senpai who remembers your name and means it when she says she’s rooting for you.

The “Kill Bill” comparison we floated in our 2022 interview — that there was an edgier, cooler, more dangerous Yamashita living just beneath the surface of the perennial babyface — has aged well. She is beginning to let that side out, and the results have been worth watching.

Meanwhile, the organization she helped build into something worth watching abroad has started to catch up to where she already was. In addition to crossover work with premiere Indies, TJPW has come to American soil in a real, recurring way — Las Vegas, Texas, and growing — with crowds that have shown up have confirmed what Monthly Puroresu reported years before it happened.

We knew the TJPW style, brought intact to American fans, would go over.

“If Tokyo Joshi were able to do shows overseas,” Miyu told us back then, “I was really confident it would turn out to be absolutely great.” She was right, and the rightness of it does not seem to have surprised her at all.

She is 31 now. There are younger wrestlers at TJPW who have gotten very good very fast who have, in some cases, taken the Princess title from her — and her answer to that has been to become a more complete version of herself rather than a more defensive one. The 121000000 chapter, still unresolved in ways she kept close to the chest when we spoke, remains one of the more compelling storylines in the promotion. And not long before our conversation, she had just won the EVE International Championship in London, adding another international title to her resume. That belt, she told us, gave her a boost — which is to say she is heading into her Summer Sun Princess 2026 challenge for the TJPW Princess of Princess title with fresh momentum, fresh hardware, and the particular energy of someone who has been doing this for thirteen years and has not yet found the ceiling.

I caught up with Miyu backstage at the Marvelous 10th anniversary show in May as part of the English announce team. It was a fitting location, given that her appearance there was itself a product of the kind of cross-promotional connection that has become her calling card. This month we decided to meet back in Tokyo for an interview to discuss her future in wrestling. As always, she was happy to talk.

Monthly Puroresu:
Three years ago I picked you up at LAX and we got Korean barbecue. Now I turn around backstage at a Marvelous show and there you are. What was going through your mind in that moment?

Miyu Yamashita:
Hmm, you’re right. Well, as for Marvelous — the matches I fought there were simply… it was my first time participating in Marvelous, but it was an experience I’ve truly never had before. It gave me something new and refreshing. It turned out to be an absolutely wonderful day.

And since it had been so long since we last saw each other — I was happy.

Monthly Puroresu:
In 2023 you said your goal was for there to be “only one Miyu Yamashita in existence.” Four Princess of Princess reigns later — does it feel like you’re getting there?

Miyu Yamashita:
Even after all these years — no matter how much time has passed — my feelings haven’t changed. I am who I am, and every day I continue to fight the battles that only I can fight.

Monthly Puroresu:
November 2024, Seattle. You defeated Mike Bailey and MAO to win the DDT Universal Championship — a gender-neutral title. You became the first woman to hold it, and you did it in America, in the same country where your fanbase grew. What was that night?

Miyu Yamashita:
That match was really… I mean, with Mike Bailey, of course, or even competing in singles before that. It was my first time working with Mao-san, but for me it was truly the toughest — among everything I’ve built in my career, among all the connections I’ve made so far, it was incredibly hard. Those two are a tag team, after all, and fighting men is really difficult — but fighting those two was incredibly tough. And in that match, I managed to win and claim the DDT Universal Championship. I was incredibly happy that it turned out well. It was a really great experience.

Monthly Puroresu:
A couple weeks ago you won the EVE International Championship at EVE’s 150th show. Congratulations. How does it feel to be standing here right now with that title?

Miyu Yamashita:
I’ve actually been participating in EVE for quite some time now, and it’s been many years since I first won the belt there — the one where people said, “The EVE belt is white, isn’t it?” Even back then it was absolutely crazy, and Champion Road was no exception. It was a truly great experience, and from that point on I was able to build my strength as a wrestler. It was such a special time for me that I truly feel I gained something from it.

This time we had another title match at EVE, and Kris Statlander and the AEW fighters — they’re really strong wrestlers, and I’ve been rooting for them for about a year now. So winning and becoming champion, and being able to return to Japan like this — I’m incredibly happy. This belt really gave me a boost, and next time I’ll be challenging for the Tokyo Joshi title belt too. So I really hope you’ll pay attention to that.

Masahiro Kubota for MP

Monthly Puroresu:
You’ve had title shots in TNA against Jordynne Grace, in AEW against Toni Storm, in ROH at Supercard of Honor — three major American companies keep calling you for their biggest women’s matches. What do you think that says about where you stand right now?

