By: Jeff Brown

On October 24th, joshi fans witnessed Naho Yamada’s first match as a professional wrestler, and she was treated as a star. While calling the Marigold match a debut is understandable, it’s a bit misleading, as Naho has been wrestling or wrestling-adjacent since the autumn of 2020. To many fans, it was the first time seeing her, so here is a brief summary of her career.

In 2020, during a visit to Naho’s Straydog theater group, her original mentor, Act Yasukawa, recruited her to join the newly created Action Ring Girl’Z (ARG) and form the first unit, Kaguya, along with STARDOM’s Ami Sohrei. The unit was actually part of GPS Promotions and had a fun YouTube channel with skits, vignettes, and an early tag match at GPS (much of her move set is already present). That led to her joining AWG in 2022. It is worth noting that AWG often runs a lighter schedule, so her overall match quantity is lower than many people with her tenure in traditional wrestling.

Much of her early run in ACTwrestling saw her teaming with Wild Bunny (Act), and the duo competed in the 2022 tag tournament. In AWG, Misa Matsui became another mentor and good friend. They formed Teppen☆ together with Asahi, who was transferring from Ice Ribbon. In spring of 2023, Naho made it to the finals of the rookies tournament to decide the number one contender to AWG champion Miku Aono. She faced CHIAKI in what was at the time likely each other’s best match but came up short. Teppen☆ added Catmask Calico to their ranks, and the four had a Teppen☆ produce show at Shin-kiba that was a success, and everything seemed wonderful in early January.

However, over the course of the first five months of 2024, Naho had lost so much. The tragic passing of Asahi in February; in April, Misa was among the seven wrestlers who departed for Marigold, and a few weeks later, Catmask announced she also would be leaving. Naho found herself the sole member of the unit and stood in the ring at Shin-kiba, saying she was unsure when she would return. After watching the inaugural Marigold show, she had some tough decisions to make regarding her future. Support from her mentor, Act, is unconditional; she has stated in interviews and on social media that she wants Naho to chase her dreams. This has been demonstrated when Kaguya would visit former member Ami for her big matches in STARDOM. Prior to her exit, Naho found a replacement for the unit in ARG and announced her departure from AWG amicably.

Her singing was always a focal point in AWG with entrance and live performances. For example, she would sing Falling Down, a song originally performed by Natsupoi and Tae Honma. In Straydog she has had numerous roles, with each performance incorporating her singing, songs such as Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Desperado, and Fly Me to the Moon(In Other Words). Most recently, she played a schoolteacher who donned a Bruce Lee yellow tracksuit and took on her entire class. A fun bit of trivia is that this is the same play she met Act at in 2020, and that run of shows also starred Chika Goto as one of the students (the interconnectedness of these actresses turned wrestlers is deep and complex). She would often simultaneously be doing Straydog while doing both ARG and AWG, showing an immense dedication and passionate work ethic.

Back to the present and Marigold; it was a debut filled with excitement and emotion as Naho’s year has been winding and turbulent. Misa was the perfect first opponent for Marigold and entered Korakuen Hall first as she awaited her good friend with happiness all over her face. Naho sang to the ring and performed her signature moves, such as her around-the-world pin, out-of-nowhere stunner, and her figure-eight leg lock. Despite her loss, after one match, Naho had become a lot of people’s new favorite wrestler. That is because her energy is limitless, and she has an infectious smile that lights up a room. What is next for her in her wrestling career is unknown, but the future is wide open. During her hectic schedule, Naho was very generous to talk with RESURA about a variety of topics, such as joining Marigold, the importance of singing and her goals. 

RESURA – What made you decide to graduate from Actwres girl’Z and join Marigold?

Naho – I wanted to see and feel the world of professional wrestling. After watching Marigold’s inaugural match, I had a strong desire to make my debut here.

Q – Can you talk about your choice of entrance music and its meaning to you?

A – I sing songs and get myself excited to the max. The title of the song, “Kiseki,” has two meanings in Japanese: miracle and trajectory. I asked them to write a song full of powerful energy.

Q – Related questions: What made you passionate about singing, and what are your favorite songs to sing?

A – My older sister is a great singer, and I admired her.

I discovered musicals and learned to sing there.

I also practiced by listening to songs by my favorite singers.

My favorite song is “Anything Goes” by Maki Ohguro.

Q – What was your inspiration when designing your ring gear? You mentioned your previous gear represented your love of sound.

A – I like the color blue the most, because blue flames burn hotter than red. And I have a lightning bolt mark on my back so that I can send shock waves like lightning. The image I had in mind was dazzling with neon colors.

Q – What are your reflections on Asahi? How did you deal with the tragic loss, and what does she mean to you?

A – She is one of the people who gave me the love for professional wrestling. Asahi the professional wrestler still holds a place in my heart.

Q – How has acting helped you as a wrestler and do you plan on continuing to act with Straydog, even with your busy schedule?

A – After being involved in theater and movies for over 10 years, I chose to become a professional wrestler as my career.

But of course, I also love acting.

I haven’t quit completely, and now I want to focus on professional wrestling. Performing in front of people has given me experience on stage and has helped me express myself without fear.

Q – What are the differences between the AWG and Marigold styles? As someone who has done both, was it easy to transition from “ACTwrestling” to “Pro Wrestling”? 

A – It wasn’t easy. I’m still inexperienced and there are many things I can’t do. Going from acting to pro wrestling is completely different.

Q – How did you and Misa become friends? You both share a love of acting and karaoke.

A – To me, she is a wonderful senior who is one of a kind.

At first, I didn’t assert myself much and didn’t even tell her. But once she realized how much I liked her, I think that’s when we started fighting together in tag teams and forming units, and that’s how we started to trust each other.

Q – Are there plans on forming a new unit or even team with Misa in the future?

A – I don’t know! But I’d love to work with her!

Q – What are your immediate and long-term goals? Do they include the Twin Star or perhaps the Superfly championships?

A – If I were to challenge myself first, I think it would be the Superfly belt.

But I would also like to have the opportunity to challenge for the Twinstar belt. I’m sure it would be twice as exciting if I could fight for and win both belts.

Q – Finally, how would you describe yourself to new fans?

A – I know people think it’s too late to start as a professional wrestler.

I’ll prove that age doesn’t matter when you start chasing your dreams.

Let’s cheer together and get excited!