English translation
週刊プロレス Weekly Pro-Wrestling,
2026/1/28 No. 2394, p.51
AJPW's Recommended Wrestler for 2026 is... Shota Kofuji
Guided to AJPW after encountering his rival, he continues to carry his memory through his own work
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
In recent years, it has become a tradition for AJPW's first Korakuen Hall show of the new year to have announcements of new signings, and this year saw the addition of another good asset to the company.
Players association chairman Kento Miyahara declared, "I'd like to announce a new signing. It's this wrestler. Here!", and Kofuji's entrance music played as he got into the ring, but at first, many people didn't know who he was. With his short black hair, he looked completely different from before, like a different person. "Everyone, it's nice to meet you. I'm AJPW's Shota Kofuji. In 2026, I will be signed to both OSW and AJPW, and I want to liven up AJPW's junior division. I look forward to working with you!". When AJPW's fans finally realized who he was, they responded by erupting in cheers for Kofuji. He was pretty happy about that, too, but the fact that fate led him on this path is something that has touched the hearts of many AJPW fans.
Thinking about last year, "It was a year of meetings and farewells", said Kofuji. "Because I met Taishin Nagao, I also came into contact with AJPW, so I think meeting him was the most important thing that happened to me".
Kofuji, who debuted in OSW, made his first appearance in AJPW in a tag match at Shin-kiba 1st Ring on March 23rd 2025, and standing across from him in the ring was Taishin Nagao, who had made his debut two months before Kofuji. For Nagao, he was naturally aware that, although it had been only a matter of months, this was the first time he would wrestle someone with less experience than himself. With that, the story of their rivalry began.
On May 18th in Ota-ku, Nagao faced Kofuji in a singles match, and earned his first victory. As this happened in a dark match, Kofuji and Nagao swore that they would rise up the ranks together. Baring his teeth in frustration, Kofuji declared, "Next time, I will definitely make you give up!". However, "next time" would never come to pass. Nagao passed away due to an accident. Kofuji was his final opponent. "I never beat him even once, but he beat me. It may be a little selfish of me, but I will always consider him my rival. I will always carry Taishin Nagao with me, so part of him will always be there. I entered AJPW as his rival, and I will continue to carry his memory through my own work".
That became his main reason for signing with AJPW. After his fateful encounter with Nagao, Kofuji can no longer defeat him, but in the ring of his rival's beloved AJPW, he hopes to liven up the junior division, no matter what it takes. Someday, he wants to show everyone what he can do.
At the start of the year, he entered the dormitory, and he gained a stronger sense of what it means to be signed to AJPW. From now, as he focuses on certain aspects of AJPW matches, he will take part in OSW shows, while being aware of being part of AJPW.
When asked to write his aim for the year on his sign board, he wrote "World Junior" without hesitation. In other words, his heart is set on this. Right from his first time participating in AJPW, he has always thought, "If there's a chance, I'm going to take it".
Although the two young men had been expected to compete with each other for the World Jr. Championship, Kofuji will fight against his seniors, all the while keeping his eye on his goal.
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The thing he did in 2025 that left the biggest impression was... His first All Asia Tag Championship challenge!
United by their love of cats, Kofuji formed
"Aggressive Cats" with the veteran, Hideki Suzuki. He fought with an aggressive fighting style that was enough to keep his partner on his toes, and although he lost, "This is the start". This match was the turning point that further strengthened Kofuji's resolution to make his mark on All Japan.
Written by Kenji Takao for Weekly Pro-Wrestling magazine (Japanese).
Translated into English by Michelle @puroresueikaiwa
Please do not use without permission and credit.
