The wrestling world loves an underdog story, but Mina Shirakawa’s journey to AEW reads more like a rebellion against destiny itself. In her revealing appearance on “Close Up” with Renee Paquette, the Japanese sensation pulled back the curtain on a path that took her from corporate boardrooms to wrestling rings across three continents.
Breaking Free From Corporate Chains
Picture this: a young woman groomed from birth to inherit a tech empire, attending elite private schools and checking every box her traditional family demanded. That was Mina Shirakawa’s reality before she shocked everyone by walking away from it all.
“I grew up in a very strict family. My father runs an IT company, so I was expected to study hard and someday take over his business.”
The prestigious all-girls academy, the university degree, even landing a respectable position as a wedding planner – everything seemed mapped out perfectly. But beneath that polished exterior, a different dream was burning bright.
The Entertainment Bug That Wouldn’t Die
While most people suppress childhood fantasies as they mature, Shirakawa couldn’t shake her fascination with the spotlight. The performers she watched on television weren’t just entertainers to her – they represented freedom and self-expression.
“Deep inside, I had a dream. Ever since I was a child, I admired people I saw on TV. I wanted to be them.”
That internal fire eventually became too powerful to ignore. Despite the security of her wedding planning career, Mina made the gutsy call to chase modeling and acting opportunities instead.
Family Fallout and Moving Forward Alone
The backlash was swift and brutal. Her parents’ disapproval created such a toxic environment that Shirakawa had no choice but to leave home entirely. The emotional toll was evident even during her AEW interview.
“So me and my parents’ situation was so bad. My feeling was so, mmm… yeah.”
Sometimes the most important battles happen outside the ring, and Mina was fighting for her right to choose her own destiny.
That Life-Changing NJPW Moment
Wrestling has a unique way of grabbing people when they least expect it. For Shirakawa, attending a New Japan Pro Wrestling show wasn’t just entertainment – it was a spiritual awakening.
The raw emotion, the storytelling, the way wrestlers poured their souls into every match resonated with someone who had spent years suppressing her own authentic self. Wrestling became more than a hobby; it became her lifeline.
“Watching wrestling became my emotional support.”
The Ultimate Self-Reflection
Sometimes clarity comes from asking ourselves the hardest questions. For Mina, that moment of truth arrived when she confronted her own mortality and satisfaction with life.
“One day, I asked myself, ‘If I die tomorrow, would I be satisfied with my life?’ The answer was no. I had to challenge myself and wrestle.”
Zero athletic background? No problem. Shirakawa dove headfirst into professional wrestling training with the same determination that had carried her away from corporate life.
From Rookie to International Sensation
The transition from complete novice to working wrestler happened at breakneck speed. After grinding through that brutal first match, something clicked for the future AEW star.
“My first match was tough, but afterward, I knew I wanted to keep going.”
Her ascent was meteoric – match number two took place in Mexico, showcasing how quickly the wrestling world recognized her potential. But it wasn’t just her in-ring work that caught attention.
Dancing Her Way to Stardom
Those iconic entrance routines didn’t happen by accident. Drawing inspiration from legends like Beyoncé and Michael Jackson, Shirakawa created something uniquely her own that Japanese audiences couldn’t get enough of.
The combination of natural charisma and carefully crafted presentation turned her into a breakout star faster than anyone could have predicted.
Living the American Dream in AEW
Adapting to life in the United States brings its own set of challenges, from navigating credit applications to discovering American snack foods. Shirakawa has embraced it all, including a newfound obsession with rice crispy treats.
The practical aspects of establishing herself stateside – getting a social security number, building credit to buy her first car – represent another form of independence for someone who has consistently chosen the unconventional path.
The Ultimate Redemption Goal
Perhaps the most touching revelation from her “Close Up” appearance involved her hopes for family reconciliation. Despite years of tension and disappointment, Shirakawa still dreams of sharing her success with the people who raised her.
“I want to have my family finally see me wrestle live in America, ideally with a championship title around my waist, proving that my dreams and dedication were worth the sacrifices.”
The #WeWantMina movement among AEW fans shows she’s already winning hearts in her new home. But will she eventually win back the approval of her family, and more importantly, does she even need it anymore after building such an incredible career on her own terms?
