By: Jeff Brown

Translations: Kyosuke Nomura

Photos: Richard Moses

Act Yasukawa is a legend and one of the most unique stories in joshi wrestling. Having recently won the AWG Singles Championship at Korakuen Hall, she has taken the helm as the company recovers from a tumultuous 2023 (the passing of Asahi and the roster exodus to Marigold). She is part of the Killer’Z faction that has waged war against the Heroes faction as they began a new era in ACTwrestling.

According to her own accounts, Yuka Yasukawa, also known as ACT, has faced numerous hardships throughout her life. It was covered in her “Gamushara” documentary that between health issues, bullying, rape, and a suicide attempt, life had been quite cruel. A traumatic incident will have lasting effects, and a person will learn to walk with its shadow. The positive of this is that fans around the world have related to her overcoming such obstacles and are inspired. 

For a detailed journey through her early career in both acting and STARDOM, check out her interview with James Carlin at Monthly Puroresu. But for a very brief recap, she entered STARDOM as an undersized outcast who was determined to succeed; she had referred to herself at the time as a weed that wouldn’t die. Her natural charisma and acting skills created the cool rum-drinking samurai character that she had dreamed of becoming since childhood and captivated audiences as she became known as the Samurai Spirit of STARDOM. She helped form Oedo Tai, won the Wonder of Stardom title twice, and was the inaugural Artist of Stardom champion with Saki Kashima and Natsuki Taiyo. However, the Yoshiko incident (Ghastly Match) coupled with health concerns brought a close to a promising career in 2015.

When she returned to wrestling-related activities around 2019, it was a fresh start as Wild Bunny, in GPS and early on with AWG. Her portrayal of Wild Bunny was a mischievous-but-lighthearted nuisance to opponents. She did a brief reprisal of the Act persona in 2021, but that felt like a one-time occurrence. However, in the autumn of 2022, like a ghost in Shin-Kiba 1st Ring, Act re-emerged at ACTwrestling Step 9 blindfolded and ready to unleash terror upon AWG. This was “The Japanese Drunken Samurai,” whose soul is the origin of storms and carried a desire to cast darkness upon AWG. With the return of the Act character and the old behavior, it was perhaps a reclamation. It was an opportunity to pen the final chapters of Act’s career as she always envisioned.

Maybe Act pours all of the negativity into the role because the real-life person is actually the polar opposite. No one would blame her for becoming bitterly angry after experiencing the worst of the world and entertainment industry, but she is a caring and supportive mentor to a young locker room in AWG. Past and present members from Naho Yamada, Sakura Mizushima, Kanamic (Miku Kanae), Koara Fujimoto, etc. have stated how much they look to her for advice in and out of the ring. In Action Ring Girl’Z, she continues the love of samurai in Kaguya as the sword-carrying general Hisen. The original unit in ARG is trying to save their village from destruction in a colorful fantasy world combining theater with music and wrestling. These productions allow fellow Kaguya members Rensan as Hakuju and Yumi Agawa as Kikyo to show off their acting skills. Act portrays a conflicted character who is desperate to undo a tragedy and willing to fight to obtain that wish.

While many people think of her legacy as a single match in STARDOM with Yoshiko, her true contributions are the young women she is helping grow and give guidance to (along with veterans like Maru, Mari, and departees Miku Aono, Natsumi Showzuki, and Misa Matsui) in Actwres girl’Z. Her legacy is postponing her America excursion selflessly when the people who look up to her needed her the most in the wake of Asahi’s tragic passing. Her legacy is Mizushima pinning her twice less than a year into her career. Her legacy is taking to social media to explain AWG’s Actress Time at Marigold in an effort to prevent a fractured fanbase. Her legacy is creating BE∀STZ REBELLION and helping the likes of Ayano Irie, Rico Fukunaga, Nene Arahata, and CHIAKI become bigger stars. If there is a look at her past, it should be upon being the first two-time White Belt champ, the first to hold the Artist belt, or a founding member of Oedo Tai. 

The AWG run has been a renaissance, as Act’s match quality has been fantastic, and she’s been counted on for many big main events, including the Miku Aono AWG Singles Championship challenge in 2023 that had over 1,000 in attendance at Korakuen. While she is now one of the Killer’Z, ironically, the person out of the ring is and always will be a hero. For over a year, Act has tried to stage a seemingly cursed trip to the United States as a pro wrestler; after various setbacks, she has triumphantly landed in the USA. While over here for places such as Kitsune Pro Wrestling, Act was incredibly generous and talked with RESURA at length about how wrestling and acting have helped heal her and the meaning of AWG and its goals.

RESURA – How did you get into stage acting and then eventually pro wrestling when you joined STARDOM? I know Yuzuki Aikawa played an important role.

