Marigold held its biggest event of the year, MARIGOLD GRAND DESTINY 2026, at Ryogoku Kokugikan on October 24, featuring a special combat sports bout between gravure idol and singer Yoshino Chitose and Megaton.
Chitose, a former metalworking factory employee, is also a member of the idol group Amaimono Tsumeawase. She has built a following on YouTube through her channel, Yoshinon Channel, which has approximately 330,000 subscribers. Fellow group member Sena Shinomi served as her second as Chitose entered the ring wearing pink gloves.
Chitose Puts Her Kickboxing Experience to Work
The bout consisted of two rounds. Drawing on her five years of kickboxing experience, Chitose pressed Megaton with a flurry of punches, forcing her opponent face-down and unleashing a series of strikes from behind.
The second and final round proved more difficult. Megaton countered with a camel clutch and wrestling-style throws that slammed Chitose to the mat. Chitose fought back with low kicks, but the final bell sounded before either competitor could secure a victory. The match ended in a draw after the full allotted time.
Megaton Challenges Chitose to a Wrestling Match
After the bout, Megaton issued a challenge to Chitose in the ring.
“Next time, become a wrestler and fight me in this ring.”
Chitose accepted the challenge, responding, “I’ll take on anyone.”
Speaking backstage, Chitose said she had not felt particularly nervous during her first appearance in the ring. Instead, the experience seemed to pass in a flash.
“It was over in an instant. It went by so quickly,” she said with a smile.
She also identified an area for improvement, explaining that she felt she had shown more power during training than she managed to display in the actual bout. She wants another opportunity to compete so she can bring that strength into the ring.
Chitose named her middle kick and right hook as her signature weapons, adding that she had been able to execute them effectively. She also made her desire for a rematch clear: “Please let me have a rematch.”
Open to Learning Professional Wrestling
Megaton’s invitation to compete in a professional wrestling match also caught Chitose’s interest. However, she acknowledged that wrestling would be very different from the kickboxing she has practiced for years.
“I wouldn’t call it a professional wrestling debut just yet, because I think wrestling is completely different from the world of kickboxing I’ve been involved in. But I’d like to gradually learn the techniques,” she said.
After making her combat sports debut with a draw, Chitose appears ready to explore what comes next—whether that means a rematch with Megaton or taking her first steps toward professional wrestling.