NJPW has announced an ownership change.
All shares have been transferred to TV Asahi and CyberAgent.
You can read the full announcement below and statements from NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi and Takaaki Kidani, founder of Bushiroad.
Announcement from New Japan Pro-Wrestling
We hereby announce that our largest shareholder, Bushiroad Inc.,(“Bushiroad”) has concluded a share transfer agreement as of today with TV Asahi Corporation (“TV Asahi”) and CyberAgent, Inc.( “CyberAgent”) regarding Bushiroad’s shares in our company (the “Share Transfer”).
As TV Asahi is already a shareholder of our company, this Share Transfer constitutes an additional acquisition of shares for them. Our company will become a consolidated subsidiary of TV Asahi once the necessary procedures have been completed.
Currently, we have no plans to make any changes to our various business operations, including the events we organize, as a result of this Share Transfer. We would like to express our gratitude to Bushiroad, which has supported our business for many years as our largest shareholder, and we look forward to working together with TV Asahi and CyberAgent to further expand our business.
Thank you very much for your continued support.
For more details regarding the Share Transfer, please refer to the press release from Bushiroad
*******
NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi made the following statement on the transfer of ownership.
“To all New Japan Pro-Wrestling fans and everyone who has supported and cooperated with us, We are pleased to announce that our company’s shares will be transferred from Bushiroad Co., Ltd. to TV Asahi Corporation and CyberAgent, Inc. Bushiroad became our parent company in 2012 and has greatly contributed to the development of New Japan Pro-Wrestling through large-scale advertising campaigns and various other forms of support. We are filled with gratitude. In order to repay this kindness, we will now work together as a company to achieve remarkable growth for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, as a consolidated subsidiary of TV Asahi and with the support of CyberAgent. Our mission to create the best ring and entertain everyone remains unchanged. We sincerely ask for your continued support and encouragement.
May 27, 2026
Hiroshi Tanahashi, President and Representative Director, New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd.”
Takaaki Kidani, founder of Bushiroad also issued the following statement on the change of ownership.
“Today, we have decided to transfer all of our shares in New Japan Pro-Wrestling to TV Asahi and CyberAgent. We understand that this announcement may come as a surprise to many of our fans.
In 2012, at a major turning point as New Japan Pro-Wrestling aimed for further development, we were fortunate enough to welcome them into the group. For the past 14 years, we have believed in the power of professional wrestling as a wonderful form of entertainment, and together with everyone, we have worked tirelessly to deliver its appeal to even more people.
Thanks to our efforts, the Tokyo Dome event on January 4th of this year attracted a record-breaking 46,913 spectators, achieving a sold-out show for the first time in 28 years. Having overcome the challenges of generational change, young stars in their 20s and 30s are now emerging one after another, shining brightly in the ring. As Bushiroad, it is a great source of pride for me to witness New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s powerful growth and to be able to pass the baton to the next generation.
However, for New Japan Pro-Wrestling to make further global strides and continue its golden age, it is essential to make the most of the video assets it has accumulated so far and to evolve into a diversified monetization business centered on a powerful distribution platform.
Therefore, we are convinced that the best course of action is to entrust the future to the best possible owner, who will be our partner from the very beginning of our founding, TV Asahi, who has continuously supported New Japan Pro-Wrestling through terrestrial broadcasting, and who will bring a breath of fresh air with cutting-edge digital media.
To all the fans, and to the wrestlers and staff who have supported New Japan Pro-Wrestling with their passionate battles, thank you so much for walking alongside Bushiroad all this time. Your passion and cheers were our greatest driving force.
Although it will no longer be under Bushiroad’s control, I can confidently say that the future of New Japan Pro-Wrestling is brighter than ever. As a passionate pro-wrestling fan, I will continue to support the further golden age that you all create.
Thank you so much for the past 14 years. Please look forward to what’s to come from New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Takaaki Kitani, President and CEO of Bushiroad Co., Ltd.”