Miyu Yamashita:
Over the past few years, I’ve been going back and forth between overseas and Japan, and I’ve experienced all sorts of things — tag team matches, title matches. But really, as a challenger, the fact that I keep getting matched against opponents who rely on stamina — it means that what I’ve built up at Tokyo Joshi was not a mistake. That’s where I really do feel it’s highly regarded.

Monthly Puroresu:
You lost the Princess title to Miu Watanabe. Walk me through that — what did losing it to her teach you, and what did winning it back mean?

Miyu Yamashita:
After all, after being known as Miyu the champion — I can’t help but wonder what I’m going to do from here on out. For me, it’s been a journey that began with my early debut, and I’ll fight whatever I see, up until the very end. In a way, it felt like my life was over. It felt like another milestone in my life had kind of faded away. In that moment — how do I present the next Miyu Yamashita? It’s more like: how far can I go? That’s how I’ll prove my strength. It was a time when I found myself thinking that way.

Monthly Puroresu:
You told me TJPW would be a success if they brought their “world” to America. Las Vegas twice, Texas twice — was it what you imagined?

Miyu Yamashita:
I’ve had all kinds of experiences, and things are going smoothly. I’m on this trip all by myself, actually. I’ve been saying this in interviews for a while now — if Tokyo Joshi were able to do shows overseas, I was really confident it would turn out to be absolutely great. Now that we’re doing shows in the U.S., I really… it’s everything I had imagined, everything I had hoped for — and even more than that. It made me realize there really are people who pay this much attention to Tokyo Joshi. And I realize once again just how wonderful the wrestlers on the Tokyo Joshi team really are. I can feel it coming together, and it actually materializes in reality. I really feel like it’s absolutely the best.

Monthly Puroresu:
Last time you said TJPW is your only home in Japan. So — what are you doing at a Marvelous show?

Miyu Yamashita:
Well, the reason I went to Marvelous — actually, we had a match back in March, this past March. And then at the last minute, Iroha invited all sorts of athletes to come. Through that connection, I ended up working at Marvelous. Senka — the wrestler I faced — is truly a wonderful athlete. I really felt a connection, or perhaps a sense of fate, that led to me being able to have that match.

Monthly Puroresu:
Where does 121000000 stand right now? You told me the story was “far from over” — three years later, what is the current chapter?

Miyu Yamashita:
Well… we’re both working in different places right now, so maybe later. I can’t even imagine what will happen from here on out, so I really don’t know.

Monthly Puroresu:
In 2023 I asked you about Arisu Endo, Raku, Miu Watanabe — rising talents. Now some of them have become the rivals who push you hardest. How does it feel to be the veteran they’re chasing?

Miyu Yamashita:
Over the past few years, the younger wrestlers at Tokyo Joshi have just been getting stronger and stronger. It’s inspiring for me too. Of course, there are times when this situation is difficult and frustrating — but since this is what makes me stronger, I’m really enjoying it. More and more strong people will keep coming, but I’m still going strong. I’ve even become a leader now, but that’s a separate matter — as an athlete, I’m looking forward to attacking aggressively and wrestling at my strongest.

Monthly Puroresu:
Mercedes Moné named you by name as someone she wants to wrestle. What do you want to say to her right now?

Miyu Yamashita:
Whether I’m in Japan or abroad, her presence — I really think it’s amazing. Of course, no matter where she competes, she’s won so many belts. That intensity — the intensity of that woman — I was really feeling it. We actually got to practice together in the U.S. a few times. The attitude she brings to those situations, her strong drive to improve — that’s really what she’s built. And when it comes to name recognition, she’s definitely in a very strong position. Even there, she still has plenty of ambition to keep improving. Seeing her like that inspired me, and I’m really happy that she says she wants to fight. If fate has it, maybe someday — in Japan, or the U.S., or somewhere else entirely — the time will come when we have to fight. I’m really looking forward to it.

Masahiro Kubota for MP

Monthly Puroresu:
You said Marufuji was a dream opponent, and you actually ended up on the same card at Ryogoku in 2023. Is he still the dream? And are there new names on that list — Mina Shirakawa, Toni Storm, someone else?

Miyu Yamashita:
When it comes to Marufuji-san, it’s something I’m constantly aware of — always. It’s not so much a conscious decision; it’s more like I just feel like I want to fight him. He’s that strong — a wrestler I really respect. If it’s truly fate, I think there will come a time when we’re connected again. I just kind of imagine what it’ll be like when it happens, because it’s incredibly bright. While hoping that it will happen, I want to keep fighting on my own.

And I fought Toni Storm too — I’ve actually wanted to fight her for a long time, even before all this, so when that wish came true, I thought, “That’s great.” And since Mina Shirakawa has been losing lately — I’d have fun beating her if the opportunity comes around next time.

