By: Thom Fain
The enigmatic BUSHI, sometimes overshadowed by his Los Ingobernables de Japon stablemates, removes his iconic mask – metaphorically speaking – in this exclusive interview aimed at international fans.
The junior heavyweight specialist reveals his balancing act of loyalty, and personal ambition. One of this generation’s most technically gifted competitors, BUSHI offers up some clues of the what’s in store for the months ahead.
A man of few words, BUSHI still gave us insight on closing the chapter in NJPW and what he hopes to accomplish moving forward.
Monthly Puroresu:
My first question, BUSHI. What’s the inspiration while designing, or having someone design your masks, and does each one represent something new?
BUSHI:
The design is based on current trends and what’s popular at the time, taking into account the time, place and location. I do a lot of work on the masks – coloring and designing them and so forth.
Monthly Puroresu:
Regarding the man, BUSHI – not known much about you in the West as a person. Can you tell us about what you like to do outside of wrestling?
BUSHI:
My hobbies? Hmm. Shopping… or traveling.
Monthly Puroresu:
Great, that makes sense. Very fashionable. As a junior heavyweight wrestler, do you feel there’s a hard ceiling over what you can accomplish in Japan?
BUSHI:
Well… if there’s more things that I’m able to do [here in Japan], then I’d love to try them.
Monthly Puroresu:
And, you’ve competed in a lot of tag-team wrestling in New Japan. Do you prefer that or would you prefer a strong run as a singles wrestler?
BUSHI:
Singles, or tag… I like tag matches.
Monthly Puroresu:
Do you think NJPW has done a good job building up young talent in this new era, and what do you think about how a company should handle recruitment and training?
BUSHI:
Hm… it’s hard to say… New Japan dojo [system]; it’s good.
Monthly Puroresu:
In New Japan it’s been about seven years with the same three wrestlers on top of the Jr. Heavyweight division: Taiji Ishimori, Hiromu Takahashi and El Desperado. While they’re all elite wrestlers, so is BUSHI… Did the company make a mistake by not making the Jr Heavyweight title picture more interesting by including you and others?
BUSHI:
Well, I don’t know. Maybe the division just didn’t get the recognition it deserved as a result. Well, I guess it’s okay as long as people remember it.
Monthly Puroresu:
Speaking of Hiromu Takahashi, did you and Naito try to get him to join you on this new chapter of your careers, and what did he say when he learned that you were leaving New Japan?
BUSHI:
Me? Sad. Hiromu was very sad. Because we were a team [close to ten years] in L.I.J.
Canon EOS Kiss 35mm ‘92 | Canon 20mm f/1.7 | Lomography Color ‘92 Sunkissed
Monthly Puroresu:
He didn’t consider coming with you and Naito? He wants to stay in New Japan?
BUSHI:
Yes.
Monthly Puroresu:
Was it hard for you to reject New Japan’s recent offer?
BUSHI:
No, no.
Monthly Puroresu:
Was it too low?
BUSHI:
[laughs] No.
BUSHI:
But Naito in New Japan? He wanted out, and I wanted the same.
Monthly Puroresu:
Ready for something new?
BUSHI:
Yeah, together [with Naito]. A new chapter together.
Monthly Puroresu:
The tour schedule and the workload on you body in New Japan is brutal. How is your health, and do you think the company took enough consideration with your health and Naito’s health?
BUSHI:
My schedule was like this… I took the bullet train or I flew, and I’ve had massage care. I spent a lot of money on [my body], so right now I feel fine. But Naito? He’s so busy.
Monthly Puroresu:
Too busy?
BUSHI:
Yeah, yeah. Very tired.
Monthly Puroresu:
Of course Mexico and lucha libre is very important to Los Ingobernables de Japon and to your career. Do you want to return to Mexico? As I understand, AAA has a talent share agreement with WWE now.
BUSHI:
Arena Mexico on vacation? Super good. Lucha libre? Not as good.
Monthly Puroresu:
Too crazy?
BUSHI:
Yeah [laughs].
Monthly Puroresu:
It’s very intense.
BUSHI:
Lucha libre is very interesting… But for me, the matches? No thank you [laughs].
Canon EOS Kiss 35mm ‘92 | Canon 20mm f/1.7 | Lomography Color ‘92 Sunkissed
Monthly Puroresu:
What are your thoughts on All Elite Wrestling? Can you think back to when your Jr. Heavyweight counterparts The Young Bucks announced they were leaving New Japan, what was the feeling in Los Ingobernables de Japon?
BUSHI:
I was very surprised, but on the other hand I also saw it as an opportunity.
Monthly Puroresu:
If you could pick one from your entire New Japan run as your favorite, which would it be and why?
BUSHI:
Uhh… my first match. Because I was a young lion in a singles match, wrestling in an orthodox style. I liked it.
Monthly Puroresu:
So you and Tetsuya Naito plan to stick together for the next chapter, and will BUSHI be surprising fans with your next appearance?
BUSHI:
I don’t know where it will be yet, but I’m really looking forward to it. So, please look forward to it as well.
Date:
May 7, 2025
