#thank you for the scans... forgot to read these when you brought the zine over

[kopw]

transcriptions below the cut

CHRIS BROOKES

[ID: The cast of Baka Gaijin (Chris Brookes, Masa Takanashi, Takayuki Ueki, Drew Parker, MAO and a few others) doing their signature send-off with the audience after a show. /end ID]

"It was the best year I've ever had in terms of the quality of the matches in ring"

— Congrats on the 10th edition of Baka Gaijin and the first anniversary coming up on December 13th! Chris, when you reflect on the past year, filled with a victorious run in the KING OF DDT tournament and winning the KO-D OPENWEIGHT championship title, how do you feel about all that you've achieved?

Chris: It feels surreal, to be honest. Every professional wrestler sets themself a goal to make the next year better than the last, but at the start of this year I really didn't know if it would be possible. I had no momentum, and even lost in a tag match with Chiitan and I thought my stock in DDT as an important player was plummeting… I guess reaching that low point gave me the motivation to turn things around. Even though I won the King of DDT and turned things around somewhat, I dislocated my shoulder and Drew left and retired and it was more negative hurdles along the way. Finally, all in all though, when I reflect back on 2023 I think it was the best year I've ever had in terms of the quality of the matches in ring. I'm really proud of all the singles matches I had from the start of King of DDT to now.

— Right. You made it on to the cover of Weekly Pro-Wrestling and were chosen as one of the cover athletes for the wrestler's directory.

Chris: Being featured in Weekly Pro-Wrestling is nice. It tells me, despite our unusual setting of no ring, we must be doing something right.

— Additionally, with regular broadcasts on YouTube reaching overseas fans, how have fans from overseas been responding to the content?

Chris: Overseas fans respond pretty well to it, but really, it's not at all my target audience. The simplicity in which you can stream an event on YouTube to the world these days with just a smartphone is amazing, and it's a nice bonus to be able to reach that audience, but it's not my priority. If the YouTube account was suspended, or there was a sudden reason it wasn't viable I wouldn't really mind. It's not the point of a show like Baka Gaijin, I think. I think it's best experienced inside the venue, and those customers are the ones I'm prioritizing.

— Taking a trip down memory lane back to VOL. 1, what were your expectations for the situation a year later? Have there been any shifts in your mindset since then?

Chris: I don't think I really went into it with any expectations, which is maybe why it's successful. I think it's earnest and genuine, in that sense. We started these shows because we wanted to and thought it would be fun, and I think people look forward to it now still because it's always fun. The motivation wasn't money, or a wider/bigger goal. I still think about it that way now. If suddenly it wasn't fun, I would stop doing it.

— The regular roster has truly found its stride. What are your thoughts on each member individually—Masa Takanashi, MAO, Antonio Honda, Takayuki Ueki, Ram Kaichow, and Chie Koishikawa?

Chris: Masa is my best friend, and in my opinion one of the smartest and most interesting wrestlers in the world. MAO too, someone I am very close with, and I think he's the most creative young mind in professional wrestling, no one else can touch his creativity. Honda is so out of the box, anything he does is entertaining. I can tell him "please do something for 10 minutes" and he can just come up with something interesting, funny and unique every time. He's the most self-reliant member, I think. Ueki is funny, because we weren't particularly close prior to Baka Gaijin but he would always be around and help out on the first few shows and really found his place. I think he's critical to the flavour of the Baka Gaijin recipe now too. Ram will probably resent being called a part of the regular crew, I still don't know if she actually enjoys doing the shows or just feels obliged to be here, but I think she suits the style of it perfectly and is very entertaining. Chie can do anything, too, and is the member of the team that always goes 150% into everything she does. I think the shows wouldn't be the same without her.

"MAO is a little busy right now with the Sauna Kamiina but I wonder if he'll find his way there one day too."

— SCHADENFREUDE International was formed with familiar faces from Baka Gaijin, correct?

