Hiromu leaves no stone uncovered
All it took was one request for fan questions to Hiromu Takahashi, and 134 individual requests flooded in for our session with the Time Bomb! Diligently going through every single one from the insightful to the bizarre, here are answers 68-134.
68) From ‘Hinachi’
Do you ever gamble? Ever bet on the boat races?
Hiromu: Nope, never! I haven’t so much as bought a lottery ticket. But I daydream about winning all the same!
69) From ‘Pekomi’
If you were born a woman, how different would your life be? Would you be a wrestler?
Hiromu: If I were a woman I’d get into acting. Horror movies. I’d be the girl that gets killed in the opening scene every time.
70) From ‘Usajiro san’
You’re only popular with women. I don’t get it. I can’t figure out how you and LIJ are popular with girls, I don’t see the appeal at all.
Hiromu: Well, well, a little thing called analytics shows that I have an 80:20 split male to female in social media, and a ton of fan mail from little kids, too. So sorry to burst your bubble!
71) From ‘Chomen Ramen’
What’s the craziest LIJ story that you have?
Hiromu: I can’t go public with the real crazy stuff!
72) From ‘Yayoi’
If you ever had a fan ask you to put a move on them, would you?
Hiromu: Depends on how they’d ask! If it’s just for play and nothing legit, I’m ok with it!
73) From ‘STRIPES’
I tend to get hung up on problems and can’t help but get caught in a spiral of worry at times. Any advice on breaking that cycle and being super positive? I love how you can change gears and keep that positivity.
Hiromu: A little secret: I don’t change gears! I keep thinking things out until I figure out a way!
74) From ‘M’
During your last match, you kept going after your injury. What was going through your head at that point?
Hiromu: All I was thinking was that win or lose, I wanted to walk to the back on my own two feet.
75) From ‘Mafuyu no Kokoro no Dakishimeru Kata’
I loved Hiromu Bomb! I can’t wait for another Hiromu stylebook. Any plans, or things you want to do for a sequel?
Hiromu: I want to go back to the wild! Take some shots buck naked in a jungle somewhere!
76) From ‘Victoria Kitty’
I’ve heard you sing happy birthday to yourself; you have a great voice! Are you sure you aren’t planning a recording career?
Hiromu: I’m seriously tone deaf! I just sing for fun!
77) From ‘Yukari’
Are you eco-conscious when you go shopping, and what’s one thing you absolutely have to have in your fridge at all times?
Hiromu: I always have my own shopping bag with me! As for the fridge, I get really antsy if I’m out of eggs!
78) From ‘Mama’
My 7 year old daughter wants to know if you like the character Kumamon?
Hiromu: I love Kumamon! Thanks for asking!
79) From ‘Haru’
What chapters are still unwritten in your life story?
Hiromu: Oh, I don’t know the details as far as that’s concerned. But I’m the type to make dreams come true.
80) From ‘Teru’
What restaurants or bars in Hachioji do you recommend?
Hiromu: Best way to spend a day in Hachioji for me- climb Mount Takao first thing in the morning, then soba noodles from the bottom of the mountain. Head up to Hachioji station where they have these great traditional snacks, then shopping on EuRoad. When the sun sets, go to ‘Hahaha’ for some food and drinks and head home!
81) From ‘Kumi’
What celebrity would you most like to meet?
Hiromu: I’ve been lucky enough to hang out with everyone in Maximum the hormone, and I’ve met Aska, so I just need to meet Chage to complete my celeb bucket list!
82) From ‘Uta’
I’d like to see you dance!
Hiromu: Not a question! I was going to dance to ‘NiziU’ on YouTube and learned some steps, but the timing didn’t work out to do it! But I have moves y’know!
83) From ‘Hanako’
What do you think about El Desperado being able to win both the IWGP Junior Heavyweight singles and tag titles in February?
Hiromu: I was happy for him! I wante dhim to hold both belts longer but then he lost in Ryogoku…
84) From ‘Osamuda’
You’ve released a lot of collab merch over the years. Are there any other characters or brands you want to tie up with?
Hiromu: I’d love to do something with Jujutsu Kaisen! I’d love to voice act on that show too!
85) From ‘Junpi’
Have the experiences of the past year, between the pandemic and experiencing your injury, has your outlook on life changed any?
Hiromu: I’m always big on living without regrets and doing all I can, but I’ve come to appreciate the kind of days where nothing at all happens, too!
86) From ‘hughug’
What do you do to unwind? I can always relax watching wrestling and your YouTube!
Hiromu: Great taste! I’m an indoors-y person, so movies, YouTube, music, videogames, all that!
87) From ‘Sakura’
Have you ever made the trip from Hachioji to Takasaki?
Hiromu: Of course! Are you a fellow Hachioji person?
88) From ‘Yukari.S’
If you became a producer like Toru Yano, what kind of LIJ DVD would you produce?
Hiromu: ‘LIJ deserted island survival!’
89) From ‘Nayu’
Do you have any pets?
