Q&A with Michinoku Pro's MIRAI
We interviewed ex-Stardom and Marigold star MIRAI who recently to returned to her native Iwate
At just 25 years old, MIRAI has already built an impressive résumé in Japanese wrestling, known for her powerful style rooted in years of judo. After departing Marigold earlier this year, she has returned to Iwate and joined Michinoku Pro Wrestling, marking a new chapter in her career.
In this exclusive interview, MIRAI discusses her athletic background, her hopes for wrestling internationally, her recent draw with Jinsei Shinzaki, and how she intends to redefine herself in the next phase of her journey.
JFights (JF): Growing up in Iwate, how did you come to start judo? Do you have family members who competed in sports?
MIRAI: There weren’t many club options, so I started judo in middle school out of necessity. My older brother was always beating me up at home, and I was so frustrated I wanted to fight back!
Father... Kendo (Junior High)
Mother... Kendo (Junior High & High School)
Older Sister... Volleyball (Junior High)
Older Brother... Judo (Junior High), Kyudo (High School)
JF: Did you have a favourite judoka to watch growing up?
MIRAI: Ryoko Tani. (Two-time Olympic champion, five-time Olympic medallist, seven-time world champion)
JF: Do you think judo is one of the best if not the best bases to become a pro wrestler?
MIRAI: I think it’s the best sport! It trains everything: standing techniques, ground techniques, physical strength, and breakfalls.
JF: What was your reaction to Olympic and world judo champion Aaron Wolf joining NJPW. Do you think he will be successful?
MIRAI: I think it’s absolutely incredible!
Having skills that are recognised worldwide will be a huge plus for his pro wrestling career. However, I know I initially struggled with the differences between judo and pro wrestling, so I imagine he’ll face similar challenges moving forward.
As someone who also practiced judo, I sincerely hope he succeeds.
It would be amazing to share the ring with him someday!!
JF: You’ve already had a lot of success in your career and you’ve only just turned 26. Do you have a favourite match that stands out for you?
MIRAI: The World of Stardom Championship match vs. Syuri (2022).
JF: It’s been two months since you left Marigold. What has the experience been like so far for you? What is it like being back in Iwate?
MIRAI: I absolutely love Iwate, so living here is wonderful. I’m so happy to have more time with my family! Training is also very educational!
JF: You’ve joined your home promotion Michinoku Pro and already wrestled the legendary Jinsei Shinzaki to a draw. Can you tell us about that experience?
MIRAI: I threw myself into it, confronting him head-on with my own style of wrestling.
I had no intention of getting pinned for the three count or tapping out, but I think Jinsei-san probably could have made that happen.
But instead, during the match, he assessed the skills and power MIRAI possesses now and conveyed that to the fans. That’s what I think that match was.
While I’m grateful for that, it’s frustrating.
In this match, Jinsei-san didn’t even use his signature move.
If I get another chance to fight him, I’ll work hard so that next time, he sees me more as an enemy, as someone he wants to defeat.
Click here to watch Jinsei Shinzaki v MIRAI on Wrestle Universe
JF: Do you feel more pressure to represent women’s wrestling inside a men’s promotion, or more freedom to redefine what women can do there?
MIRAI: I trained with men in judo too, so it doesn’t feel strange. However, fighting while carrying the Michinoku Pro Wrestling banner is pressure. It’s good pressure for me.
I want to become a wrestler who blends everything: the powerful fighting of men, the dazzling techniques of women, and the lucha skills found in Michinoku Pro Wrestling. A wrestler only I can be in my current state.
JF: You haven’t wrestled overseas yet. Is that a goal for you? You must have had a lot of offers to wrestle in America?
MIRAI: I really want to compete overseas!
I want to test how well I can convey my wrestling style in places where the language barrier exists.
Until that time comes, everyone, please look forward to it!!
JF: Japanese wrestlers such as Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane and Giulia are enjoying a lot of success in America. Is your goal to wrestle in WWE or AEW in the future?
MIRAI: It’s not that I’m not interested, but right now, Michinoku Pro’s tours are my main goal.
JF: Would you like to promote your own event like Sareee and Unagi Sayaka are both successfully doing?
MIRAI: I’d definitely do it if the opportunity arose!
JF: Your visual presentation and energy have evolved a lot over the years. Is there a version of MIRAI — costume, music, attitude — that fans haven’t seen yet but you’d like to explore?
MIRAI: I love Iwate. I love the sea. My image colour is blue. Always smiling. Many things haven’t changed since I started, but my love for pro wrestling grows stronger every day, so maybe that’s what makes me seem different!
I don’t want to lose to anyone. While aiming to be No. 1 in strength, I also want to aim to be Only. 1 with a style of pro wrestling only I can deliver.
My dream is to have one of my favourite singers create an entrance song for me, and have them perform it when I enter the ring at a big match someday.
Michinoku Pro Wrestling returns to Korakuen Hall on Friday 12 December. MIRAI faces TAKA Michinoku, Space War 20 headlines the show while Fujita Jr. Hayato will make a special appearance. Click here for more info