Chris: Well I guess you could put it that way. MAO is a little busy right now with the Sauna Kamiina but I wonder if he'll find his way there one day too. Ueki, Chie, Ram, etc. would all be welcome guests. I think Kiso Daisuke is also a member of SCHADENFREUDE International.

— Reflecting on the past year, is there a particular scene from Baka Gaijin that stands out the most in your memory?

Chris: It would be impossible to pick just one, but selfishly I really loved the match I had with Maya Yukihi there. I think there's been so many, which is why it's so fun. When I look back over the shows I'm constantly reminded of events, costumes or scenes that I'd almost forgotten about. I think that is its charm. It's a completely unique, strange, weird variety show every time and there'll always be something memorable and different.

— What are your thoughts and expectations for the future?

Chris: Continue living with no expectations and the only goal being to have everyone leaving saying "that was the most fun I've had!". If we can do that, we're doing something right.

ANTONIO HONDA

[ID: Hagane Shinno rolling up Antonio Honda. They are both wearing bee costumes. /end ID]

"I want everyone to come to Daisetz's live shows and cheer loudly."

Yeah, it's crazy, isn't it? Baka Gaijin's first anniversary has come so quickly. It feels like we just started this thing not too long ago. It's a blast because there are so many friends involved in Baka Gaijin, you know? Even though Drew Parker left, Chris Brookes still seems to be having a great time and that's awesome.

At first, I thought it was going to be a one-off. When they announced the second one I was like "Oh, it's going to continue." and the pace of these shows is surprisingly fast, I believe the intimate atmosphere of Baka Gaijin + Friends is something the audience enjoys. If the wrestlers are having fun, it shows and the audience is having a good time too. It's cool that even though the show is produced by Chris, he's not always in the spotlight. The ideas are interesting. Just being in the venue and seeing HARASHIMA and Kazusada Higuchi is enough to entertain the audience. Chris, originally a fan of Japanese indie pro wrestling, is now creating a great form of indie pro wrestling in Japan. I'm grateful to be a part of so many fantastic shows. And it feels like I'm there every time, even though I'm not physically there.

The most memorable moment for me was when Yoshihiko shadow turned out to be El Phantasmo from New Japan Pro-Wrestling. His moves were too painful! I landed face first on the floor and it took about two weeks for the pain to subside. So that match left a lasting impression, or rather lasting damage. It's definitely memorable. Talking about other wrestlers' matches, the one between Hagane Shinno and Maya Yukihi was incredible. To do that much on the mat is extraordinary. I thought "Hagane should be more famous!" He's really an amazing wrestler. Hagane isn't pushy and does not say "me, me" all the time. This makes him almost too angelic for the pro wrestling industry. But he puts on fantastic matches even in Gatoh Move, so I hope more people get to see him and appreciate him. And after watching Hagane's matches, I want everyone to come to Daisetz's live shows and cheer loudly.

"What we do in Baka Gaijin has a flavour of the more chaotic DDT of the past."

Chris is currently in DDT and I really think he's a perfect fit for DDT. What we do in Baka Gaijin has a flavour of the more chaotic DDT of the past. So what Chris wants to do in pro wrestling is a good fit for DDT and I think he's really happy to be in Japan doing what he loves.

I'd like to continue exploring peaceful deathmatch styles in the future. Ultimately, these quirky matches, such as the wasabi cream one, aren't as enjoyable unless the audience is close. They don't translate well to larger venues like Korakuen Hall. The interesting thing is the distance at which the wasabi hits the audience. In my case, since I can't do flashy moves like other wrestlers, it's easier for me when there's something unique happening in the match. While small venues like ChocoPro have a certain charm, Baka Gaijin has a different vibe. Maybe it's the alcohol? That's probably what makes it great. The friendly atmosphere and the alcohol break down barriers with the wrestlers, creating a sense of unity. And there's a desire to wrestle people you can only wrestle in that venue. So, I'd like to wrestle anyone I haven't wrestled before… as long as it isn't Phantasmo.

