Newly-appointed NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi took part in his first press conference since taking on the role and discussed several topics, including his new role, future goals for the company moving forward and more.

Highlights from the press conference are below:

On his new role as NJPW President: “I always carried a dream and ambition to be President, as well as an active wrestler, I’m happy to be able to make that happen, and I’m grateful for all the kind words of support that I’ve gotten since my appointment. That’s also given me a lot of expectations that I have to live up to from here on out. I have some key goals that I would like to meet in my time as the President, first of all, I want to sell out the Tokyo Dome, this has always been the goal for me. For a wrestler to walk down the ramp, in front of a sold-out Tokyo Dome crowd is something to be proud of forever, and something that will live with you for the rest of your career, as well as something the fans themselves will carry with them for a long time to come.”

On his plans for NJPW events outside major cities: “I also plan on having more title matches outside of major cities. In the 2000’s, when I worked with our promotion and sales staff, the goal at first was to put 500 people in the buildings, and then 1,000 and then on and on. I feel that selling out the Tokyo Dome only becomes possible when the towns all around Japan are sold out as well. I want to unite all of Japan’s wrestling fans in their passion and carry that to the Tokyo Dome. I also want to further increase our work with sponsors. Our sponsors are the best tag partners that we have, and as an active wrestler as well as President, I’m in a completely unique position to strengthen that relationship. There is a lot that I want to do in this role, as well as a lot I know I still need to learn. I look forward to your support.”

On long-term and short-term goals: “It’s tough, but I think they key thing is to consider how the fans want to experience NJPW. I remember as a fan going to shows, and having dinner, or sitting with a couple of beers after, just wanting to talk about the show I’d seen and how exciting things were. Those conversations are some of my favorite memories, so I think they key is how we create those memories and how we have fans leaving the buildings happy.”

The full transcription from the press conference is available at this link.