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From University Student to Wrestling the World: Moka Miyamoto on Her ‘One Shot at Life’ Journey in TJPW

2 days ago Image Credit: Manuel Ish

Image Credit: Manuel Ish

From University Student to Wrestling the World: Moka Miyamoto on Her ‘One Shot at Life’ Journey in TJPW

By: Pep S. Caro

TJPW completed their second tour in the United States this year and have the momentum on their side after doing a sold out on every single show of the three they did in Texas. What comes next is Summer Sun Princess ’25, one of their biggest shows of the year, this Sunday July 21st. One of the matches of the card is for the TJPW International Princess Championship: Suzume (c) vs Moka Miyamoto. Moka will challenge for the third time in her career for that title and as she will celebrate her 5th Anniversary as a Pro Wrestler 2 days after the show. The “Yamato Nadeshiko” of Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling vowed to finally win a Championship in TJPW.

A week before participating in the TJPW US Tour in Texas and days before competing in the final qualifier match for the Tokyo Princess Cup 12, I was able to talk with Moka Miyamoto, in what was her first interview with any international media outlet. Moka was very kind to answer all the questions that covered a variety of topics.

Monthly Puroresu: This summer you will celebrate your 5th anniversary as a professional wrestler. Why did you decide to become a professional wrestler?

Moka: I became a trainee of professional wrestling when I was a university student. As I was thinking about my future and finding a job, I decided that I only had one shot in life, so I became a trainee wrestler.

Monthly Puroresu: What motivates you to compete now?

Moka: My motivation for wrestling is the support I receive from my fans; social networking sites and cheers are very encouraging. Since I debuted during the COVID-19 pandemic, things like paper streamers, banners, and cheering were all prohibited. It was difficult for me to feel the support from fans. Now, it is easier to feel the support and I receive motivation from the fans to do my best.

Monthly Puroresu: In February, you participated in the TJPW show in Santiago, Chile. What was your experience in South America like?

Moka: It was my first visit to South America. I didn’t know how popular pro wrestling was there, or even what kind of country it would be, so I was full of anxiety. However, I found that pro-wrestling was more widespread than I had imagined, and the country was very comfortable with many people who loved Japan. Also, going to a country that I knew nothing and wrestling there gave me confidence.

Monthly Puroresu: How did you feel during the match?

Moka: As I mentioned earlier, I did not know how widespread professional wrestling was in there, so I was worried about being on enemy ground. However, as many people cheered for each move and shouted more than in Japan, it created an amazing atmosphere, and I could truly feel how popular wrestling is in Chile. I had never had the opportunity to face Chilean wrestlers before, but it made me realize that wrestling is a universal language.

Monthly Puroresu: Were you able to do any sightseeing during your visit?

Moka: I had plenty of time for sightseeing. Chile is a safe country, and you can walk around the streets like in Japan. I enjoyed going to various places such as big shopping malls, shopping streets, and my favorite ice cream shop.

Monthly Puroresu: What other countries would you like to visit?

Moka: The next country I’d like to visit is Mexico. I would like to feel the real lucha.

Monthly Puroresu: You are currently in the qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Princess Cup 12. You defeated Mahiro Kiryu in the first round. How did you feel about this match?

Moka: Mahiro-san is also a very strong wrestler who, under normal circumstances, participates in the Tokyo Princess Cup every year. However, like me, she has never held a championship belt, so she had to start from the qualifying tournament this time. I really respect how she fights fair and square. From the very first round of the qualifiers, she was a great opponent I couldn’t afford to take lightly.

Monthly Puroresu: If you qualify for TPC 12, what are your expectations for the tournament?

Moka: If I make it to the main tournament, the level of competition will be even higher than in the qualifiers. I believe that by continuing to win, I’ll gain more confidence in myself.

Monthly Puroresu:  Who do you think will be the strongest opponent among the participants?

Moka: The toughest opponents are all of them. Because except for those who came from the preliminary rounds, all of them have held a belt before. Also, those who came from the preliminary rounds have won two matches and participated in the tournament. We cannot let our guard down at all. You never know what will happen in the TPC.

Monthly Puroresu: In July, TJPW will visit Texas, USA, to perform some shows. What are your expectations for this tour? What kind of matches would you like to have?

Moka: Out of the three matches, two are prelude bouts for SSP’25. These will be the final lead-up matches before the event, so I absolutely cannot afford to lose. I see them as crucial stepping stones on the road to SSP’25.

The remaining match is a singles bout against an international wrestler. I’ve faced overseas opponents many times before, and I’ve often struggled with the differences in size and physical ability. But this time, I’m challenging for the International Title—so it’s the perfect chance to showcase the true spirit of “Wa” — the essence of Japanese — to the world. I want to make sure I leave a strong impression and achieve results.

Monthly Puroresu: Do you have any sightseeing plans for these days in Texas?

Moka: Also, I heard I’ll get the chance to shoot a gun at a ranch, which I’m really excited about—since guns are banned in Japan.

Monthly Puroresu: At Summer Sun Princess, you will face Suzume for the International Princess Championship. Suzume was your tag partner in your debut in 2020. What are your expectations for this match?

Moka: I’ve faced Suzume-san many times since my debut, so we both know each other’s strengths. I am sure that Suzume-san will take countermeasures against me, so I would like to prepare for that. I believe it’s going to be an incredible match where we can both show the full extent of our abilities.

Monthly Puroresu: What are your impressions of Suzume as a competitor?

Moka: As a wrestler, I see Suzume-san as a fast, agile technician. She approaches wrestling with such sincerity, and I truly respect her for that. And it’s because I respect her so much that my determination to win is even stronger.

Monthly Puroresu: Outside of pro wrestling, can you please tell us about your hobbies?

Moka: My hobby is eating ice cream! Lately, I’ve been really into ice cream from a shop called Châteraisé, and I make sure to try every new flavor as soon as it comes out.

Monthly Puroresu: What do you usually do on a day that you don’t have to compete?

Moka: On my days off, I usually train. I also place a lot of importance on getting enough sleep, because I don’t recover well unless I sleep a lot—so rest is a big priority for me.

Monthly Puroresu: Thank you for participating in this interview. As we close, do you have any message for your fans around the world?

Moka: I have important matches coming up at SSP’ 25 on July 21st, including the International Title match and the Tokyo Princess Cup. I sincerely appreciate your support. I’m looking forward to the day I can meet fans from all around the world!

Date:

July 16, 2025

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