During an interview with Proresu Today, Takaaki Kidani, the owner of Bushiroad, shared his take on Kazuchika Okada’s departure from NJPW.

Okada joined AEW earlier this year. He has since become the Continental Champion in AEW.

“Well, I can only say that I had no choice. As I have said many times, if I were in the same position, I would have done the same thing. So I can only say that it can’t be helped and that I wish them all the best, and I may sound like a customer, but all I can say is, please spread the word of Japan’s greatness to the world.”

He was also asked if he played a role in Okada’s success in Japan.

“Yes, but I don’t think so. It is a bit presumptuous to say that I raised him. I think that in the early days, there were some things like TV commercials to raise the profile of the company, but in reality, I think that Okada has grown up by his own ability. So I think it’s just a story of giving him a little support in the early days. Of course, he became what he is because he worked hard, but I think it was also due to the cooperation of those around him and good rivalry between them. If I had to add one more thing, it would be his wife (Suzuko Mimori).“