[First Attempt] 'Oshi-katsu' (Fan Support) Signs for Pro-Wrestler Installed on Tokyo Fire Hydrant Signs! A New Initiative where Fan Support Sustains Regional Disaster Prevention
Fire Hydrant Signage Co., Ltd. installed 'Oshi-katsu' signs celebrating the 25th anniversary of pro-wrestler Shuji Kondo on three fire hydrant signs in Tokyo, funded by an individual fan. This marks the first individual sponsorship in the company's 70-year history, demonstrating a new model where fan activities contribute to public disaster prevention infrastructure.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 01:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 16:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 19:08 (2h 36m after Collected)
Fire Hydrant Signage Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kosaku Mohri) installed 'Oshi-katsu' (fan support) signs for pro-wrestler Shuji Kondo on three fire hydrant signs in Tokyo on April 9th, funded by a fan. This is the first time in the company's 70-year history that an individual has utilized a sponsorship slot for 'Oshi-katsu' purposes. Wrestler Kondo himself visited the site on the day of installation, marking a memorable occasion.
### What are Fire Hydrant Signs?
Fire hydrant signs indicate the location of underground fire hydrants so that water can be supplied quickly in the event of a fire. There are approximately 120,000 fire hydrant signs nationwide, maintained and managed primarily by private companies. The costs are covered by the signage fees from the horizontal sponsorship frames located below the circular red display boards.
The installation and proper management of fire hydrant signs are directly linked to regional disaster prevention, but low awareness of the sponsorship frames has been a challenge. In this context, this individual use for 'Oshi-katsu' represents a new case showing the potential for utilizing these sponsorship frames.
### Balancing Regional Disaster Prevention and 'Oshi-katsu' through Support Signs
While most sponsorship frames are currently used by corporations, they are actually available for use by individuals as well. Since the signage fees are allocated to the maintenance and management costs of the signs, placing a sign itself becomes a social contribution activity that supports regional disaster prevention infrastructure.
In this instance, a fan of Shuji Kondo utilized the sponsorship frames to celebrate the wrestler's 25th debut anniversary. The signs feature memorial visuals based on support messages, as well as memorable photos and illustrations taken during matches.
Fire Hydrant Signage Co., Ltd. welcomes the use of individual 'Oshi-katsu signs' in addition to its 'Fire Hydrant Sign Partnership System' with professional sports teams. Through these activities, the company aims to improve disaster prevention awareness and expand the recognition of fire hydrant signs.
### About Shuji Kondo
Shuji Kondo is a veteran pro-wrestler who debuted on May 18, 2001, and celebrates his 25th career anniversary this year. He has been active in numerous organizations such as Toryumon, DRAGON GATE, All Japan Pro Wrestling, WRESTLE-1, and Pro Wrestling NOAH, and is known by the nickname 'The Deadliest King Kong.' Despite being a junior heavyweight, he attracts many fans with his powerful fighting style that rivals heavyweight wrestlers. Currently, he participates in various tournaments as a freelancer and also provides guidance to successors as an exclusive coach for women's pro-wrestling organizations.
### Interview with the 'Oshi-katsu' Sign Installer
1. Why did you choose fire hydrant signs this time?
'To celebrate Shuji Kondo's 25th debut anniversary, I wanted to celebrate in a way that remains tangible. While looking for signs and advertising media, I came across the fire hydrant sign sponsorship frames. When I inquired, I was told that individual use was possible, so I took the plunge.'
2. What was the deciding factor?
'Since the contract is on a yearly basis, I felt it was appropriate for celebrating a 25th anniversary year. The appeal of an unprecedented initiative like Oshi-katsu on fire hydrant signs was also a major deciding factor.'
3. What are your thoughts after seeing the actual signs?
'It's like "I look up and there's my favorite!" and I'm very happy. Since it's the first time for fan use, I'm even bragging to my friends that I became a pioneer. I would be happy if passersby learn about Mr. Kondo through this sign.'
### Comment from Shuji Kondo
'When I first heard about this, I was surprised that such a medium existed in the world. If more people knew about it, wouldn't it be used for many different things? I'm very happy that support is expressed in such a "tangible" way, as it directly conveys how much I'm being cheered on.'
### What are Fire Hydrant Signs?
Fire hydrant signs indicate the location of underground fire hydrants so that water can be supplied quickly in the event of a fire. There are approximately 120,000 fire hydrant signs nationwide, maintained and managed primarily by private companies. The costs are covered by the signage fees from the horizontal sponsorship frames located below the circular red display boards.
The installation and proper management of fire hydrant signs are directly linked to regional disaster prevention, but low awareness of the sponsorship frames has been a challenge. In this context, this individual use for 'Oshi-katsu' represents a new case showing the potential for utilizing these sponsorship frames.
### Balancing Regional Disaster Prevention and 'Oshi-katsu' through Support Signs
While most sponsorship frames are currently used by corporations, they are actually available for use by individuals as well. Since the signage fees are allocated to the maintenance and management costs of the signs, placing a sign itself becomes a social contribution activity that supports regional disaster prevention infrastructure.
In this instance, a fan of Shuji Kondo utilized the sponsorship frames to celebrate the wrestler's 25th debut anniversary. The signs feature memorial visuals based on support messages, as well as memorable photos and illustrations taken during matches.
Fire Hydrant Signage Co., Ltd. welcomes the use of individual 'Oshi-katsu signs' in addition to its 'Fire Hydrant Sign Partnership System' with professional sports teams. Through these activities, the company aims to improve disaster prevention awareness and expand the recognition of fire hydrant signs.
### About Shuji Kondo
Shuji Kondo is a veteran pro-wrestler who debuted on May 18, 2001, and celebrates his 25th career anniversary this year. He has been active in numerous organizations such as Toryumon, DRAGON GATE, All Japan Pro Wrestling, WRESTLE-1, and Pro Wrestling NOAH, and is known by the nickname 'The Deadliest King Kong.' Despite being a junior heavyweight, he attracts many fans with his powerful fighting style that rivals heavyweight wrestlers. Currently, he participates in various tournaments as a freelancer and also provides guidance to successors as an exclusive coach for women's pro-wrestling organizations.
### Interview with the 'Oshi-katsu' Sign Installer
1. Why did you choose fire hydrant signs this time?
'To celebrate Shuji Kondo's 25th debut anniversary, I wanted to celebrate in a way that remains tangible. While looking for signs and advertising media, I came across the fire hydrant sign sponsorship frames. When I inquired, I was told that individual use was possible, so I took the plunge.'
2. What was the deciding factor?
'Since the contract is on a yearly basis, I felt it was appropriate for celebrating a 25th anniversary year. The appeal of an unprecedented initiative like Oshi-katsu on fire hydrant signs was also a major deciding factor.'
3. What are your thoughts after seeing the actual signs?
'It's like "I look up and there's my favorite!" and I'm very happy. Since it's the first time for fan use, I'm even bragging to my friends that I became a pioneer. I would be happy if passersby learn about Mr. Kondo through this sign.'
### Comment from Shuji Kondo
'When I first heard about this, I was surprised that such a medium existed in the world. If more people knew about it, wouldn't it be used for many different things? I'm very happy that support is expressed in such a "tangible" way, as it directly conveys how much I'm being cheered on.'