Monthly Puroresu:
Korean BBQ in LA, Shin-Okubo for spicy food in Tokyo — the food journey has been going for three more years. What’s the best thing you’ve eaten since we last saw each other?

Miyu Yamashita:
I’ve only been to Los Angeles once, actually. Santa Monica — just me, all alone on the beach. I had a filet mignon and lobster at a restaurant right on the beach. The food was absolutely delicious, and it was a wonderful memory, including the scenery. Because I love meat — anyway, I just love American steak. I eat it all the time.

Monthly Puroresu:
Texas Roadhouse — the cost performance?

Miyu Yamashita:
(laughs) Cospa! Cost performance — cospa, right?

Masahiro Kubota for MP

Monthly Puroresu:
You picked up pilates in America. You said it helped you spiritually. Still doing it? Has it evolved into something else?

Miyu Yamashita:
I used to do Pilates in the U.S., and although I haven’t been taking classes since returning to Japan, I do some stretching at home. Stretching your body is really good for your mind. It helps me focus, and it’s also a way to expand my body’s potential. I realized it was good for both my mind and body, so I try to do it at home as often as I can.

Monthly Puroresu:
TWICE fan — world tours, new music, they are everywhere right now. You still keeping up?

Miyu Yamashita:
TWICE, yeah? I still love them, of course. This time, even though we’re in the same place overseas, sometimes my schedule conflicts with TWICE, so I can’t go. So I wasn’t able to make the overseas dates of this tour, but since I got to go to the Tokyo Dome in Japan — I think that was my fifth time. They’re the kind of idols you’d call “special.” Lately, when it comes to K-pop music, I’ve been listening to a lot of songs by Espa and Baby Monster.

Monthly Puroresu:
We talked about the “Kill Bill” side of Miyu Yamashita — the edgier persona buried under the babyface. You said you wanted to explore it in America. Did you? And if so, where did we see it?

Miyu Yamashita:
The fight against Jamie Hayter at EVE’s anniversary this year was incredibly special. I fought her again in a singles match, and I was better in that match. I do think that edge might have come out a little bit. So, I think I’d like you to come watch our events.

Monthly Puroresu:
Broadway and burlesque in New York, people-watching in LA — best new American experience in the last three years that we don’t know about?

Miyu Yamashita:
I’m not sure if it counts as human or not — driverless taxis! You know about them, right? I saw one in Los Angeles. Los Angeles really does feel cutting-edge — and then there were these robot-like things that carry packages around the city. That was part of what made it fun.

And then when I went to a thrift store in Los Angeles, I found these remade jeans. I really, really liked them and wanted to buy them, but they were super long — way too long. I was talking to the clerk and the staff, and someone told me, “If you like it, the length doesn’t matter — just buy it.” So I did. I just liked it so much, I figured I’d just cut them. It’s just… the vibe made me so happy and had me having so much fun. “I’m glad I bought this.” It’s fine to just go with the flow and see who you meet. I thought to myself, “I’m either people-watching, or I’ve met a really nice person.”

Monthly Puroresu:
I picked you up from the airport in 2023. You’re coming back to America again soon. Can I pick you up again?

Miyu Yamashita:
Yeah! If… if it all makes sense? Would you please.

Monthly Puroresu:
What does a day off look like for Miyu Yamashita in 2026?

Miyu Yamashita:
Lately, I’ve been really into using a projector at home and watching movies. I’ll be going to concerts — actually going to concerts — as well as watching TV dramas and movies.

Monthly Puroresu:
You are the most decorated champion in TJPW history, you have the EVE International title, and TJPW is now a real touring force in America. You said you wanted to be “the only one.” Is there still something left to prove?

Miyu Yamashita:
After all, I still feel the same way about being “the only one.” It really has been a 13-year career, though. In that context, there are all kinds of situations, and things do change from time to time. But it is precisely as things change that I feel like I have to keep proving that I’m truly one of a kind. I want to stay true to myself and continue proving how strong I am.

Monthly Puroresu:
Three years ago you said: “Please look forward to seeing me in America.” What do you say to your American fans right now — three years later?

Miyu Yamashita:
From now on, I’ll be seeing the U.S. as Miyu Yamashita too. I’m thinking I want to keep pushing forward more and more — even with a group like Tokyo Joshi. Rather than aiming for the big leagues, I want as many fans as possible to see my work. I want to do my best so that fans in the U.S. will love me too. That’s how I feel, so please be sure to support Tokyo Women’s Pro Wrestling.