With the previous faction, I often took the initiative without being asked, but SCHADENFREUDE International, formed with friends from Baka Gaijin, was different. It was the first time I was invited to join. The last time I joined a unit was Happy Motel. It was surprising. In the process of promoting wrestlers like Takeshi Masada and Chris, I sometimes wonder if my presence in the faction might be a hindrance. Is the company getting anything out of it? But I'll do my best not to hold the faction back.

Takayuki Ueki who I met in Baka Gaijin, is incredibly talented. It was shocking. Everyone is fantastic. I look forward to more in the future. Finally, to all the fans, I'd love it if you'd take cheki photos with me from time to time.

[ID: Hagane Shinno and Antonio Honda looking into the camera for a photo, still wearing their bee costumes. /end ID]

MAO

[ID: The background is a two-page spread of MAO blowing smoke out of his mouth. He is dressed like Chris Brookes. /end ID]

"Don't worry, I want to protect this place."

Initially, Chris Brookes had discussed with DDT the idea of producing a show, but I remember it was quite a challenge. Just between you and me, DDT is afraid of any individual having too much power. Well, that could be the result of seeing the fate of many organisations that have disappeared over the last 25 years. DDT has grown considerably and the organisation seems to be well run, so there seems to be some logic to it. Just between us, the permission for the show was granted with the condition of "limited to small venues", and that's how Baka Gaijin started at ARENA Shimo-Kitazawa. Ever since VOL. 1, tickets have sold out within seconds for every event, and now it's already the 1st Anniversary. The momentum isn't slowing down, it's actually growing. Soon DDT might take notice! These days I have such positive concerns. Don't worry, I want to protect this place.

Looking back, I'll never forget the days before VOL. 1. Suddenly I received two red horns from the cheerful Chris. Even when life asked, "What's that?" the answer was simply, "Good luck." thought, "Oh, that means I should do Power-chan, huh?" Come to think of it, Chris had been humming "KICK BACK" a lot around then… From here my unique participation began, with 6 out of 7 times not in my own costume, the "Baka Gaijin MAO" was born.

Since I found the answer in VOL. 1, the costumes were placed there when entering the venue from the next time on. I had to discover the meaning, put on the right costume and behave correctly within about three hours, from the time I entered to the time of the match. When it was a mysterious pompadour wig and Indian-style costume, it turned out to be Baliyan Akki. Chie Koishikawa's costume was collected by running around the streets of Shimo-Kitazawa by myself, and Mecha Mummy… firecrackers?!… and so on. Thanks for the fun show, where I can fully express myself every time.

As long as Chris and MAO, the two creative giants, are around, it promises to be an interesting place. However, in terms of what makes Baka Gaijin what it is, I think we value the 'band scene' vibe. If you go back to Chris's CCK, the original SCHADENFREUDE and the activities in ATTACK!, I think it goes back to that. The indie scene in the UK wasn't that cool. Young people didn't seem very interested. Chris and Kid Lykos brought the 'band scene' vibe, bringing a new wind that attracted girls and young people to live events. Chris has since been successful in producing shows and running organisations. The coolness of Baka Gaijin is due to Chris. I fully agree with this 'band scene' vibe and I want to continue to follow it. But doing a lot of shows in a completely different culture, with a mindset like the UK, is frankly crazy. But it works well, so it's amazing. I love crazy people, so I'll do whatever the producer says.

"I want to try different martial arts or kickboxing fights next."

The adaptability of Gatoh Move's wrestlers in a small space is always surprising. They make full use of their unique background, and I can suddenly feel the difference in instances like tag matches! Mei Suruga is often called a genius, but from my point of view, Chie is also a genius. Whether she is on the opposing side or the same side in a match, I feel a mysterious sense of calm… well, she is pretty crazy too, haha.

