American fans often arrive knowing only NJPW, if that. Japan actually has several major promotions, each with its own style, roster, and crowd. Knowing the difference changes which show is worth seeing.
The promotions, at a glance
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW): the largest promotion, known for hard-hitting "strong style" matches and its stacked January 4 Tokyo Dome show
- All Japan Pro-Wrestling: the older of Japan's two biggest promotions, with a more traditional, technical style
- Pro Wrestling NOAH: built on the same technical lineage as All Japan, with its own roster and look
- DDT Pro-Wrestling: comedy, hardcore, and genuinely strange match concepts alongside serious wrestling — the promotion to pick if you want to be surprised
- Big Japan Pro-Wrestling (BJW): deathmatch wrestling, for fans who want the most extreme style Japan offers
- STARDOM: Japan's leading women's wrestling promotion, with fast, high-flying matches
Which one to watch
If you only have one night, NJPW gives you the most recognisable style and the biggest crowd. If you want something you won't see at home, DDT or BJW are the bigger departure from Western wrestling. Our tour runs over two days, January 3–4, 2027, and ends with NJPW's January 4 show at the Tokyo Dome. We're also planning future tours to watch promotions other than NJPW and big matches at other venues.
Coming Soon →
Questions: send us a message