Summary

Hiroshi Tanahashi has added a new media role after the end of his in-ring career, joining ABC TV's evening news program *Okaeri* as a cast member.

Tanahashi is set to appear on the show every other Friday, where he will help break down daily news and broader social issues for viewers in Japan.

Tanahashi's new role on Okaeri

The announcement gives one of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's most recognizable modern stars a regular platform outside wrestling. Tanahashi is not just making a one-off guest appearance, he is joining the program as part of its recurring cast.

That move comes not long after Tanahashi closed the book on his wrestling career at Wrestle Kingdom 20, where Kazuchika Okada defeated him in his final match.

What Okaeri means for Hiroshi Tanahashi

Tanahashi taking on a standing role with *Okaeri* keeps him visible to a broad audience even after retirement, which matters for a figure who spent years as one of NJPW's defining faces. It also shows his post-ring career is already expanding beyond ceremonial appearances and wrestling headlines.

For NJPW, that kind of mainstream visibility can still reflect well on the promotion's public profile, especially at a time when names from the company continue to stay in the conversation, including Konosuke Takeshita joining the New Japan Cup final show.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.