NJPW Women’s Belt History (Joshi Titles)

The Untold Story of Women’s Championships in NJPW and Joshi Wrestling

When fans think of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), they often picture legendary male champions such as Antonio Inoki, Shinsuke Nakamura, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Kazuchika Okada. For decades, NJPW built its reputation on its heavyweight, junior heavyweight, and tag team divisions. But women’s wrestling in Japan — often referred to as Joshi Puroresu — has a deeply influential history of its own. While NJPW itself traditionally focused on men’s divisions, the evolution of women’s belts tied to NJPW through collaborations and modern expansions has created a fascinating story that blends tradition, opportunity, and global recognition.

The history of women’s titles in relation to NJPW is both complex and inspiring. For collectors and fans, Joshi belts represent not only athletic achievement but also cultural shifts within Japanese wrestling. Fans who want to celebrate these legacies often explore high-quality replicas at WWFBelt.com, where authentic wrestling designs bring history into the hands of collectors.

Joshi Wrestling’s Rise in Japan

Before diving into NJPW’s connection with women’s belts, it’s essential to understand Joshi wrestling itself. Women’s wrestling in Japan has been thriving since the mid-20th century, with promotions like All Japan Women’s Pro Wrestling (AJW), GAEA Japan, and Stardom paving the way for female athletes. Unlike in some parts of the world where women’s wrestling was treated as a novelty, Joshi wrestling built its own empire, with stars such as Manami Toyota, Aja Kong, Bull Nakano, and Meiko Satomura becoming cultural icons.

The belts in these promotions carried immense prestige, with titles like the WWWA World Championship and the World of Stardom Championship being viewed as world-class prizes. Though NJPW initially stayed within men’s divisions, collaborations and co-promotions meant that Joshi stars occasionally appeared on NJPW cards, hinting at a future where women’s belts would be more directly connected to the company.

Early Collaborations Between NJPW and Women’s Promotions

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, NJPW sometimes partnered with women’s promotions to host interpromotional matches. While NJPW never established a dedicated women’s division during this era, its events exposed broader audiences to Joshi wrestling. These collaborations demonstrated the athleticism of women wrestlers and helped legitimize their championships.

Though not officially NJPW belts, titles defended during these crossovers gained additional recognition. Fans attending NJPW shows were introduced to the fierce style of Joshi wrestling, sparking long-term interest in women’s belts among NJPW’s fanbase.

Stardom’s Role in Expanding NJPW’s Reach

The biggest step toward fully integrating women’s championships into NJPW’s orbit came when Bushiroad, NJPW’s parent company, purchased World Wonder Ring Stardom in 2019. This acquisition created direct ties between NJPW and one of the most prominent Joshi promotions. Suddenly, NJPW had an opportunity to spotlight women’s belts on its grand stages.

Stardom brought its championship lineage — including the World of Stardom Championship (the “Red Belt”), the Wonder of Stardom Championship (the “White Belt”), and multiple tag and trios titles — into closer proximity with NJPW. While still separate promotions, crossover events and Tokyo Dome showcases introduced Joshi belts to NJPW’s audiences.

The IWGP Women’s Championship: A New Era

In 2022, NJPW announced the creation of the IWGP Women’s Championship, marking a historic shift. For the first time, NJPW had an official women’s belt under the IWGP banner. This move was designed to elevate women’s wrestling within NJPW and provide global exposure for Joshi stars.

Kairi (formerly Kairi Sane in WWE) became the inaugural IWGP Women’s Champion after defeating Mayu Iwatani. The belt immediately carried international prestige because it linked NJPW’s IWGP legacy with Stardom’s Joshi excellence. Its design echoed the grandeur of NJPW’s men’s titles while honoring the unique heritage of women’s wrestling.

The IWGP Women’s Championship now serves as a bridge between NJPW and Stardom, giving Joshi athletes the chance to shine on NJPW’s biggest platforms, including Wrestle Kingdom.

