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September 1, 2026The publication date of Irvin Muchnick’s PACHINKO MAN: The Life and Meaning of Pro Wrestling Legend Rikidōzan is January. But the first biography in English published in the West about the most famous celebrity in 1950s Japan can be pre-ordered from major online booksellers, as well as directly from the author. All ordering capabilities will soon be reflected at this website.
PACHINKO MAN is published by ECW Press, distributed by Simon & Schuster.
Those ordering directly from the author, for the retail price of $24.95, will receive autographed copies and free shipping to U.S. addresses. (Canadian orders, add US $10 for shipping. All other foreign orders, add US $20 for shipping.)
Adam Johnson, Pulitzer Prize winner for his novel The Orphan Master’s Son
”Important and long overdue contribution to the study of Japanese pop culture and Korean diaspora, and Irvin Muchnick is just the author to bring this amazing story to life.”
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Robert Whiting, author of The Chrysanthemum and the Bat and Tokyo Underworld
”Impressive, knowing biography of an iconic, legendary ring figure in Japan and Korea, and a primer on the world of professional wrestling at the same time — densely researched, rich in detail, brimming with fascinating facts, memorable tidbits and insights.”
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Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Newsletter
“Rikidōzan in many ways was the most influential pro wrestler in history. He was the architect and biggest star of Japanese wrestling, which in his day was culturally larger than pro wrestling has ever been anywhere in the world. He was a national hero and symbol in both Japan and North Korea at a level that unless you understood the cultures at the time, you simply couldn’t fathom…. Irv Muchnick explains the rise of the Rikidōzan phenomenon, through the double-crosses, mob ties, legendary television events and its most violent and real conclusion. If you are a fan of Japanese culture, or pro wrestling history, this is a book that’s a must read.”