Hiromu: Just Daryl and pals! I’m away a lot, y’see. I’d love to have a pet sometime!
90) From ‘8’
While you’re away, is there a move that you can’t use that you desperately want to?
Hiromu: Time Bomb…3.
91) From ‘DECADE’
My five year old son suddenly burst into tears, and when I asked why he said it’s because he wants to meet you and can’t. I told him we have to wait until you’re all better, but he’s still crying. What should I do?
Hiromu: That’s so cute! Maybe we can set something up for YouTube?
92) From ‘Noriko’
If you were to change your hair style what look would you go for?
Hiromu: If you have long hair, it makes a potential hair match all the more worthwhile. It’s all about having the balls to go for a different look. Maybe dreads?
93) From ‘Ahiru’
I’m a real pessimist. How can I be super positive like you?
Hiromu: I don’t think you need to change who you are. But maybe if you’re tired of being down on anything, maybe start by convincing yourself that you’re really an optimist and go from there!
94) From ‘Ban’
I can’t help but call you Hiromu-chan. Does that trouble you? Thanks for all the energy!
Hiromu: Not at all! And thank you!
95) From ‘Yukone’
Have you ever met somebody on your travels who was really good to you but you didn’t get the chance to see again? If you could meet them, what would you say?
Hiromu: There’s one in particular I haven’t seen since! I’d tell them ‘those cookies were great!’
96) From ‘Tomotomo’
What happened to the original Daryl that Bad Luck Fale had?
Hiromu: We’re still together! But he’s lost a ton of weight. I want him to see a doctor, but he won’t go.
97) From ‘Milk Tea’
If you weren’t in LIJ, what faction would you join and why?
Hiromu: There’s nowhere else I’d join, so I’d have to make my own group!
98) From ‘Mame’
What’s your advice for living a positive and energetic life?
Hiromu: A few people here have said they’re fairly negative, but it takes a lot of smarts and strength to picture or live through bad situations and keep moving forward. How about doing a little dance and singing to yourself that you’re the hero in your own life story?
99) From ‘Tranquilo’
Any stories from your hospital stay? How did you spend the time?
Hiromu: I wasn’t in there long this time, so nothing much! I just spent the time on my iPad.
100) From ‘Ryo’
What’s your coolest quality?
Hiromu: That I’m comfortable showing my uncool qualities, too.
101) From ‘Aoitori’
I watched you and Shingo Takagi in the ‘100g protein challenge’ on your YouTube. Shingo talked about eating three extra large beef bowl sets in Yoshinoya. Can you eat that much?
Hiromu: Probably. But my thing is soba noodles. I must have the world record in all you can eat soba! There’s a video idea!
102) From ‘K’
Hiromu! Do you like old people?
Hiromu: I love old people! Respect your elders!
103) From ‘Kawamayu’
If you moved into TV acting, what genre or role would you want to play?
Hiromu: Something action packed. I want to be the villain!
104) From ‘Avalanche Chisadora’
I’m a big Chage and Aska fan like you; I saw them in the Fukuoka Dome at the Millennium countdown! What got you into them, and what’s your favourite song of theirs?
Hiromu: Jealous! I heard a group called North do an acapella cover of ‘Say Yes’ and that was it for me!
105) From ‘Kanya’
I know you’ve been interviewed by (paranormal/subculture magazine) Mu. I was wondering if you’re interested in deserted ruins and urban archaeology? I recommend checking out Wonder Japon magazine!
Hiromu: I’ll check it out! Urban archaeology is really cool!
106) From ‘Ame’
How do you act around a crush? Are you outgoing? Shy? Treat them mean?
Hiromu: Cool as a cucumber! Never mean at all.
107) From ‘Nicole Wagner’
Hiromu-chan… Do you and Naito-San go out to fun places together (as friends)?
Hiromu: Noooo! I don’t want to see him on my days off! Hahaha
108) From ‘Katsuba Roll’
You had some chaotic interactions with Kota Ibushi backstage a couple of months ago, and it looked like things were heading in an interesting direction. What do you think of Ibushi and could he be a guest on your YouTube channel at some point?
Hiromu: I honestly, shoot think he’s an insane God. I’d love to have him on the channel!
109) From ‘Kokichi’
What match of yours really left a lasting impression on you?
Hiromu: Last year’s Best of the Super Jr. final!
110) From ‘Anyanya moto X7’
With the new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship design getting all its press, would you redesign the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, and if so, how?
Hiromu: I think it needs a little repairing, and to have the name plates updated first and foremost!
111) From ‘Imayaimayaimaya’
Tell me about your time on excursion!
Hiromu: There’s too much to go through here, but I’ve talked about it a lot; do some searching, especially on my YouTube!
112) From ‘Narumi’
What products do you recommend using in the bath?
Hiromu: Anything citrus-y and energizing!
113) From ‘Yuko’
Has anything you’ve done recently made you really nervous or excited?
Hiromu: Hosting Sakura Genesis and doing commentary was a buzz!
114) From ‘Hanna’
If you were stranded on a desert island with one member of LIJ, who would you want with you?
