NJPW continues to pay staff and talent during the pandemic in a recent report. This is despite canceling events up until the 4th of May. According to Dave Meltzer on the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, New Japan is still paying its staff their full salary. They are also receiving their full benefits.
This is despite an assumed cut in revenue due to money not coming in. This was from the shows via tickets and merch sales. They included the cancellation of the Anniversary Show alongside the Dontaku and Best of Super Junior tours.
After all of the news concerning various promotions, New Japan has made its priority clear. Their priority is the health of its employees and fans.
NJPW Continues To Pay Staff and Talent During Pandemic
In an open letter to fans on NJPW1972, president Harold Meij stated how seriously New Japan is taking the pandemic:
‘NJPW have been taking the ongoing global situation very seriously from an early stage. Currently over 90% of our employees are working from home as we continue to do our civic duty as a company to prevent the spread of COVID-19.’
ICYMI:
NJPW President Harold Meij's open letter on https://t.co/4nKDe7mWsP:https://t.co/UGoDdVym4Q pic.twitter.com/fQSAVqsBmb
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) April 14, 2020
Alongside this, NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi alongside other representatives from other promotions like Stardom, DDT, NOAH, Tokyo Joshi and many more met with government officials to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had one professional wrestling.
In this meeting, the representatives requested Coronovirus testing kits for wrestlers and staff. This, as well as support to helps, pay those impacted by canceled events.
ICYMI
Yesterday, with representatives from the pro-wrestling industry including Hiroshi Tanahashi for NJPW, Bushiroad's Takaaki Kidani presented a proposal to Japanese government minister Hiroshi Hase for support in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.https://t.co/mYQaevV52W#njpw pic.twitter.com/vfES26udzn— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) April 15, 2020
However, this is not a plea for wrestling to return. The ACE Hiroshi Tanahashi stated that he believed that it should be acceptable for wrestling to be the last sport to return. This should signal that ‘Japanese entertainment has returned.’
In a time of uncertainty, it is reassuring to hear the measures put into place by New Japan. They along with other wrestling promotions are being used to protect their wrestlers and staff. During what is a hard time for everyone, NJPW continues to pay staff and talent which should be applauded.
