Bringing his energy and bravery, The Original Tiger Mask visits a children's welfare facility/Yokohama

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1205120028/

May 12, 2012

Children closely gather around Tiger Mask=The Naka Ward in Yokohama

On the 12th, the pro wrestler known as the original Tiger Mask, Sayama Satoru (Age 54), visited the Koufou Children's Park. Located in Yokohama's Naka Ward,  the child welfare facility is headed by Fukuda Kyōko. He meet with and delivered his positive energy to children separated from their parent's custody, due to abuse and neglect.

Fifty boys and girls from ages 3-18 are enrolled in the facility. As his theme music played, Sayama appeared, dressed as Tiger Mask, drawing out cheers and applause from the children.

Meeting with the children, Sayama introduced his pro wrestling moves while instructing them on self defense. He made a strong appeal to the kids on how to live their lives: "Drawing on your courtesy and bravery, you can follow the path of justice no matter what happens in your life." Hoisting a small boy onto his shoulder, a scene erupted of the children excitedly shouting out "That's really him, he's so cool," etc. While eating cake and meat buns, the children's faces, stuffed with food, were filled with smiles.

Belonging to New Japan Pro Wrestling in the 80's, Tiger Mask gathered popularity with his aerial maneuvers. In November of last year, Sayama extended his sights towards the Tiger Mask Donation Phenomenon, backing the formation and establishment of a fund. Visiting welfare centers, the 2011 disaster area and other locations, he continues his work in returning smiles to the children.


Original text:
初代タイガーマスクが元気と勇気届ける、児童福祉施設を訪問/横浜
2012年5月12日

子どもたちと交流を深めるタイガーマスク＝横浜市中区

プロレスの初代タイガーマスクとして知られる格闘家の佐山聡さん（54）が12日、横浜市中区の児童福祉施設「高風子供園」（福田京子園長）を訪れた。虐待などの理由で両親と離れて暮らす子どもたちとふれあい、元気と勇気を届けた。

同園は３～18歳の男女約50人が入所する施設。テーマ曲に合わせてタイガーマスク姿の佐山さんが登場すると、子どもたちの歓声と拍手が湧き起こった。

交流会で佐山さんは、プロレス技を紹介しながら護身術を伝授。これからの人生について「礼儀と勇気、そして正義があれば何でもできる」と力強く訴えた。肩に抱き上げられた男児は「本物だ」「カッコイイ」などと興奮した様子。ケーキや肉まんが差し入れられ、子どもたちは笑顔で頬張っていた。

新日本プロレスに所属していた１９８０年代、空中技などで人気を集めたタイガーマスク。佐山さんは昨年11月、広がりを見せていた「タイガーマスク運動」を後押しする形で基金を設立。福祉施設や被災地などを訪問し、子どもたちの笑顔を取り戻す活動を続けている。