Impact of Joshi Belts on International Wrestling

Women’s belts tied to NJPW and Stardom have not only changed the landscape in Japan but also influenced global wrestling. Western fans who once viewed women’s wrestling as secondary discovered the incredible athleticism and storytelling of Joshi matches. Titles like the IWGP Women’s Championship and Stardom’s Red and White Belts became must-watch prizes for fans worldwide.

This global exposure has inspired promotions across North America and Europe to take women’s wrestling more seriously. The prestige of Joshi belts helped raise the profile of women wrestlers internationally, creating opportunities for stars like Io Shirai, Kairi, and Toni Storm to succeed in WWE and AEW.

Belt Design and Symbolism

The design of Joshi belts, especially the IWGP Women’s Championship, reflects both tradition and innovation. The IWGP Women’s Title features a bold centerpiece with golden wings, symbolizing strength and progress. Its aesthetic honors the legacy of NJPW while celebrating women’s unique contributions to wrestling.

Fans who admire these designs often seek replicas. At WWFBelt.com, collectors can explore premium-quality wrestling belts that pay tribute to the artistry of championship design, ensuring that fans can own a piece of wrestling history.

Memorable Matches for Joshi Titles in NJPW Context

Several matches have already made the IWGP Women’s Championship a must-watch prize. Kairi’s battles with Tam Nakano, Mayu Iwatani’s victories, and Mercedes Moné’s (formerly Sasha Banks) international appearances brought unprecedented attention to NJPW’s women’s division.

Each match added layers to the belt’s legacy, proving that women’s titles could stand alongside heavyweight championships in terms of importance and fan investment.

The Road Ahead for Women’s Belts in NJPW

The creation of the IWGP Women’s Championship is only the beginning. With NJPW’s global expansion and continued partnership with Stardom, women’s belts will likely become even more central to the company’s storytelling. Fans speculate about future tournaments, cross-promotional events, and international defenses that could elevate the championship even further.

The legacy of Joshi belts ensures that women’s wrestling will remain an essential part of Japan’s wrestling culture. As NJPW continues to embrace this evolution, the IWGP Women’s Championship and Stardom’s belts will grow in prestige.

FAQs About NJPW Women’s Belt History

When did NJPW introduce the IWGP Women’s Championship?
It was officially introduced in 2022, making it the first women’s belt under NJPW’s IWGP banner.

Who was the first IWGP Women’s Champion?
Kairi was crowned the inaugural champion after defeating Mayu Iwatani.

Does NJPW have a women’s division?
While NJPW itself doesn’t run a full women’s division, it partners with Stardom to feature women’s matches.

What is Joshi wrestling?
Joshi wrestling is the term for women’s professional wrestling in Japan, known for its intensity and innovation.

How is Stardom related to NJPW?
Both are owned by Bushiroad, which allows for crossover events and collaborations.

What are the main Stardom belts?
The World of Stardom (Red Belt) and Wonder of Stardom (White Belt) are the top singles titles.

Why is the IWGP Women’s Title important?
It represents NJPW’s commitment to spotlighting women’s wrestling on a global scale.

Have Joshi belts influenced international wrestling?
Yes, they inspired global promotions to take women’s wrestling more seriously.

Can fans buy replicas of NJPW women’s belts?
Yes, high-quality replicas are available at WWFBelt.com.

Will NJPW expand its women’s titles?
There is strong potential for more belts and events as NJPW continues international expansion.

Conclusion

The story of NJPW women’s belts reflects the evolution of Joshi wrestling and NJPW’s growing commitment to women’s wrestling. From Stardom’s iconic Red and White Belts to the IWGP Women’s Championship, these titles showcase athletic excellence and cultural significance.

For fans and collectors, Joshi belts symbolize both history and progress. Owning a replica from WWFBelt.com is more than collecting a belt — it’s preserving the legacy of women’s wrestling for generations to come.