Tiger Mask IV

Yoshihiro Yamazaki, known worldwide as Tiger Mask IV, is a Japanese masked professional wrestler who has portrayed the iconic Tiger Mask character in New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 1995. Born October 20, 1970 in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, he is the fourth and longest-serving wrestler to don the mask, combining high-flying lucha libre with Japanese strong style. A six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Yamazaki is celebrated for his technical prowess, signature Tiger Suplex, and unwavering commitment to the gimmick's mystique. He rarely appears unmasked and continues to compete as a veteran mentor in NJPW's junior division as of 2026. He has spent his entire career with NJPW, a rare feat, and is recognized as one of the most consistent and respected junior heavyweights in NJPW history.[edit]

Yamazaki grew up in Urayasu, a coastal city near Tokyo, where he developed a passion for professional wrestling early on. He pursued amateur wrestling during his school years, building the grappling foundation that would define his in-ring style. After completing his education, he sought training from Satoru Sayama, the original Tiger Mask, who had retired but remained influential. Under Sayama's direct tutelage, Yamazaki mastered the high-risk, technically demanding Tiger Mask style. He made his professional debut on November 23, 1995, in NJPW, immediately assuming the Tiger Mask IV identity. Details of his early childhood remain largely private, but his commitment to the gimmick began from day one.[edit]

Yamazaki won his first IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on March 9, 1998, defeating Koji Kanemoto. He captured the title again on June 4, 2000, defeating Minoru Tanaka; on October 13, 2002, defeating Jushin Thunder Liger; on December 14, 2003, defeating Heat; and on June 19, 2010, defeating Prince Devitt, for a total of five confirmed reigns, with a sixth reign overall. He also won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship in 2004 with Liger. In 2012, he competed in Ring of Honor in the United States, representing NJPW in cross-promotional events. In 2020, he celebrated 25 years as Tiger Mask IV, the longest tenure in the role. As of 2026, he remains active, mentoring younger talent while still competing in select matches, though his schedule has reduced compared to his peak years.[edit]

Tiger Mask IV is known for his high-flying lucha libre mixed with Japanese strong style technical wrestling. He is portrayed as a serious, dedicated veteran who respects tradition. Fans appreciate his longevity and consistency. He maintains minimal social media presence, with an official Instagram account @tigermask.njpw. His in-ring focus and lack of personal content contribute to the mystique of the masked gimmick. No official fandom name exists; fans are simply NJPW or Tiger Mask supporters. He has never given a notable public quote, as his in-character interviews are brief and wrestling-focused.[edit]

Yoshihiro Yamazaki, known globally as Tiger Mask IV, commands a legacy built on three decades of silence and steel. His fanbase does not chant in unison or flood social media with branded hashtags; they simply show up at Korakuen Hall to witness history. The connection is traditional, rooted in the puroresu dynamic where respect is earned through attendance rather than digital engagement. There is no formal fandom name documented for Yamazaki's supporters, who are simply recognized as devoted NJPW followers honoring a masked icon. This quiet dedication culminated in his retirement show on July 7, 2026, where 1,490 fans gathered to see him lock hands with the original Satoru Sayama. That ceremonial moment bridged generations without a single cheerleader campaign behind it. Despite his massive influence on junior heavyweight wrestling, iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluated his profile in August 2026 and found that he currently holds no placement in the published rankings. He is not listed among the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. While his career spans over 1,000 matches and six championship reigns, the metrics required for a ranked position remain absent from the current data set. The world knows his story, but the algorithm has yet to place him on the chart.[edit]

Yamazaki stands alone as the only Tiger Mask trained directly by the original, Satoru Sayama. He has never unmasked publicly in his entire career, maintaining the character's mystique even after retiring. His signature Tiger Suplex continues the technique passed down through previous incarnations. Having competed in over 1,000 matches, he has portrayed Tiger Mask IV exclusively since his debut. His mask design has evolved slightly while retaining its classic aesthetic. He represented NJPW internationally in Ring of Honor and Mexican promotions. A legendary chapter closed on July 7, 2026, when 1,490 fans attended his retirement show at Korakuen Hall. The event featured a historic double-header where he faced Tommy Billington and Rocky Romero, followed by a ceremonial lock-up with Satoru Sayama that united four generations of the brand. Following this send-off, verified reports confirmed Yamazaki requires back surgery after thirty years of in-ring combat. He announced plans to stay with NJPW as a trainer, keeping a stern eye on the promotion's future direction. His victory in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament remains a cornerstone of his accolades alongside various other NJPW singles titles.[edit]

Yamazaki keeps his personal life extremely private. He is married, though his wife's name and details are undisclosed. He has children, but their names, ages, and genders are not public. He completed his education in Urayasu before pursuing wrestling. His commitment to the Tiger Mask gimmick extends to his personal life; he rarely appears unmasked and gives interviews only in character. He was born on October 20, 1970, making him 55 years old as of 2026.[edit]

Yamazaki is closely associated with Satoru Sayama, the original Tiger Mask who trained him. He has shared the ring with legends like Jushin Thunder Liger, Koji Kanemoto, Minoru Tanaka, and Prince Devitt (Finn Bálor). His career has been defined by NJPW, where he has spent his entire tenure.[edit]

Yamazaki has maintained near-total privacy regarding his romantic relationships. The only confirmed relationship is his marriage to an unnamed woman, likely in the early 2000s. They have children together. He has never been linked to any other partner in credible media reports. As of 2026, he remains married. No public statements about their relationship have been made by Yamazaki.[edit]

No credible net worth estimates exist for Tiger Mask IV, as Japanese wrestlers' finances are not publicly disclosed. Per iFANN's editorial analysis, the total figure for Yoshihiro Yamazaki is $5 Million. As a long-tenured veteran, he likely earns a mid-to-high level salary within NJPW's pay structure. Merchandise sales, including masks and t-shirts, contribute revenue. Independent show appearances and autograph signings supplement his earnings. He has no known business ventures, endorsement deals, real estate holdings, investments, or production companies. Any figure circulating online would be speculative. His net worth cannot be reliably estimated without internal corporate disclosure.[edit]

Tiger Mask IV has won exclusively in-ring championships. He is a six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and a two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. He also won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament.[edit]