After flying in front of 30,000 people at the Tokyo Dome, two weeks later I cosplayed as Akki and flew from the bar in front of 60 people. I was really surprised by wide range of experiences in my wrestling life. When I jumped while dressed as Akki, my opponent dodged and I self-destructed, and I couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Baka Gaijin has been a platform where I've been able to try out a lot of things I've always wanted to do but never quite had the courage to do in the ring. Every show, there's something new lyrics want to try, and I expect that trend to continue. Maybe I want to try different martial arts or kickboxing fights next. It's great because the venue is small. Speaking of which, I just remembered the existence of the All Japan Hardcore Judo Federation that Takayuki Ueki and I started, hahaha. I love you all, baby.

MASA TAKANASHI

[ID: Masa Takanashi staring down Chie Koishikawa, who is dressed like him. /end ID]

"The foundation of Baka Gaijin is rooted in those SCHADENFREUDE shows."

As a producer, Chris Brookes embodies the feelings of a pro-wrestling fan. He makes it a priority to create cards that he would personally enjoy, sometimes even getting into the ring for the opening match. He usually enjoys the main event from the steps, beer in hand. Like many producers, Chris tends to build the cards around the matches he wants to see, but I think Chris has a distinctive image in his mind. In that respect, This makes him a unique producer. I felt this very much during my trip with Chris in the UK. The foundation of Baka Gaijin is rooted in those SCHADENFREUDE shows.

Every match in Baka Gaijin has left a lasting impression on me, but the Lingerie Muto vs. Inoue match was especially remarkable. Having this match happen at around the same time as Keiji Muto's retirement match led to a development I had never imagined. Another memorable match was Antonio Honda vs. Yoshihiko. Such unique events are only possible in Baka Gaijin. The playful spirit of Chris as a pro-wrestling fan, combined with the complicity of the fans, creates this unique atmosphere in Baka Gaijin. I think the original strength of Baka Gaijin is that this can happen because of the intimate size of the venue.

"In terms of CDK I hope to face Shutendoji one day. I'm sure the post-match drinking session would be fantastic."

I see SCHADENFREUDE International as an entity that Chris has created as an opportunity for his Baka Gaijin comrades. Neither Anton nor I are regular DDT participants at the moment, and Takeshi Masada is a University student, so he can't attend every event. Chris has given these members a chance to show their presence in DDT. He is fulfilling his dreams and looking forward to the next stage. I will also work towards achieving what Chris has in mind.

In terms of CDK, I hope to face Shutendoji one day. I'm sure the post-match drinking session would be fantastic. Also, the team of Shunma Katsumata and MAO at Baka Gaijin. It would be a different kind of match. What kind of match will it be? What equipment will MAO wear? How drunk will Katsumata be after the show? I can't help but imagine various scenarios.

Thanks to everyone, Baka Gaijin has reached its first anniversary. Next year will be the fifth anniversary of CDK. I hope we can continue to enjoy the present together.

[ID: To the right of the text column there are two more images. One shows Masa Takanashi in front of the crowd. The other shows Masa forcing Kazusada Higuchi to drink beer. /end ID]

TAKAYUKI UEKI

[ID: Takayuki Ueki sensually touching his body, surrounded by fans. /end ID]

"Originally I had no plans to be a part of Baka Gaijin."

At first, I wondered if Chris Brookes and Drew Parker producing shows in Japan would be OK, thinking it might end up being a shitshow. But it's incredible because Baka Gaijin has become so popular—tickets sell out instantly and the venues are packed. Chris has a remarkable charisma, both he and Drew are interesting, and people naturally gather around interesting people. So, the 10th anniversary…? No, the 1st anniversary! I've been wrestling for 10 years though, haha! Originally, I had no plans to be a part of Baka Gaijin, but since Drew and I were friends, I asked if I could come. Then Chris asked me, "How about Ueki DJing?" At that moment thought, "These guys are true to their name, Baka Gaijin!"

