Breaking news via the socials from Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling, and it’s equally sad & surprising-their popular ring announcer, Sayuri Namba, is leaving the promotion this summer. Of course they’re billing it as “graduating” (so presumably it’s either a mutual decision or expiring contract that won’t be renewed but surely she’s leaving on good terms) but no further details have been revealed yet and she hasn’t posted anything yet on social media about it. Her final TJPW event will be 6/22 at Ryogoku KFC Hall in Tokyo and a special event before that will be held on 6/14 at Shin-Kiba 1st Ring. She has been with the promotion for almost 7 years as a ring announcer and also has been an MMA ring card girl and also an actress. Also no word yet on her future plans but, nonetheless, she will be greatly missed in TJPW.
More as it becomes available.,
UPDATE: DDT has posted an official news item and press conference transcript and Namba has posted on social media about it. She wants to live and work overseas, not necessarily in wrestling, and is planning to relocate to Canada this summer, possibly seeking work as a teacher and with perhaps the goal of eventually moving to the USA. The door to a return as a ring announcer or to TJPW will never be closed though.
