Popular female professional wrestler Saya Kamitani, known as the "Reiwa Evil Queen," released her first autobiography, "The Story of How I, an Idol and Underachiever, Came to the Center of the Pro Wrestling World" (KADOKAWA), on February 20th. Not only has she been successful in professional wrestling, but she has also gained popularity through her appearances on the live morning show "Lavvit!" (TBS), so we spoke to her about what she wanted to convey in her autobiography.
◇ "I hope it gives even a little courage" - Thoughts on the autobiography
Kamitani is the first woman to win the MVP award at the 2025 Tokyo Sports Pro Wrestling Awards, and also won the Women's Pro Wrestling Grand Prize. In her autobiography, she reveals for the first time the details of her childhood, her student days, her time as a support dancer and idol, and how she was led into the world of pro wrestling.
Around May of last year, she received an offer from the publishing company KADOKAWA, and decided to publish a book, saying, "I think many people have only found out about Saya-sama since I started appearing in the media, so I wanted them to know what kind of life I have lived from childhood to the present, and then watch professional wrestling."
"I was aiming to become an idol, but it didn't work out and I've lived a lot of different lives. I hope that people who feel like life isn't going the way they want it to, that it's not fun, will read this book and be given a little courage. I also think that there are people who have had similar experiences to mine, failing auditions over and over again. This book will help people realize that just because they failed an audition doesn't mean it's the end," she said.
◇Her cute face, hard to believe she's a heel, is a hot topic
Although he is a heel wrestler, he has attracted attention from viewers for his appearance that is hard to believe is a heel, such as when he talks about his passion for professional wrestling and sheds tears on television, and when he shows innocent excitement and the cute smile he occasionally flashes.
"My first TV appearance after becoming a heel was on 'Chidori no Oni Renchan'. I didn't go on the show with the intention of showing my cute side, but rather the repeated 300-meter sprint was really tough (laughs). It was so tough that I ended up crying and letting my inner self come out. But I was simply happy that the viewers recognized me as 'cute'."
"I wasn't confident in my natural self before, so I was happy to hear that someone loved me for who I am. I feel so blessed to know that someone can love me even as I am."
Kamitani, who also has a girly side, also reveals her longing for romance.
"I'm usually a shut-in, so I don't go out of the house. I fight with people in pro wrestling, so I want to live a peaceful life in my private life. I'd like someone who would let me rely on them (laughs). If something hurts, they'll ask, 'Are you okay?' and stroke me. I'd be happy to meet a kind person who'll say things like, 'Go away, pain, pain!'" she said, blushing as she talked about her ideal type.
Despite being such a lovely person, Kamitani's current dream is to hold an event at the Tokyo Dome with the women's professional wrestling organization she belongs to, STARDOM.
"I want to recreate the heyday of women's professional wrestling. I feel that the popularity of women's professional wrestling is on the rise, and I think the cheers and support are increasing. First, we have a show at Yokohama Arena on April 26th, so I want to achieve my target of 10,000 people and then work hard towards the Tokyo Dome," she said, her eyes shining.
