MOTW 157: Mr. Danger Mitsuhiro Matsunaga vs Mr Pogo

"M.O.T.W. #157: Mr. Danger Mitsuhiro Matsunaga vs. Mr. Pogo (High-Heat Glass & Fire Coffin Cremation Deathmatch)" - ink & digital illustration

Today brings us to the 157th of our Chris Things Art 'Match of the Week' illustration series. And this week we travel back to the blossoming Japanese #DeathmatchWrestling scene of 1998 for an absolutely ridiculous display of insanity.

This "has to be seen to be believed" 'High-Heat Glass & Fire Coffin Cremation Deathmatch' took place as the final of the tournament to crown the first ever BJW Deathmatch Heavyweight Champion on August 9th, 1998 at Day 8 of Big Japan Wrestling's Martial Arts Declaration ~Toushi~ tour; the main event of an outdoor show at 'JR Shin-Kawasaki Kokura Bridge Lower Space' in Kawasaki, Kangawa, Japan.

Okay so I watched a lot of great wrestling this week (including some absolutely fantastic stuff from the current NOAH N-1 Tournament that I'd highly recommend) but this one took the cake. I came across it thanks to the wonderfully talented Japanese photographer, @holeofmole's beautiful photography of a rematch of this one that took place just a few weeks later in Osaka (which is absolutely insane!). I sadly couldn't find any footage of the Osaka match in question but this one was magical enough that I was still more than satisfied.

As someone who's watched a fair whack of wrasslin' in my day, it takes a lot to surprise me, but I've never seen anything quite like this! The insane intensity & passion of this one really wowed me.

The overall atmosphere of this grungy 90s early Big Japan outdoor show really set the scene. And my gosh, once that fire got going, this just went to another planet! The visual of someone being put in a coffin & lit on fire is not something you see every day. Nor is someone attacking their opponent with a flaming sickle. Or perhaps one of the greatest high spots I've ever witnessed; a literal flaming lariat!

This was true insanity & I loved every moment of it!

ENJOY!!

Fancy, high quality art prints are now available to purchase for as little as 25 clams, FREE worldwide postage!

HQ Basic Art Prints: Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. (Printing & delivery arranged by Printful).

'Premium' Art Prints: Voluptuously extra thick, textured & hand-signed! Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you!

Pre-Framed Art Prints (HQ Basic): For those who don't want to worry about the hassles of framing! Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick, light-weight wooden frame from renewable forests. (Printing, framing & delivery arranged by Printful).

Pre-Framed Art Prints (Premium): Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Black or Oak-finish frame (Medium-density fibreboard) w/ double-mat border. 8 x 8" print size / 10 x 10" total frame size. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you!

Original Pen Illustration: The one & only original black & white pen sketch (pictured) that spawned this illustration can be yours & yours alone! Hand-drawn on thick, slightly textured, recycled stock (7 x 4.75") - straight out of my little sketch book.. I'll also include a bonus 6x6" full-colour premium print of the illustration in question for you. Available until it's not!

Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you require a different size - all prints made to order.