What originally started as an endeavor to take world-class professional wrestling to the provinces and, in turn, highlight the attractions of the host towns, has taken on an added mission this year as the event aims to raise funds in support of Ukraine. The host town of Tako in rural Chiba, has been famed since ancient times for the exceptional quality of its rice. It was selected as offerings to the Tokugawa Shogunate. This year, Tako will not only play host to the famous team of wrestlers, but will partner with the federation’s broad range of initiatives in aid of Ukraine, including donations and a collections campaign aimed earmarked to support refugees now living in Japan, as well as the many who remain internally displaced in Ukraine.

The Great Sasuke, along with his team of popular wrestlers, has taken up many causes for children and peace. These include a very successful recent campaign in partnership with Canada’s ‘Bullying Ends Here’ for the prevention of bullying, and multiple appearances across Japan for social and educational causes.