Akira Nogami
Statistics
Ring name(s)	AKIRA
Height	180cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight	99 kg (218 lb)
Born	March 13, 1968
	Narashino, Chiba
Died
Resides	{{{resides}}}
Billed from	{{{billed}}}
Trained by
Debut	October 12, 1984
Retired	{{{retired}}}

Akira Nogami is a Japanese professional wrestler and actor who has wrestled for the New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. March 13 is the 72nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (73rd in leap years). ... 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1968 calendar). ... Narashino (習志野市; -shi) is a city located in Chiba, Japan. ... Chiba Prefecture (千葉県 Chiba-ken) is located in the Greater Tokyo Area of Honshu Island, Japan. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) is a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... New Japan Pro Wrestling (新日本プロレス, shin nihon puroresu) is a major professional wrestling federation in Japan, founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972. ...

Career

After graduating from high school in 1984, Akira Nogami was initated into the New Japan dojo. He debuted in December of that year against Keiji Mutoh, making him one of the youngest wrestlers in New Japan history. In 1990, he left on an overseas learning excursion to Europe and returned a year later. Akira scored a big win over Jushin Thunder Liger in 1991 to begin his one and only reign as IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion. After losing the title later that year, he graduated to the heavyweight division. 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) is a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Keiji Mutoh (武藤敬司 Mutō Keiji born December 23, 1962) is a Japanese professional wrestler who became famous in New Japan Pro Wrestling, and who now owns, operates, and competes in All Japan Pro Wrestling. ... This article is about the year. ... World map showing Europe Europe is conventionally considered one of the seven continents which, in this case, is more a cultural and political distinction than a physiogeographic one. ... Keichi Yamada (山田恵一) (born November 30, 1964), better known as Jushin Liger (獣神ライガー - Jûshin Raigâ) and later, Jushin Thunder Liger (獣神サンダーライガー - Jûshin Sandâ Raigâ) is a Japanese professional wrestler. ... 1991 (MCMXCI) is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

AKIRA using the Dragon Suplex

Nogami suffered a serious eye injury in 1998 and returned in February, 1999 wearing face paint, sporting blond hair, and calling himself AKIRA (a persona he had used occasionally in the past). From 2001 onward, he wrestled mainly in the junior division and engaged in some classic matches. After failing to reach a new contract agreement with New Japan in 2004, Nogami declared himself a freelancer and began competing only part-time. He currently has a successful acting career that consumes much of his time, but still appears on numerous events each year always bringing with him exceptional skill, speed, and charisma. 1998 (MCMXCVIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... February is the second month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... 2001: A Space Odyssey. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Finishing and signature moves

• Musasabi Press (Top rope splash)
• Dragon screw
• Dragon suplex hold

Rey Mysterio performing a Springboard Seated Senton on D-Von Dudley Aerial techniques are used in professional wrestling to show of the speed and agility of a wrestler. ... Much of the action in professional wrestling involves the application of techniques that involve lifting the opponent up and throwing or slamming him/her down. ... A Suplex is an offensive move used in wrestling, both in competitive sport wrestling, including Olympic and collegiate wrestling, and professional wrestling. ...

Championships and accomplishments

• 1-Time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion
• 1996 One Night Tag Team Tournament winner

The IWGP (International Wrestling Grand Prix) Junior Heavyweight Championship is the top singles title in New Japan Pro Wrestlings Junior Heavyweight division. ...

References

• Strong Style Spirit