On VOL. 2 I did a comedy show by myself and I've always wanted to do that somewhere. So, based on my life experiences, l did a performance called "Jugemu." The impressions that I performed during that show were thanks to the influence of Hideyoshi Kamiya, who raised me. Oh, I haven't talked at all about the first anniversary of Baka Gaijin!

A memorable moment in Baka Gaijin was the fight between Masashi Takeda and Death Worm. It was something unimaginable anywhere else! Chris made it happen and it was exciting to see two wrestlers with different world views face each other. I got too excited, went into the match before I came back to wrestling after an injury, got hurt and bled in a place no one could see. The match l had with Chris in Baka Gaijin was the first time we really faced each other, I think. He had been at FREEDOMS once before, but I wasn't on the card. Facing him was fresh… as Mad Doctor Ueki no less. After all, the Doctor wants to conquer not only Shimokitazawa, but the world. It seems like it will take a long time to achieve that…

I probably first met Chris when I was a young wrestler in Big Japan Pro Wrestling. I didn't think much at the time, just like "Oh, a handsome foreign wrestler is here". I vaguely remember meeting him, possibly through my good relationship with Shinya Ishikawa. I saw Chris again during Fight Club PRO, and when I saw his match where he put drool in his opponent's ears, I thought, "There's a dangerous guy like that!? His ideas are just incredible, and he does things like deathmatches. Chris probably only saw me as a deathmatch wrestler. Normally, when you're born good-looking like Chris, you want to do cool moves, right? You want to be popular! I think if I was cool I would have done a lot of flashy moves and tried to be popular haha.

MAO is also really amazing. How he is able to maintain his core as MAO while doing different things is impressive. I got into the pro wrestling industry because I love death matches, but I've always wanted to do something like Tiger Mask in pro wrestling. Seeing MAO's changes up close makes me want to do something other than deathmatches. It's cool and awesome and I admire it. Especially from VOL. 1, MAO made a strong impression. The match between Power Chan of Chainsaw Man and Deathworm. "You can do anything you want!" This match created an atmosphere where everyone could be free. This unique world view is not easy to find. At least, in the organisations I'm in, the taste of Baka Gaijin is missing. I really love the pop and core feeling that is unique.

"A guy from the sound staff wrestling in a singles match against Chris is a dream story!"

Originally, the comedy show I did on VOL. 2 was supposed to be a duo comedy show. MAO was supposed to be my partner. But if I remember correctly, he went abroad. So one day, even if MAO isn't my partner, I'd like to do comedy performed by a duo. In VOL. 10, Chris and Munetatsu Nakamura will be wrestling. He also grew into his role from the sound staff! Yes! He's on the same path as me! So I feel like I want to team up with him. It might be interesting to play our entrance music and enter from the bar counter. A guy from the sound staff wrestling in a singles match against Chris is a dream story! So, I want to team up with Nakamura and wrestle. As for the Mad Doctor… I don't know what to say! Maybe the Doctor will modify Nakamura to achieve world domination. Then Nakamura could become… Mechamura…!? If producer Chris turns into a robot… He seems like he could lead a rebellion with all the mechas I've created so far! We could have Doctor vs. 100 Mechas! A Mecha Rumble!? It won't fit in ARENA!

Well, in the future, I hope Baka Gaijin and friends can continue to create a unique atmosphere both on and off the mat. Whether as a wrestler, sound staff or comedian, I'd love to be involved. If I touched someone else's chest hair I'd probably scream, but the Baka Gaijin audience loved it. Truly, Baka Gaijin has flourished because such foolish people have gathered. So let's keep doing Baka things together!

[ID: Baliyan Akki attempting to put Takayuki Ueki into a submission hold. /end ID]

BAKA GAIJIN VOLUME 9 ZINE INTERVIEWS

in order: chris brookes, antonio honda, mao, masa takanashi, takayuki ueki

hey guess who just discovered his shit printer can scan! sorry these are a little wonky, it was not easy to fold the zine so i could scan them. the interviews are both in japanese and english, but it was a pain in the ass to scan so i only scanned the english bits