NJPW President Takami Ohbari attempted to clarify questions on cheering guidelines for New Japan events.
During a press conference on Wednesday night, Ohbari said that starting on January 4 at Wrestle Kingdom 17, fans will be able to vocally show their support for the performers – but with restrictions.
Ohbari explained,
“An important distinction is that rules concerning ‘no “loud voice” cheering’ have not changed at events. However, the definition of cheering has been allowed to change after our consultations to allow an in principle, and effective return to cheering. Current government rulings state that long singing, rally songs etc are not allowed. However, counting with a referee, cheering with a catchphrase like 1,2,3 daa, or chanting for wrestlers is allowed under our guidelines. As rally songs are disallowed, so are chants that might be longer than, for example, the chorus of a song. Singing to the length of a wrestler’s entrance would be disallowed. But with chants pre pandemic lasting an average of 10-20 seconds, this is not a significant issue.”
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