Hidden Gems of Wrestling Merchandise Shops in Japan

While most Japan-related guides point pro-wrestling enthusiasts toward high-profile locations such as merchandise shops that focus on major Japanese promotions, and stores owned by well-known wrestlers, there are also shops targeted towards people who are interested in American wrestling, and Japanese wrestling beyond the largest organizations. For those types of merchandise, you have to go outside of the most commonly traveled paths. Here is a guide to three of the top wrestling merchandise shops in Japan -spanning Tokyo and Osaka- that are hidden gems on Japan's wrestling merchandise scene.

1. BIG BLUE (Tokyo)
Specializing in American Imports & Combat Sports in General

There are many places to buy pro-wrestling goods in Japan. However, shops that mainly sell American pro-wrestling goods are not as easy to find. This is an issue because there are many people in Japan who are fans of WWE and AEW, as well as America's upper-level independent wrestling scene. BIG BLUE is a pro-wrestling goods shop that is perfect for these fans. It's located in Ota City, Tokyo. All of BIG BLUE's American pro-wrestling DVDs and Blu-rays are English versions, so all of them are in English. Perhaps you're also interested in popular promotions from the past, such as ECW, PWG, or IWA MS- this store sells DVDs/Blu-rays of these promotions. Also, BIG BLUE sells Dream Star Fighting Marigold, UFC, and boxing goods.

2. Champion (Tokyo)
Archival Shop Near Korakuen Hall

Located in Suidobashi, Tokyo, six minutes away from Korakuen Hall, this pro-wrestling shop sells merchandise that includes DVDs, VHS titles, T-shirts, magazines, books, photo albums, clothing, event pamphlets and posters, masks, figures, autographed shikishi (traditional Japanese art boards), and other autographed items. In addition, Champion sells tickets for Korakuen Hall events in-store until around the day before the event.

3. Pure Sound Nipponbashi Store No.1 (Osaka)
Wrestling Shop in Kansai

Located in the Kansai region (the second largest region in Japan), Osaka is a city where pro wrestling has been popular for decades with a rich history, and is also the home of Pure Sound Nipponbashi Store No.1. The first floor is dedicated to merchandise of promotions including AEW, NJPW, Stardom, and Michinoku Pro.