1st January 2025, The Budokan Rebellion. 

The Budokan, a venue deeply connected to the history of NOAH’s greats and sign of company prosperity, echoes with calls for a new Champion: OZAWA. His name reverberates around the arena, the shock carrying into the ring. The unthinkable happens as the crowd turn upon NOAH’s shining Ace, Kaito Kiyomiya, cheering as he is thoroughly destroyed by the Real Rebel. OZAWA’s rebellion has come to fruition. 

The Budokan Rebellion is more than the destruction of one man and the elevation of another. It is the culmination and synthesis of two parallel visions and the creation of a rivalry that has the potential to shape NOAH’s future. At its heart is the interplay of two exceptional talents who create an image of depth and complexity rarely achievable through the efforts of a single individual. Together, they are each more. 

They, and the story of this match, are the relationship between light and shadow. 

Kaito, the prince (light)

Kaito, as we know him now, is the blonde-haired, shining-silver Ace who has promised his heart and fight to the fans of Pro Wrestling NOAH. Time and time again he has battled to prove himself worthy of the company he loves, going from dark-haired and thick-eyebrowed rookie professing his admiration for Mitsuharu Misawa, to desperate golden boy seeking to learn from and overcome the legend of Keiji Muto. It has not been easy, not because Kaito is not up to the task, but because he has had to carry so much. His three GHC Heavyweight Championship reigns have steered NOAH through some challenging times, including outside threats and significant change in the company’s fortunes. He has been NOAH’s external representative, fighting (and even winning) in Dragongate, NJPW, and cross-promotional shows. Even as he approaches 30, Kaito is still NOAH’s young champion, waiting for the class of rookies that can catch up to him and championing a youth movement that has been hard to keep together. Despite being a product of the traditional dojo system, and tutored under old names, Kaito believes that change and youth are necessary if NOAH is to survive. This is the vision he leads with, promising fans his ‘galaxy view’. He shines in his enthusiasm for NOAH, for its fans, and a bright future together.

OZAWA, the trickster (shadow)

We barely know the man previously called Taishi Ozawa. As a NOAH-born rookie he was promising in a traditional mold. He was athletic, showed deference to his seniors, and showed the expected enthusiasm for one day overcoming them through his hard work. He had a seemingly successful excursion, returning to join his trainer, Kaito, in the ranks of All Rebellion. Four days after his return, Ozawa injured his left leg during training. Still, this appealed to be only a minor, though unfortunate, setback in a bright future. Even on crutches, without ever having wrestled a match for his new unit, Ozawa made the front of Weekly Pro Magazine. 

This is all background however. It was at Akitoshi Saito’s retirement show on 17th November that we first really met the man who now calls himself OZAWA. As he posed in the ring with Kaito and other members of All Rebellion, Ozawa took his crutch and attacked his unit leader from behind. He was joined by Team 2000X, a faction composed primarily of NOAH ‘outsiders’, determined to overturn NOAH’s focus on wrestlers like Kaito and Kenoh. The group is not short on ambition, taking the name of one of the most successful heel stables in Japan, Team 2000. The betrayal, followed up with a declaration of his hatred for Kaito Kiyomiya and the first in a series of revelations about Kaito’s private life, shows Ozawa to be a man fueled by bitterness and anger, willing to join a team who use trickery, distraction, and Yoshi Tatsu to achieve their aims. 

As a rookie, OZAWA made the statement that he would bring down those above him in NOAH. At the time, it seemed a spirited declaration that he would rise up the ranks. Now, perhaps it is clear he intends to drag them down instead. 

Except, it’s not that simple, is it?

The shades of grey

The exposé

A fracture in his foot does not stop OZAWA from attacking Kaito. In social media and his backstage comments, OZAWA begins a campaign to expose the ‘truth’ about living under Kaito’s regime of terror in the NOAH dojo, and about a private life that contradicts Kaito’s public image of purity and dedication. He makes his way through a series of Kaito’s failures and indiscretions, revealing each like a sensationalist exposé. He claims that Kaito is a harsh and violent dojo leader and the reason why young talents have not stayed with the company or risen through NOAH’s ranks. He shares pictures of Kaito smoking, drinking, and seemingly in the arms of several women. He talks of Kaito’s ‘at home’ girlfriend, there to comfort him after his losses and proof that Kaito is not doing ‘all for NOAH’ as he claims. He mocks Kiyomiya’s statements of commitment to NOAH fans and their dreams. He questions Kaito’s ‘rebellion’ and the youth movement that Kaito promised.  

