MOTW 145: Taichi vs Yuto Ice
"M.O.T.W. #145: Taichi vs. Yuto Ice" - ink & digital illustration
Today brings us to the 145th edition of our Chris Things Art 'Match of the Week' illustration series! And this week we have a shockingly current one as we get set for 2026 G1 season!
This delightfully fresh (yet also kind of a throwback) G1 qualifier match took place on June 26th of this year - the main event of New Japan Pro Wrestling's 'Road To #G1Climax 36' event at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo.
So it's that time of year again & I can't tell you the last time I felt this excited for the G1! And matches like this are exactly why. With more intriguing top-level next generation talents than I can recall in the longest time, I think we are on the cusp of a very exciting period for New Japan & I'm here for it!
I really enjoyed this one for multiple reasons. Firstly, as a big-time Taichi fan, I thought this was just such a wonderfully heartfelt, bittersweet showcase of someone who can still go with the best of them & also bring others up to a whole new level. I was quite sad that Taichi misses out on a 2026 G1, but also loved this great moment in the sun in & of itself. Yuto Ice has also got to be one of the most exciting young talents in all of New Japan right now. So I couldn't think of anyone better to be passing that baton to.
While feeling super fresh in the wake of a lot of New Japan that I honestly did not enjoy much in recent times, this also felt like something of a throwback to the New Japan of the late 90s & early 2000s that I had a lot of love for. Stiff strikes, lots of emotion & heart, hot crowd & a heck of a lot of "Fighting Spirit"! This is the New Japan I hope we see more of into the future.
The emotional post-match scene I think was my favourite of the lot. This made me feel something & I think that is what Pro Wrestling is all about. A beautiful moment.
Highly recommended!
ENJOY!!
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