SHOWA PRO WRESTLING
'The wizard of joint manipulation', Joe Kajiwara.
He was known as the strongest Shooter in the world of pro wrestling, there never was a man who could truly challenge him. He single-handedly crushed anyone who'd threaten his dojo.
The art of joint manipulation lived on through him.
KAJIWARA: "I'm Kajiwara. Let's not waste our breath. Come on!"
KAJIWARA: "I'll have your life, Sumisu."
SUMISU: "He's just as weird as they say. I need to watch out for his critical submissions..."
SUMISU: "But I'm not gonna lose to a drunk!"
KAJIWARA: "Cheers! Good match, you beat me fair and square. But let me tell you something, Sumisu. Style doesn't really matter for a pro wrestler."
KAJIWARA: "A real pro needs to get in the ring no matter what. That's his privilege, and his duty."
Fighter Yamato lived a tragic life. Despite his exceptional talent, his overwhelming honesty never let him develop an ego.
His unyielding resilience in facing adversity inspired countless other wrestlers.
Only those who fought him knew how truly terrifying Dragon Yamato could be.
YAMATO: "I'm not dead yet. So long as the Soul of the Dragon lingers on within me, I will stand on my two feet. The Dragon Revolution will not be stopped!"
SUMISU: "I'm about to face Fighter Yamato... If I show him an opening, I'm done for."
SUMISU: "Ugh...! This bloodlust... Is this what it's like to fight a man who carried an entire era? How can I defeat such a man?"
YAMATO: "Have you finally stopped the Dragon Revolution, Sumisu? ... No. No, I must keep going."
YAMATO: "I will continue to burn until I'm reduced to ashes."
RIKIMARU: "You can't beat me, you fucking idiot! You can't even imagine the kind of burden I've been carrying.
RIKIMARU: "You really think you can stand up to a wrestler who fought during the golden age?"
RIKIMARU: "I know the strength of Fighter Yamato better than anyone. I'm not gonna lose."
SUMISU: "The weight of their era is crushing me. What lies beyond Showa? Will I find the answer if I win?"
SUMISU: "Yamato... Rikimaru... I must accept their message."
RIKIMARU: "Your victory is not going to break down the walls of time, Sumisu. Nothing's more difficult than fighting an immaterial opponent. You'll find your answer sooner or later."
RIKIMARU: "Your next march will be a test of endurance. Fight until you find yourself. Once you do, you won't need us anymore. It's about time we pass the torch to a new generation..."
Victory Musashi was an active member of the Diet. His history as a wrestler was the stuff of legends.
The Worldwide Boxing Heavyweight Champion, Muhammad Alibaba.
The Bear Killer, Wilson Willy.
The Red Devil, Wilhelm Raska.
By facing the world's strongest fighters, he had proven his theory that 'Pro wrestling is the strongest martial art.'
His overwhelming charisma, something that modern wrestlers sorely lacked, captivated the Followers of Musashi all over Japan. For those who lived in the Heisei era, this remnant of Showa was a dangerous obstacle.
MUSASHI: "I'm told you show some promise. What's an old soldier like me to do, in this world of wrestling that has lost its soul? What is the true essence of combat?"
MUSASHI: "That's not something I can teach you. But it is my duty as a wrestler to bring out the true potential of your fighting instincts."
MUSASHI: "What do you say, stranger? ... I'm talking to you, idiot! I'm here! Let's see if you can beat me!"
SUMISU: "The end of the Showa era lies beyond the Legend of Musashi. It's nothing but an old black-and-white photograph, a mirage."
SUMISU: "I must remember the words of Rikimaru. Unless I get through this, I'll never be able to open the curtain on the next era of pro wrestling."
SUMISU: "I'll take that torch!"
MUSASHI: "Wrestling is like Buddhism. Unfortunately, I still haven't found the answer myself. I'll keep asking the same question for the rest of my life."
MUSASHI: "It's up to you to shape the next era of pro wrestling. You must look at the larger picture, don't limit yourself to a single mat. That is now your duty."
ITTETSU: "You're my disciple, don't forget that!"