OZAWA’s evidence is thin, his complaining loud. He is angry, not endearing exactly, though certainly hilarious. OZAWA’s attacks, though delivered in a jeering, almost trolling manner, touch on real and often complex issues – idol culture, fan expectations, hierarchy, NOAH’s recent lack of successful graduating rookies, the harshness of the dojo system. OZAWA’s testimonies and the way that they are delivered is both ridiculous and familiar. The harshness of the dojo system is real. The hierarchy that OZAWA describes is real. Unless there is a major tragedy, the toughness of dojo life remains unremarked upon or even valorised. It is not shocking, but perhaps it should be. Equally, the failure of idols to live up to their image is the basis of real scandal. OZAWA commenting that Kaito is finding comfort with his ‘at-home girlfriend’ is shocking in the context of Japanese wrestling and a broader idol culture, where romantic partners and family life are largely not mentioned. The reveal of a romantic partner for idol figures can be accompanied with cries of betrayal, as it breaks an expectation of idols being available and fully committed to working for their fans. The existence of a concealed partner for Kaito goes against his image and expectations to such an extent that Kenoh questions whether such a thing is even possible. 

In exposing Kaito’s place in possible scandals, OZAWA positions himself as a hero. Whatever his methods, isn’t it better that we know the truth? Some fans even applaud OZAWA for voicing their own frustrations, for offering reasons for why Kaito’s youth movement has not come to fruition, and for criticising Kaito and NOAH for presenting an unrealistic and bland image of its Ace. Is it not heroic for OZAWA, an injured party in all this, to speak out about the injustices of his training and the limitations imposed by Kaito on his own success? Surely it is OZAWA, not Kaito, that is shining a light on NOAH and presenting a future where young talents like him can grow. 

Exposing the falseness of Kaito’s pure and spotless image shone a light on OZAWA’s virtues and also dirtied the reputation of the NOAH Ace, though with an interesting outcome. Kaito has grown up in NOAH. His audience have seen him grow from awkward teenager to young prince. In many minds, he is still the youngest ever GHC champion, waiting to grow into his role. While that garners a great deal of affection, it also has limitations, with Kaito constantly seen as needing to mature. This new image of Kaito that OZAWA presented, a Kaito who drinks, who smokes, who fucks, is kind of…cool. 

As their title match draws near, Kaito starts to make light of some of OZAWA’s claims – in his backstage comments he invites new All Rebellion member Harutoki to a cabaret club, he posts a picture of himself smoking a cigar, and finally, he does even more. At Korakuen Hall, as OZAWA launches yet another attack on Kaito and his personal life, Kaito turns the tables, shouting to the whole of Korakuen Hall that of course he, a man who knows how to care and cherish people’s feelings, has a girlfriend! The crowd erupts in favour of Kaito, Kenoh’s face a perfect picture of shock and delight. Kaito just grew up. OZAWA is suddenly the traditionalist, suggesting the presence of a girlfriend would be some sort of restriction on Kaito’s capacity to be NOAH’s ace. Kaito is the rebel, declaring his romantic interests with a shout in the middle of Korakuen Hall. And the crowd love it; Kaito fucks. Far from tarnishing Kaito’s image, this makes the Ace a little more interesting, maybe even a little bit more like his hero Mitsuharu Misawa, whose capacity to enjoy a dirty joke was legendary.

The liar(s)

A central premise of OZAWA’s attacks on Kaito is that the Ace is a liar. The shallowness of Kaito’s character, his failure to deliver on his youth movement, the position of power he holds over others in the company – all are the result of Kaito’s duplicitous nature. Kaito cannot be trusted and he deserves to be brought down. 

Except OZAWA lies. Maybe. Probably. 

OZAWA was taken out of action reportedly by an injured left foot that left him on crutches. It is an injury that keeps him from competing in the ring, even when Kaito calls him out for a singles match. He points out to fans, aghast, that Kaito even attacked him, a defenceless and injured junior. Yet when it is convenient, he somehow manages to sprint halfway across Kira Messe Numazu to escape Kaito’s fury. Perhaps it is only adrenaline that fuels OZAWA’s ability to drop his crutch and perform a perfect dropkick on Kaito in Shinjuku FACE. Perhaps the whole injury, or at least its extent, has been a lie to provide OZAWA with the perfect stage. 

