(born March 19, 1980) is a Japanese professional wrestler, better known by his ring name , shortened from his previous ring name . He is currently working for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Taichi is a former NEVER Openweight Champion, a former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, and a three-time IWGP Tag Team Champion (alongside Zack Sabre Jr). Taichi was a founding member of the villainous Suzuki-gun stable from 2011 till the factions disbandment in 2022. Throughout his career he has competed in various promotions including All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), Hustle, Pro Wrestling Noah (Noah) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). Amateur wrestling career Wanting to be a pro-wrestler since high school he competed in amateur wrestling while in high school, and was ranked second in the 63 kg class in the 1997 Hokkaido high school championship conference. Professional wrestling career All Japan Pro Wrestling (2002–2005) In December 2002, Ishikari made his debut for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). He would pick up his first singles victory over heavyweight prospect Masayuki Kono about six months into his career on May 12, 2003. He got a huge opportunity by representing AJPW in the 4th Stage Super J-Cup hosted by Osaka Pro Wrestling in 2004, but came up short after losing to Osaka Pro ace Takehiro Murahama in the first round. Teaming with Toshiaki Kawada in the Autumn Festival Tag Tournament, he earned both victories in their finals matches to win his first tournament. He was AJPW's first junior heavyweight prospect in a long while, being a very quick and fiery youngster who was coming along well. Ishikari began 2005 by challenging for the World Junior Heavyweight Championship against champion Taka Michinoku in a losing effort, then continued wrestling in the lower mid-card. Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2004) On May 26, 2004, Taichi Ishikari appeared as a member of Team Japan in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's 2004 World X Cup, competing in both a battle royal and a ladder match. He was rumored to be a part of 2008's Team Japan, but the spot was filled by Puma. Freelancing and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2005–2010) In early February 2005 Ishikari followed his mentor, Toshiaki Kawada and ended his affiliation with AJPW to become a freelance wrestler. Ishikari bounced around trying to find a new permanent home, competing for Hustle and the short lived Kings Road promotion.