This event is also a part of the retirement tour of legend Nanae Takahashi. Gifu Prefecture being involved in a tribute to Takahashi's career is proof that Gifu is on the map as a noteworthy location for women's wrestling.
While Gifu has seen visits from major women's wrestling organizations like Stardom, Ice Ribbon, and WAVE, these appearances have not been frequent. However, the foundation for a dedicated local scene has been steadily built by Yanagase Pro Wrestling. Specifically, this promotion has been a consistent contributor to the area's wrestling identity as well as community on a regular basis since 2017. In 2019, YPW began showcasing women's wrestling via its ladies' division, Ladius. Sae was an original member of the division, and Mari Manji joined in early-2021. For many years, the promotion presented "Ladius Friday Night Match" events at SPORTS BAR M's Cafe.
Yanagase Pro Wrestling/Ladius played an important role in developing a base of women's wrestling fans in Gifu, by providing a foundation. Furthermore, the unique setting of SPORTS BAR M's Cafe, with its compact size and small ring, enhanced the fan experience. The action of the matches was up-close, allowing for a more personal connection between the wrestlers and the fans, creating an exciting and engaging atmosphere for them as a dedicated fanbase was developed.
Yanagase Pro Wrestling stands out not just for its in-ring action, but for YPW's deep-rooted commitment to community engagement. Its events serve as a vibrant gathering place for fans, provides a platform for wrestlers from Gifu and surrounding areas, and also has an economic impact by attracting fans from other areas. Raising awareness about the important issue of bullying is another way that YPW engages with the community.
Yanagase Pro Wrestling's loyalty to the community has supported a strong bond between the promotion and its fans, creating a loyal following that extends beyond the typical wrestling audience. By actively engaging with the community, YPW has become a favorite local institution, earning the support of residents who appreciate their devotion to giving back. With a local fanbase already established, if they desire to, YPW as a whole could someday expand to an even wider audience.
Pro-wrestling fans are currently witnessing significant expansion in Yanagase Pro Wrestling's Ladius division. Along with the addition of the newest member of the Ladius roster, Cookie, talents such as WAVE star Kohaku, former Regina Di WAVE Champion Yuki Miyazaki, Fairy Nihonbashi (who has also appeared in Ice Ribbon, JWP, and WAVE), current KSR Champion Flying Penguin, and Drake Morimatsu (who has also appeared in AJW, Ice Ribbon, JWP, and PURE-J) have stepped in the Yanagase Pro Wrestling ring in the past year, bringing diverse styles and experience with them.
Sae and Mari Manji were an early cornerstone of Ladius' development, as they eventually began engaging in an annual series of matches, testing their skills and improving along the way, as they pushed their limits. Both talented wrestlers, Manji and Sae can wrestle each other 1,000 times and never have the same match twice, which made each encounter a should-not-miss. Sae has an aggressive moveset that keeps her opponent on the mat, while Manji focuses on technical wrestling.
Now, there's a clear rise in the attention and enthusiasm surrounding women's matches, reflecting a broader trend seen across Japan and globally. This growth is not like a fad, but a sustained increase in interest, representative of an appreciation for the action and athleticism of women's wrestling. It's also about the connection formed between performers and their local audience, as well as the wrestler’s in-ring skills, charisma, and knowing how to engage with fans.
More opportunities for women to wrestle are being created, and the level of competition is raised, which makes women's wrestling more exciting for fans. Also, the result extends beyond local venues, contributing to the local entertainment economy and attracting interest from those outside the immediate area, boosting tourism and local businesses.
Anecdotal evidence reveals a growing appreciation for the skill and dedication of female wrestlers, with many fans expressing excitement about the increasing opportunities for women to showcase their talents in Gifu, and how they feel that the Gifu wrestling scene is a very exciting place to be. This passion emphasizes the community's support for the evolving environment of professional wrestling, and how they feel that women's wrestling has helped to grow the business in the area. It's also notable that women's wrestling can be a source of inspiration for young girls, seeing the wrestlers showing what they can do in the ring- it may motivate the girl to become a wrestler themselves in the future.
Looking ahead, the future of women's wrestling in Gifu appears positive. Marigold's upcoming debut in the prefecture and fan interest in women's wrestling indicate continued progress and development. The trend aligns with the global surge in women's wrestling, positioning Gifu as a part of this exciting shift. This connection to a larger shift, gives the local shows a global feel, and helps to not only draw in even larger crowds, but also motivate fans outside of Japan to watch Marigold on video streaming service WRESTLE UNIVERSE's global platform, as well as watch "Friday Night Match" events (which now also features the men's division of Yanagase Pro Wrestling) on Twitcast, a livestreaming service that has over 33 million registered users worldwide. Perhaps in the near future, Stardom, Ice Ribbon, and WAVE will return to Gifu Prefecture to both benefit from and contribute to the area's increased interest in the women's wrestling scene.
Gifu Prefecture's women's wrestling scene is rising in popularity, and it is a testament to the power of dedicated local community engagement, like those of Yanagase Pro Wrestling, the exciting upcoming arrival of Marigold, and the enduring appeal of this unique business. This distinctive blend of grassroots passion and special events has created a healthy territory for female wrestlers and an appealing experience for fans. The evolution of local talent, and the increasing appreciation for women's athleticism are all adding to this powerful momentum. As the scene continues to develop, and while utilizing a strong and active social media presence, it can bring more energy and entertainment to the community, helping to grow the professional wrestling industry in Gifu Prefecture, and potentially establishing it as a powerhouse beyond.
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