Somehow, it doesn’t really matter that OZAWA lies – he hasn’t ever suggested he is honest (or even sane), he’s getting results, and besides, his lies are very, very funny. A stain on Kaito’s bright reputation simply disappears into OZAWA’s darker persona. He even leans on his crutch as he walks to the ring on 1st January, a mockery of truth, because for OZAWA it doesn’t matter. 

Sympathy for the devil

Of course, OZAWA is kind of…crazy. Anime villain crazy. He tips his head to the side when staring into the camera, he poses with his tongue out, he licks his opponent’s faces. Like every good anime villain, he also has an origin story that is easy to empathise with. OZAWA has been broken down by the system, by the violence and cruelty of his trainer, forced to supress his personality and ambitions. Until now. 

Kaito too has a form of madness. OZAWA’s goading pushes him to an anger and impulsiveness we have rarely seen. He loses his composure, attacking OZAWA in Shinjuku FACE, in Kira Messe Numazu, in Korakuen, at the press conference. Afterwards he seems to rapidly return to his bright, smiling persona as the face of NOAH. Kaito’s madness is similarly relatable, at least for anyone with an annoying younger sibling who might find something recognisable in OZAWA’s tactics, but is it really fitting of a company Ace? And does it not seem a little similar to the tyrant Kaito OZAWA that is describing? 

OZAWA does not appear out of control. He is a perfectly level headed psychopath. He is transparent, almost predicatable in his madness. Kaito, on the other hand…

The proof

Once Kaito accepts that he will have to fight OZAWA on New Year’s Day, he holds on to one certainty: OZAWA’s posturing will mean nothing when they are in the ring together. Kaito, with years more experience, with his dedication, with the interests of NOAH’s fans in mind, will be victorious. This will be proof that he is in the right.

How wrong he was. 

And how arrogant. Kaito shows almost no humility in the face of OZAWA’s challenge. In the press conference ahead of 1st January, he notes that as his trainer he has seen OZAWA’s impressive physical abillities, but gives no credit to the possibility that these might be enough to end his reign. Kaito comes across as possessing the arrogance of an older generation, dismissing a young upstart, his commitment to the potential of NOAH’s youth temporarily suspended for his own interests. He moves between brightly discussing his fan-sourced move name and a dark mood as he dismisses OZAWA’s challenge. The press conference culminates with him violently attacking OZAWA and slamming him through a table. OZAWA has brought out the worst in him.

When the match finally comes, Kaito descends to the ring with pure white feathers, his robe with accents like angel wings. It is a fitting image given the vengeance he intends to wreck on the demon who was formerly his comrade. It also suggests a level of purity and virtue that Kaito has already shown to be false. The Kaito we had seen in recent weeks is a man of emotional outbursts, with more than a few cracks in his oh-so-bright public persona. OZAWA makes his way to the ring with a swagger that should be impossible for someone leaning so hard on a crutch. His dark clothing glitters with reflected light, too obvious a villain to really be true. 

As both men stand in the ring, Kaito’s expectation that this may be a moment of proof is realised, though not with the outcome he expects. With little hesitation, the crowd choose OZAWA as their champion, chants of his name spreading around the arena, matched quickly by the smirk spreading across OZAWA’s face. When they last shared a ring in Korakuen, it was Kaito’s name on the lips of the audience, cheering his declaration that he can cherish both his girlfriend and NOAH’s fans. Something has shifted; this is OZAWA’s crowd now.

OZAWA, as heels do, spends the first few minutes of the fight sliding away from Kaito’s reach. His escapes are met with laughter from the crowd, not condemnation. When Kaito finally grabs hold of him, it is grasping OZAWA’s hair from behind. It looks more akin to a playground fight than something worthy of the dignity of a Champion. Arguably, Kaito had no choice, but the crowd see it otherwise. The second, and greater shock, comes now; loud boos come from the audience. It is not universal – there are still audible cries for Kaito – but this is something new. Previously it has been clear that OZAWA had created an impression, even earned supporters, but it is one thing to enjoy someone’s performance and quite another to shout down their opponent. There are parts of this crowd who are not only for OZAWA, they are against Kaito. 