Act – I’ve always had a dream since I was a child. That dream was to be a fighter, to be a samurai. To achieve that dream I aimed to become an action actress. Then, I got scouted and joined STARDOM. I was finally able to achieve my dream of becoming a fighter. I met Yuzuki-san during my acting days.

Q – Your samurai character has been a strong theme since your childhood, which was influenced by Date Masamune. What does the samurai represent to you, and what role has it played in your life?

A – Becoming a samurai is my dream. A samurai is a hero. And when I emulate a samurai, my heart becomes stronger. It makes my spirit more powerful.

Q – May we discuss the hardships in your life and how they influenced your career and shaped the person you are today— health issues, being bullied, raped, and your suicide attempt? How did acting and/or pro wrestling help you deal with these traumatic events? These are known to fans who relate to them and find strength in your story.

A – Thank you very much. Thanks to being in the entertainment industry, I was able to find happiness and purpose in life. Life may be despairing, but you shouldn’t throw in the towel there. Even if there are hardships in front of you, that’s not everything that matters. I learned that in my time wrestling and acting. Entertainment can heal people’s hearts. I hope that by showing how I lived my life, even if by a little, it can help people who are going through their own hardships in life.

Q –  Can you discuss the formation of Oedo Tai, how did it start, and do you keep track of modern STARDOM? Since this is related to Oedo-tai, could you please explain why you joined Kimura’s Monster Army?

A – First I did not join Kimura’s Monster Army. I only tag teamed with her as “Equal Tag Team” and won the Tag League. At that time there were factions like Showa-gun and Heisei-gun, but I did not want to join any of them. I am glad that Oedo Tai was formed as a worldwide faction that I hold closely to my heart. Now, Stardom has disbanded Oedo Tai and created a new faction, and I think that’s just fine. I have my own Oedo Tai in my heart and I will spread the spirit to my Stardom juniors.

Q – Also, what are your thoughts on these rival units from that same era?
Full Power Girls
PLANET
Nanae Gundan
Kawakatsu Plus One

A – Full Power Girls is a flashy group by Yuzuki.

Planet is a group of stylish and speedy wrestlers led by Iyo.

Nanae Gundan is a very energetic but kind of comical faction.

And Kawakatsu Plus One is a little mischievous but cool faction?

Q – Would you talk about your friendship with Kairi Hojo/Kairi Sane? She was a constant in both Gamushara and After Gamushara.

A – She’s a friend who I trust even when we are separated. I met her after a long time recently. I want to go see her matches when I’m in the states.

Q – May we discuss the Yoshiko Incident and your return, but ultimately your retirement from wrestling?

A – That incident was something that was pre-organized. It wasn’t only Yoshiko that thought of it. Even I want to know what happened. But, I am on a new path and she is on hers. I do want to know the truth one day, and I wish to have a time and place where I can reconcile with her. I really do want to know what happened. At that point I already retired once, and because of that I was able to make the coolest friends in AWG and Actwres girl’Z. I have no regrets on the path I took in life. I want to continue to pay back my fans, friends, and family that have constantly supported me

Q – What is the significance of the song “Girl’s Fight” by Mutant Monster? You used it for your documentary and as an entrance theme. It feels like a perfect fit for your story of defiance and perseverance.

A – I want to step forward. I won’t quit. I want to be stronger. It’s an ode to strong girls that live up to those words. It’s a song that a lot of people can relate to.

Q – What do professional wrestling and stage acting have in common?

A – Some points where the two have in common is that you can embody another person that’s not yourself. You can become the Hopes and Dreams of people. Both are beautiful professions where you can spread power and positivity to people all around the world. This is my purpose for life.

Q – Can you talk about your return to wrestling via GPS and eventually AWG and ARG?

A – Representative Sakaguchi of AWG reached out to me saying that he wanted to build more traction on this new promotion that combines action performing arts and pro wrestling, and of course I was in on the project. Sakaguchi was the person who scouted me for Stardom, so I wanted to repay the debt I owed to him.

Q – What makes ARG unique in the world of wrestling, and could you describe it for new fans?

A – ARG is a mix of action stage entertainment with professional wrestling. As it has the element of stage entertainment, something that’s unique is having the same matches over and over again. As there are a lot of aspects that go into it like sound, promos, etc, there’s a lot of work behind the scenes. However, it’s so much fun fighting as another character. It’s much harder than doing just pro wrestling, but is also worth it.I do think that Actring is a complete action stage entertainment show.

Q – What drew you to AWG, and what makes ACTwrestling different from pro wrestling?

A – The reason why I joined Actwres girl’Z is because I thought the idea of combining action stage entertainment with wrestling was an interesting concept. I don’t think ACTwrestling is different from pro wrestling, we both do the same thing, but the mentality behind it is different. It’s even hard for me to wrap my finger around it. I think it’s wrestling with a stronger entertainment aspect. The belts are granted by a point system of skill, popularity, dedication, and fate. And it’s decided when you roll your fate like a die. It’s something you don’t see in other promotions.

