Korea (Japanese Rule)
•
1 views
Rikidozan
Hongwon, Korea (Japanese Rule)
Archival Overview
Father of Japanese professional wrestling (Puroresu) and national postwar hero whose karate chop victories over towering American wrestlers restored Japanese national pride after World War II.
Biographical Record
Born Kim Sin-rak in Korea, he moved to Japan and rose to the rank of Sekiwake in professional sumo before switching to professional wrestling in 1951. Training in the United States, Rikidozan returned to found the Japan Pro-Wrestling Alliance (JWA) in 1953.
With televisions newly placed in shop windows and public squares, millions of Japanese citizens gathered to watch Rikidozan fell foreign heavyweight champions like Lou Thesz and Freddie Blassie with his trademark Mongolian chops, mentoring future icons Antonio Inoki and Giant Baba.
Key Life Milestones
Founding of Japan Pro-Wrestling Alliance
Created Japan's first pro wrestling organization, igniting a national cultural phenomenon.
Draw against World Champion Lou Thesz
Wrestled Lou Thesz to a legendary one-hour draw in Tokyo, watched by an estimated 87% of television viewers.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
0 messages recordedLeave a Respectful Tribute
Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialTokyo (Ota), Japan