Kaito might hope to win them back but he has already made a misstep. Dismissing OZAWA’s physical abilities is a huge oversight, as OZAWA aptly demonstrates again and again. Beyond this, Kaito has also overlooked a crucial yet obvious detail: OZAWA is his trainee. There are few, if any, who might better understand Kaito’s moveset, his strengths and weaknesses, his preferences. OZAWA has had months, perhaps years, to hone his skills in a way that will counter the abilities of the man who he hates most. Since joining Team 2000X, OZAWA has made no secret of his hatred or his intentions: Kaito has simply chosen to ignore them.

Despite some of the crowd having already made their choice clear, this match is far from decided; Kaito is NOAH’s Ace for many reasons. Kaito rallies, earning applause as he gestures for All Rebellion to lead Team 2000X from ringside, mostly by their necks. Kaito’s faithful make their voices heard. Yet even now there is something that Kaito has failed to understand – earning a victory here will not be the proof of his righteousness, as he had hoped. Might is not right, at least in his case.

One year previously, Kaito had led a team against New Japan’s House of Torture in a twelve-man tag team elimination match. In the closing moments of that match, Kaito wins the victory for his team by landing a solid kick to the ring rope between EVIL’s legs and forcing him out of the ring. The technical low blow is met by cheers and delight from the crowd as Kaito confirms his position as NOAH’s hero, no matter that the method was not exactly heroic. Here, Kaito finds himself in nearly the same position, as he blocks a low blow from OZAWA. Kaito barely hesitates in spinning his opponent around, dropping to his knees and bringing the full force of his arm up between OZAWA’s legs. OZAWA crumples. The booing reaches a crescendo to match the earlier cheers of OZAWA’s name as Kaito, yet again, hits his Shining Lancer. It is only the dazed state of the referee that prevents Kaito from a victory fueled by the very methods he has condemned. The crowd make clear their displeasure. OZAWA may be the villain but in a choice between two villains, the crowd will choose the one who gives them transparency, who does not consider himself above their judgement.

Even with the crowd behind him, with few restrictions on his conduct, OZAWA does not win easily. But he wins. By Kiyomiya’s test, he has proven himself. Kaito ends his reign under the feet of the man he trained, his star dimmed. A new dawn is coming.

All the beauty of life

Thus shadow owes its birth to light.

John Gay

There is a strange irony in OZAWA’s victory: finally, Kaito’s youth movement is successful. For all OZAWA’s criticism of Kaito’s failure to realise his vision, he is the culmination of that vision, proof of its validity. No NOAH-born has been so rapidly successful, none have headlined the Budokan to cheers that overturn the existing order. Kaito’s light has produced a shadow that will follow him, even mimic his claims of rebellion, though in a different shade. OZAWA’s success was made by Kaito and he does not exist without reference to Kaito, yet. 

The Budokan Rebellion is one moment in time but the rebellion is ongoing. In the days leading up to the Budokan show, Kaito shared a definition of ‘rebellion’, perhaps prompted by OZAWA’s mockery of ‘All Rebellion’ as a group who clearly benefit from the status quo. Kaito’s chosen definition highlighted that as well as the opposition to authority and convention that OZAWA clearly represents, there is a definition of rebellion that is about building an alternative to existing systems. This, perhaps, is Kaito’s intended rebellion – building, rather than resisting. We have yet to see which definition will win out, but either way there will be a rebellion in NOAH. 

Through this match, Kaito has become a more compelling character – more than just NOAH’s golden child. He also has an interesting challenge in now figuring out how to reconcile the vision of his youth with the older man he is now. How will he come to terms with the fact that his youth revolution does not want him? OZAWA as Champion has to tackle the same issue that Kaito had – how to lead a rebellion from the front of a company. He has said little about NOAH or his future plans up until now, so how does he step out from being Kaito’s shadow? He has an enviable set of tools to work with – an ability to tap into a cultural mood, an exceptional understanding of heel work, seemingly effortless cool, impeccable comedy timing, athleticism, flair, and a ready-made rival who happens to be the Ace of the company. NOAH’s rebellion needs them both at their brightest and darkest and every shade in between. 

All images taken from noah.co.jp