Fuwa-chan’s Next Step with Positive Reviews Restarting in Professional Wrestling

YouTuber and talent Fuwa-chan announced the suspension of her entertainment activities due to an abuse scandal involving comedian Yasuko.

On the 11th, she reported on her X (formerly Twitter):

“Considering the gravity of this matter, I have decided to take a break from my entertainment activities for a while as a period of reflection. I hope to use this time to reflect on myself and improve. I will make sure to reflect and work hard.”

The message ended with “Fuwa-chan” written.

Fuwa-chan made an inappropriate post about Yasuko on X, which was deleted immediately, but it rapidly spread online, igniting a firestorm. Although Fuwa-chan apologized directly to Yasuko, the situation did not calm down, and her regular programs were consecutively canceled. The commercial for Google Pixel, in which she appeared, has been made private, and there is a possibility of being charged a penalty.

“The verbal abuse towards the individual is simply overwhelming. Both Fuwa-chan and Yasuko probably never expected it to escalate to this extent. This highlights the terrifying nature of the social media era.”

The reporter from the sports newspaper’s entertainment section said.

Fuwa-chan’s side has been trying various methods to extinguish the fire. On August 8, she provided a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the abuse on X, but did not gain public understanding.

“Clinging on desperately”

“The problem is not the circumstances but the thought process”

These responses led to further backlash.

“The Fuwa-chan side worked with Yasuko’s side to resolve the issue until the end, but with no resolution in sight, it seems they decided that ‘the only option is to step back’” (according to the sports newspaper reporter).

Amid this, the professional wrestling industry is a potential source of support for Fuwa-chan.

Fuwa-chan made her professional wrestling debut with the popular women’s wrestling organization Stardom in October 2022 as part of a segment on the Nippon TV program “Gyoretsu no Dekiru Sodanjo.”

At the time, the sudden announcement led to mixed reactions from wrestling fans, but Fuwa-chan diligently trained for six months, focusing mainly on receiving techniques.

“Although Fuwa-chan is known for her casual speech, she used formal language during wrestling training. She took notes on advice from senior wrestlers and repeatedly reviewed videos of her practice sessions.

She meticulously watched match footage from Stardom, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and All Japan Pro-Wrestling, taking notes on anything that caught her attention. Although the project began as a TV show, Fuwa-chan dedicated herself fully to it until the end” (according to a source in the wrestling industry).

On the debut day of October 23, close friend Rino Sashihara and pro wrestling enthusiast Teppei Arita came to support. Arita was moved to tears by Fuwa-chan’s appearance, having “made the match work” with just a few months of special training, and senior wrestler Hazuki, who provided guidance, 

“A bundle of talent”

She commented. 

“Afterwards, Fuwa-chan continued to participate in Stardom. On April 23 of last year, she had her second match since debut. Although she lost, she showcased her high potential, and Stardom owner Takaaki Kidani sent a love call, saying, ‘She has talent. I want to see her in a third match.’

Wrestling fans could see how much she had trained by watching her performance. Even those who had criticized her eventually recognized her abilities” (according to the previously mentioned wrestling industry source).

Fuwa-chan left her mark on the wrestling industry. Although she has faced harsh criticism due to the Yasuko incident, in the wrestling world, it is possible to turn things around, such as by taking on a “heel role.”

“Wrestling fans are generally warm-hearted once they recognize someone. She might have failed in the entertainment industry, but that’s one thing, and this is another. It’s okay for her to restart as a female pro wrestler” (according to a male Stardom fan in his 40s).

Polite and hard-working—those familiar with Fuwa-chan’s unexpected side in the wrestling industry are said to be pained by the current uproar.