CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara Explores Makoto Shinryu's Origins Before 'RIZIN LANDMARK 14 in SENDAI'; ABEMA to Stream Event Live via PPV

The 'new future television' ABEMA will exclusively live-stream all matches of 'RIZIN LANDMARK 14 in SENDAI,' held by the premier Japanese combat sports organization RIZIN on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Xebio Arena Sendai, via 'ABEMA PPV.' In conjunction with this, a special episode of 'Bara Sanpo' hosted by RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara has been released.

'Bara Sanpo' is a program where RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara visits locations associated with fighters to explore their true personality and uncover new facets. The guest for this episode is Makoto Shinryu, who is set to challenge RIZIN Flyweight Champion Hiromasa Ougikubo at 'RIZIN LANDMARK 14 in SENDAI.' Set in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, the program looks back on his journey from childhood to the present, exploring his hidden side and his resolve for the title match.

At the start of the program, Shinryu walks around the Masuo Station area in Kashiwa, which he calls his 'second hometown.' Shinryu, originally from Miyagi Prefecture, reveals that he moved to Kashiwa following the Great East Japan Earthquake. He started Muay Thai in second grade and later took up wrestling, practicing for eight years. He reflects, 'I was physically weak and easily bullied as a child,' and speaks about his roots in growing up to compete in national wrestling tournaments.

He also visits a park filled with memories of his father. Shinryu recalls, 'As a child, I had a strong desire to be recognized by my father,' revealing the grueling training they endured together. Shinryu's father also appears in the program and comments on the title match, saying, '(Ougikubo) is a strong champion. He is someone who must be overcome. So, a complete victory—if anything, I’d want it to be an unlimited-time match.'

Takaki Soya, a RIZIN fighter and senior from Shinryu's days at Paraestra Kashiwa, also appears. Reflecting on Shinryu at that time, Soya says, 'Back then, he was quiet, maybe even aloof. He didn't talk to adults much, but he was sparring with them when he was 14 or 15. He was truly an amazing athlete.' Regarding Ougikubo, Soya added, 'I think Ougikubo treated him with his future in mind.'

In the second half, Shinryu meets with former teammates from his TEPEN GYM days to talk about his learning of striking and shares personal anecdotes from his younger days. Regarding the title match, Shinryu declared, 'This time, I want to win spectacularly and prove that the Japanese flyweight division is my era.' Looking ahead, he envisions a future bout with Tatsuro Taira and hopes to create the kind of excitement seen at 'THE MATCH.'

Shinryu leaves a message for his fans: 'I will definitely make it the most exciting event in my hometown of Sendai and fulfill my duties as the main event fighter. Please watch me become the champion.'

ABEMA will stream the first six matches of the event, including the opening fights, for free, along with a free live broadcast of the public weigh-in the day before.

Ticket Prices: - Advance (until June 5, 23:59): 5,500 JPY (tax included) - Day-of (June 6, 0:00–23:59): 6,000 JPY (tax included) - Archive (June 7, 0:00 – June 11, 21:00): 4,400 JPY (tax included)