Hiromu: Takagi! I think with him we could take out a wild boar or two to eat.
115) From ‘Ya-pon’
If you had a time machine, would you rather go to the past or the future, and what would you do?
Hiromu: I would travel a few hundred years in the future, and make money as an NJPW super legend!
116) From ‘Komichi’
KENTA spent the last tour talking to YOSHI-HASHI’s Bo-staff. Has it ever spoken to you?
Hiromu: We chatted for the first time at Sakura Genesis!
117) From ‘Eriko’
What was the biggest laugh you’ve had recently? When were you happiest? Most angry? Saddest?
Hiromu: I actually cooked for myself at home, and it was so good I wound up licking the plate. I thought that was so ridiculous I laughed at myself… does that make any sense at all?
118) From ‘623 Keroro’
Do you have any moment where you really felt you screwed something up?
Hiromu: Actually, I can’t think of anything big!
119) From ‘Irico Dashi’
What’s the best pudding you’ve ever eaten?
Hiromu: You know, I can’t remember what it was called, but I got this pudding once that was 5000 Yen (50USD) per portion. It actually tasted worth the price.
120) From ‘Rete’
I loved the collab merch you did with Rolling Cradle! Is there any more coming?
Hiromu: Absolutely! Watch this space!
121) From ‘Miyu’
What tracks do you have on repeat lately?
Hiromu: Aska’s ‘Jibun Janai ka’ and ‘Kenpei mo Osama mo Inai Jo’. ‘Ningen Enpi’ and ‘Louisiana Bob’ by Maximum the Hormone
122) From ‘Kuni9991’
When you make your entrance, can you really see all the shirts and signs from fans in the crowd? Are some venues easier than others?
Hiromu: Absolutely! Tokyo Dome is a little tricky, but in most venues I can see pretty far back.
123) From ‘Tom’
Did you thank Tetsuya Naito for surprising you with party poppers on your YouTube channel?
Hiromu: I sent him a thank you message but didn’t get a reply!
124) From ‘Hisae Sugawara’
Are there any other brands that you’d like to make collaboration goods with?
Hiromu: Who would you like me to team up with?
125) From ‘Reina’
What are your top three signature dishes when cooking?
Hiromu: Stew, Chanko and Indian curry (which I just mastered today).
126) From ‘Nemuru Hito’
What got you into Fortnite? And do you think you might stream some gameplay on YouTube?
Hiromu: Youtube Orange-kun got me into it! If enough people want me to, I’d like to give it a shot.
127) From ‘Pichiku Pachiku’
If you had to be in a KOPW match, what rules would you choose?
Hiromu: NO ENGLISH MATCH. Think about it, we use English all the time! If you say ‘hey, ref, that was three’! And you say ‘ref’ or ‘three’ in English like that, you get disqualified! That’d be fun, right?
128) From ‘Ranko Ganmodokis’
What magic tool from the Doraemon show would you like to have?
Hiromu: The ‘Dictator Switch’. No, the ‘Anywhere Door’. I can’t choose!
129) From ‘Matsuko’
Do you ever vanity search? Especially with more time off right now?
Hiromu: You know, when it co0mes to vanity searches, I’m four months clean, cold turkey! But if you tag me, I’ll read every comment!
130) From ‘Linc’
Are you going to come up with new moves or holds while you’re away? Will there be another sequel to Time Bomb?
Hiromu: I’ve got a bunch of moves to use when the time is right!
131) From ‘Karaage’
You’ve talked about having inner ear issues before. Can you handle roller coasters or thrill rides?
Hiromu: I’m good with roller coasters, but merry-go-rounds and teacups are a no-go.
132) From ‘Tsuki’
If you were a zombie, what kind would you be? Would you have a weapon of some kind?
Hiromu: I’d be a classic zombie. Scratching and biting, that’s all I’d need. But I’d want to be a big fat tank. A bullet sponge.
133) From ‘Taki’
I love the fur on your ring shoes! But you tend to wear wrestling shoes rather than boots; why is that?
Hiromu: They’re much easier to move in, and that’s important to me, but on the other hand they don’t offer the same protection…
134) From ‘Midoriko’
What’s the ideal spa bath to you? How long do you spend in the tub?
Hiromu: Ahh, open air, natural hot stream in the mountains, nothing beats that! I could soak for at least a couple of hours!
–That was a marathon session. What was the best question of the bunch?
Hiromu: Ahhh, I don’t think there was one that got me super fired up. I want more from all these guys. Everyone should take the time to come up with a question that really gets me going.
–So we’ll be doing this kind of thing again sometime?
Hiromu: Maybe! Or maybe what I’ve just said will make people mad and they won’t want to ask anymore! but if we do it, I need something a little extra. What that is, I don’t know, but if you make me really go ‘wow, that’s a good one’ then you win.
–But this time…
Hiromu: I win! I’m undefeated! I mean, I got through every single question, right? If there were any real posers, I might spend the whole time we have answering one or two questions, but we got through 134, so. Next time, come at me!
