Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling will run the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan on March 29th when they bring their Grand Princess 26’ show live to WRESTLEUNIVERSE. The card is stacked, with MIRAI defending her International Princess Championship against Suzume, The IInspiration looking to dethrone Ober Eats for the Princess Tag Team Championships, Sareee teaming with Lei Ying Lee against Miyu Yamashita and Arisu Endo and so much more.
At the top of the card however sits Miu Watanabe, the reigning and defending 16th Princess of Princess Champion currently in her second reign. She will defend the belt against Yuki Arai, looking to make her fifth successful defence of the title, and we were lucky enough to catch a few words with the champion ahead of what is sure to be a sensational match.
Q. You recently had an incredible match against Suzume in a sold-out Korakuen hall that was very well received all over the world. What was your feeling after the match, and what was it like when you realised how much people enjoyed it?
A. I am happy to receive so much feedback. I was especially glad that many people from overseas followed me on SNS and shared their thoughts with me! ‘Itten-yon’ (the January 4th show) is a very important stage for TJPW, so I was happy to be evaluated highly there. I hope to meet all of you who were so happy with the match someday!
Q. How important was it for you, and TJPW, to break the TJPW Korakuen hall attendance record?
A. It is something very joyful! To be able to share a happy time with many people is happiness for me! Furthermore, I want to keep updating that record to be even larger, and someday, I want to have TJPW matches in an even bigger venue!
Q. You’ve wrestled in America and few times, what are some of your favourite American foods and your favorite American cities to wrestle in?
A. I eat chocolate cookies! They have a sweetness that doesn’t exist in Japan, so they are unique to America! Also, I love the pink drink from Starbucks! As for cities, Texas left a very strong impression on me!
Q. If you could wrestle any wrestler in any company, who would you want to wrestle?
A. I have had a tag team match with Billie Starkz before, but we only faced each other for a little bit. So, I have thought that I want to wrestle her more someday!
Q. You have one of the biggest matches of your career coming up at Grand Princess 26 in Sumo Hall. What should fans expect from your match against Yuki Arai?
A. I want to decide which one of us is stronger, and the strongest Princess of Princess! I am very, very, veeeeeery much a princess, so I will win! Everyone, please definitely call me ‘Miuderella’!
Q. We’re huge rock and metal fans on Talk Joshi, are there any future plans for the UpUp Girls to do a hard rock or heavy metal song?
A. Recently, we have many ‘kawaii’ songs, but I want to do a wider range of genres! I would definitely love to take on the challenge!!
A huge thanks goes to Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling and Miu Watanabe for doing this interview and giving up their time during an incredibly busy build to Grand Princess ‘26 on March 29th.
We would like to take the time to thank Chiyoko Asakura, without whom this interview wouldn’t happen. Chiyoko kindly translated all of the questions we had for Natsumi and we truly appreciate the effort and kindness. You can follow Chiyoko on Twitter right here: @chiyoko_asakura
You can learn more about – and follow – TJPW on their Japanese (@tjpw201313). You can also check out their website right here
Finally, another huge thank you to Miu Watanabe for agreeing to this interview. You can follow her on Twitter here: @uug_p_miu
You can check out TJPW on WRESTLE UNIVERSE. Sign-up with a seven-day free trial here
TJPW Grand Princess 26’ in Ryogoku Kokugikan will air LIVE on WRESTLEUNIVERSE on March 29th.