Q – Can you talk about your gear designs over the years and the inclusion of the calligraphy work of Yumi Agawa into your logos and ring gear? Related question: She is one of your closest friends; how did you both meet? * For more on Yumi’s work, see this feature.

A – Before Actwres girl’Z, she was working as a ring announcer for GPS Promotion. She’s able to transform things and designs I like into calligraphy. She’s my best friend who knows what I’m interested in. She helps modify my designs into letters. Truly a wonderful friend.

Q – Would you give your thoughts on the tragic loss of Asahi and how you dealt with and helped the young roster navigate such a tragedy?

A – It was a tragic loss. Some of her closest friends on the roster kept pushing forward for her. As I kept on supporting them, I was able to help and prioritized mental support for the younger members. The situation has gotten more calmer now and I am really glad everyone was able to push through such a tragic time. You never know what’s gonna happen in life so I want to live one with no regrets.

Q – What are your thoughts on the roster departures to Marigold and your reaction to the news?

A – I do believe that Marigold and AWG’s responses are both in the wrong. They should’ve first given the fans an apology. I don’t have much to say on the cast of Marigold. You only live once, don’t make the fans who constantly support you sad, and continue to fight to fulfill your dreams.

Q – What is the aim of the new era of AWG with Actwres Killer’Z and Heroes? Maru and Mari have roles as veteran leaders like yourself. Related: Would you share your impressions about some of the young roster?
Natsuki
Marino Saihara
Sakura Mizushima
Nagisa Shiotsuki
Yufa
Asako
Naru

A – As a senpai, our job is to craft our juniors’ skill, performance, and their mind as an entertainer. The veteran leaders are constantly leading them to evolution.

Natsuki: She’s currently number one out of the juniors, head and shoulders over the rest. She’s capable of becoming the future ace but she currently lacks power. I want to see a more passionate Natsuki. If she levels up in determination and power, she can be an amazing ace.

Marino Saihara: As she does have determination, she does lack skill. This is still the beginning for her. I have high expectations for her as a rookie.

Sakura Mizushima: She doesn’t have power but she can adapt to skill and physical tolerance. She’s very passionate and talented and has the weapons only a girl can obtain. In terms of skill, she’s after Natsuki.

Nagisa Shiotsuki: It’s no mistake that she will be a wonderful and popular wrestler once she breaks out of her shell. I want her to have more confidence in herself and aim to be a top wrestler.

Yufa: She’s improved after she joined Killers. I want her to embody that character more and get to the top.

Asako: If she can combine her skill, power and speed with her characteristic skills, she will definitely succeed. Being able to embody yourself in the character is a rare talent. I’m looking forward to her future.

Naru: So far she has the best physical strength out of Actwres girl’Z. If she starts to push herself harder, she will definitely become Natsuki’s top rival.

I’m really happy to see how my juniors evolve. I do want to continue to take care of some of the members who have retired.

Q – How did it feel to win the AWG Championship? You said the value of the belt has decreased; how do you plan to restore it’s value?

A – I had……. no intentions of holding the belt. Even in last year’s title match against Miku Aono, I didn’t think I was worthy to hold the championship. The main reason being that I am a wrestler who once retired. As I’ve seen a lot through my years, I really wanted to support Actwres girl’Z. But as my allies disappeared, instead of supporting Actwres girl’Z, I had to lead the ship. Like a wall for my juniors. That’s why I let this title match be decided by my fate. Our AWG belt is a championship with a special rule, where the title is earned by the four points of skill, dedication, popularity and fate. Even though the AWG title has the 4 point system, it’s almost always won by fate. We decide our fate like it’s the dice, and of course I did as well. If I put my fate on this dice, and if I become champion, I will be the worthiest I’ve ever been of the title. I was prepared to take the step forward. If I had lost, I was planning on continuing to be a manager and keep supporting my fellow members. And with the result of the dice, I became champion. I want to use this opportunity to be the measuring stick of my juniors, so I can raise the value and amount of determination to get this belt. And most importantly, to do so with everyone.

Q – Finally, would you like to discuss your excursion to America and your return as a pro wrestler? What are your goals and dreams for the future?

A – There were a lot of troubles heading into it, but this will be my third excursion in the States. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to go because of the typhoon, but luckily I am able to make it to the US. This time I will be heading into the US as AWG Champion, and my goal is to spread the word of Actwres girl’Z and gain more attention for AWG. Of course, I will be having my own matches there, but I want to learn more about American professional wrestling by watching a variety of promotions. I’m a big fan of WWE’s Charlotte (Flair) so if I can, I would really want to go see one of her matches. I’m always wondering if this  might be my final American excursion as a pro wrestler. I don’t know about the future but I plan to leave this excursion with no regrets! Thank you very much!