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Shinichi Yokouchi was known to British fans by the more easily digestible name Chati Yokouchi.
He could bow and smile as much as he liked but British fans were all agreed that Chati Yokouchi was a bad un. A bad un they enjoyed watching and booing.
He was introduced to the British public by independent promoter Paul Lincoln in the Autumn of 1963, and this was the beginning of regular visits extending until 1967. Less than two decades since the end of World War Two it was inevitable that Chati Yokouchi was set to be a villain. Yokouchi fitted in perfectly with Lincoln’s colourful assortment of characters, tussling with the likes of Doctor Death, Docker Don Stedman, Al Hayes and the Wildman of Borneo.
A professional at the time for only two or three years he already showed the potential that was to take him on to success around the world, most notably North America.
Yokouchi often tagged with the equally cunning Togo Tani. In 1965 the pair were signed up by Joint Promotions, which led to television appearances. His UK highlight came in June 1966 when in that most famous of tag bouts on wrestling’s Night of Nights he partnered Togo Tani at the Royal Albert Hall in London. In a blood stained epic The villainous pair caused outrage with their tactics against Steve Viedor and Mike Marino. The Wrestler magazine reported that “There was an evil look about the black-clad Japanese combination and the crowd needed only a few minutes to make up their mind.” The event was broadcast live to eleven cinemas around the country in those pre satellite tv days and earned the pair a cover page place on The Wrestler magazine.
Whether it was the punishing nerve holds, the ferocious chops or just a few blindside punches Chati Yokouchi was never short of finding new ways to fall out with people.
He was definitely one of the many colourful characters of the 1960s wrestling scene and a very welcome visitor. Long term success came in North America with successful tag partnerships with Mr Fuji and Mr Ito.
Following his retirement from wrestling he moved to France, where he set up a travel business, and lived until his death in a road accident. Chati Yokouchi, born 13th September, 1937; died 15th December, 1982.
Page added 10/12/2023
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