Before The Bell

GANBARU

There was a time when Japan’s wrestling scene constituted a niche interest for fans outside of the Pacific region, primarily reserved for a cross-section of cultured enthusiasts and curious tape traders. Of course, the internet opened the floodgates for fans whose curiosity was piqued by terms like “strong style” and fierce, high-impact match-ups. Nowadays, global interest in the Japanese scene is strong, thanks in large part to crossover superstars like Shinsuke Nakamura and Io Shirai. But understanding the ins and outs of such a dynamic and storied genre can prove daunting for newcomers and seasoned fans alike, which is precisely why Jonathan Foye’s new book, Ganbaru: How All Japan Pro Wrestling Survived the Year 2000 Roster Split, is such an important effort.

As the title suggests, the focal point of the book is indeed the pivotal schism within All Japan Pro Wrestling. When Mitsuharu Misawa left AJPW to form Pro Wrestling NOAH, much of the roster followed him, threatening the very existence of the once-prominent company. In recounting this tale, Foye takes the necessary step of intricately describing the origins and traditions of pro wrestling in Japan, from the early years following World War II to the cornerstones laid by the likes