Tatsumi Rika, who is set to challenge for the Princess of Princess Championship at Tokyo Joshi Pro’s March 16 Ota Ward event, had a long-awaited first interview with her idol, Tatsumi Fujinami. In fact, Rika took on the role of interviewer and asked the legendary dragon all about the secrets of professional wrestling.

-Fighting on Instinct-

— With your title challenge at the March 16 Ota Ward event approaching, Rika, you mentioned you had many things you wanted to ask the respected Fujinami-san.

Rika: Yes, that's right. First of all, Fujinami-san, did you know about me...?

Fujinami: Sorry! Honestly, I’d love to say something like, "Oh yes, I’ve seen you here or there," but I’ve been away from the scene for a while. Dradition still holds events a few times a year, but I can barely keep track of the wrestlers' names anymore.

Rika: There was a time when you appeared at a DDT event, and we passed each other backstage. I didn’t get the chance to greet you then.

Fujinami: If someone had introduced you at that moment like, "This is Tatsumi," I would have remembered you.

Rika: I hope today helps you remember me! It’s a bit late to say this, but I've always wanted to talk with you, so thank you for taking the time today!

— Do you often watch women's pro wrestling?

Fujinami: I usually just flip through Weekly Pro Wrestling magazine. I don’t watch it on TV, and I've never seen it live in person.

Rika: I see... Well then, I’ll keep firing questions! What goes through your mind before, during, and after a match?

Fujinami: Mostly about my opponent. First, when I arrive at the venue, I check the match card at the entrance... It's posted there. I’d look at it and find out who I’d be facing.

Rika: You found out on the day of the match?

Fujinami: Yeah, back in those days. It’s different now, of course. I'd see the match card, then start simulating things in my head — what kind of wrestler my opponent is, what moves they use — and I'd think about all that while warming up in the few hours before the match.
Rika: Are you the type who thinks things through in your head?

Fujinami: No, I just rely on instinct. Even if I know, for example, that Choshu will use the Scorpion Deathlock or a lariat, you can’t focus solely on that once you're in the ring. If your mind is locked on just one thing, you can’t fight properly. So I let my instincts take over. That's why maintaining good conditioning is crucial. Karl Gotch once told me that there are three important things for a pro wrestler: First, conditioning — you must prepare your body so you can keep fighting for 30 minutes, an hour, or however long it takes. Second, practice — train hard and sharpen your skills. And third, think about your opponent and the match itself. So rather than just stepping into the ring without preparation, you need to build up to it. That's part of my routine as well.

Rika: That’s really insightful.

Fujinami: When your conditioning is good, your body just moves on its own — like you’re acting purely on instinct.

Rika: I feel the same way, though it’s humbling to say that. I start by thinking things through in my head, but in the end, I end up fighting on instinct during the match. So it makes me happy to hear we’re similar in that way.

Fujinami: Well, you are a "Tatsumi" after all! (laughs)

Rika: (laughs) By the way, since you’ve had a career spanning over 50 years, I’d love to know — what’s the secret to wrestling for so long?

Fujinami: The fact that I admired pro wrestling and loved it is incredibly important. I think it’s crucial to never forget that feeling of excitement and passion from the beginning. Also, there are fans who support me, and I always feel grateful for that. For me, pro wrestling gives me a sense of purpose. Another important thing is being aware that people are watching you. They say when people start feeling ignored, they begin to grow old. So I try to put myself in front of people as much as possible. Especially for me, just stepping into the ring gives me energy. Even on days when I’m feeling a little off, just touching the corner post can lift my spirits. That’s why the ring is my power spot.

Rika: It really gives you strength, doesn’t it? By the way, Fujinami-san, have you ever wanted to quit pro wrestling?

Fujinami: Never. (Answers immediately) Because it's my calling. I honestly can't imagine what I would have become if pro wrestling didn’t exist. I can’t think of anything else. Sure, I’ve had injuries, but even then, I never once thought about quitting. Someday, I might not be able to climb the ring steps anymore, but until that day comes, I’ll keep fighting in the ring.

— How about you, Rika?

Rika: I actually did... once.

Fujinami: What was the reason?

Rika: I'm not really sure... It wasn’t because of an injury or anything. It was more like... it just happened suddenly. After running full speed for several years, it felt like my battery just ran out. So I decided to take a break and used that time to reflect. In the end, I realized I wanted to come back, so I returned to the ring.

Fujinami: Yeah, that happens sometimes. When I was working with Choshu, he kept growing stronger and more prominent, and I started feeling like I was being left behind, like I was being pushed aside... but during those times, I went overseas. I tried changing my environment and finding a new place for myself.

Rika: So you searched for your own space.

Fujinami: Exactly. But moments like that can actually be a great opportunity. It’s a chance to reflect on your own wrestling style and find ways to turn that experience into something positive.

Rika: So it’s all about switching your mindset. By the way, Fujinami-san, do you have a favorite move?

Fujinami: Not really. But the audience watches to see what makes me unique, so I focus more on how to express my individuality in the ring rather than relying on a specific move.

Rika: So it’s not about the moves themselves.

Fujinami: If you focus too much on showcasing your signature moves from the start, the audience might want to see something different. For example, people may want to see a new side of you, Tatsumi-san.

-The Legendary "Dragon" Style-

— Rika, do you have a favorite move?

Rika: Hmm... I can’t really choose just one.

Fujinami: Well, there’s Inoki-san’s Cobra Twist or Choshu’s Scorpion Deathlock. Occasionally mixing in those kinds of moves as a change of pace can actually expand your wrestling style.

Rika: Ah, like breaking the mold — doing something unexpected.

Fujinami: Exactly.

— How did you develop your signature moves?

Fujinami: Back in our day, we’d have practice matches in the dojo, lasting five or ten minutes or so. Without a referee, we’d just move freely — purely by instinct. That kind of practice was the best way to improve. When you reflect on those matches, you start to realize, Oh, I could try this move here… or you get sudden flashes of inspiration.

Rika: So you develop your moves by actively moving your body. That kind of instinctive inspiration is amazing!

Fujinami: When it comes to the Dragon Screw, that move actually comes from amateur wrestling. In amateur wrestling, there's a move where you tackle the opponent’s leg, grab it, and twist — that’s where it originates. I took that concept and thought, If I catch a kick and twist the leg, I can throw my opponent beautifully. Drawing inspiration from things like that is one way to create new techniques. Amateur wrestling is also very instinctive.

Rika: That’s really valuable insight. I feel the same way, but what do you think about other wrestlers using Dragon-style moves?

Fujinami: Just like I mentioned earlier with Inoki-san’s Cobra Twist — now everyone uses it. But wrestling moves don’t have copyrights, so I’m totally fine with people using my techniques as much as they want. After all, I used other people’s moves too.

— What's your favorite Dragon move?

Rika: The Dragon Sleeper. I’ve been using it carefully and with respect. Once, when ring announcer Kero Tanaka was around, I actually learned the proper way to apply it directly from him, who in turn learned it from you.

Fujinami: He’s someone who’s watched countless matches, so he really knows his stuff.

Rika: He told me that you start with a regular sleeper hold, then shift to a kneeling position before transitioning into the Dragon Sleeper. Ever since I heard that, I’ve been doing it that way too — so I guess you could say I’m using a “directly passed down” version? (laughs)

By the way, I have a title match coming up in March. Do you have any advice on the mindset needed to win the belt?

Fujinami: If you keep the mindset of I’m challenging for the title at all times, your training will naturally change, and the overall atmosphere during practice will shift too. I was Inoki-san’s apprentice, and I was deeply influenced by him. He was usually a bright and cheerful person, but once he stepped into the locker room, he exuded such intense focus that no one could approach him. I think that’s an important part of it — learning how to switch your emotions. Especially in a championship match, the audience is aware of the stakes, so it's important to create that atmosphere yourself and let it show.

Rika: How was it facing Inoki-san in a title match when he had that intense aura before the match?

Fujinami: I couldn’t even step in. It felt like I was frozen in place, like a frog being stared down by a snake. But that was part of Inoki-san’s strategy. It wasn’t until that famous August 8 match that I finally felt like I could face him head-on.

Rika: Were you scared?

Fujinami: No, I wasn’t scared. I think having a strong mindset helped me stand up to that overwhelming presence.

Rika: I’m actually going to be facing a strong opponent named Mizuki soon.

Fujinami: I’m not sure what kind of advice I can give you, but I’ll be paying attention to the kind of presence you bring to the match. Whether you can show a side of yourself that’s different from what you’ve shown before — that’s what matters.

Rika: The match will be at Ota City General Gymnasium.

Fujinami: That’s where New Japan’s very first event took place — and you’ll be in the main event.

Rika: Exactly! I’ll keep everything I learned today close to my heart and face the match without forgetting it.

Fujinami: Believe in yourself.

Rika: I will! I’ll trust myself!

— By the way, would you be interested in teaming up for a mixed tag match someday?

Fujinami: Hmm… I’m not sure about that…

Rika: I’d love to team up with you! I want to fight as part of the Dragon Tag Team!

Fujinami: Let’s make it happen. First, win that belt — then we’ll lock up in the ring together. (laughs)

Rika: I’m looking forward to it!

Rika: Besides winning the belt, do you have any other goals for the future?

Fujinami: Maybe singing a song or something (laughs). Wasn’t that your background originally?

Rika: Yes, that’s right! I actually sing my own entrance theme.

Fujinami: Macho Dragon...?

Rika: I love that song!

Fujinami: You should sing Macho Dragon. You’d probably sing it better than I did.

Rika: I'd love to do a cover! (laughs)

Fujinami: Since Macho Dragon is already a cover song, that would make yours a "cover of a cover." Sounds good to me! (laughs)

Rika: Now that I’ve got Fujinami-san’s blessing, I have no choice but to sing it. Let’s do a duet someday too!