Akihisa Mera, professionally known as The Great Kabuki, is a renowned Japanese professional wrestler who gained fame for his unique ability to blow "Asian mist" into his opponents' faces. Born on September 8, 1948, in Nobeoka, Japan, Mera began his wrestling career in 1964 at the age of 16 for the Japanese Wrestling Association.
He left Japan in the 1970s to compete in the United States, where he wrestled for various promotions, including All Japan Pro Wrestling, the National Wrestling Alliance, and World Class Championship Wrestling. Under different ring names such as Akihisa Takachihō, Yoshino Sato, and Mr. Sato, Mera established himself as a versatile wrestler.
In 1981, Mera adopted the persona of The Great Kabuki, created by Gary Hart, which was inspired by an old gimmick used by Filipino wrestler Rey Urbano. This character was characterized by Mera's mop-cut hairstyle, painted face, and pre-match nunchaku skills, which intimidated his opponents.
Throughout his career, Mera was often a heel, managed by top heel managers of the 1970s and early 1980s. However, when he was a baby-face, he was unpredictable and could turn heel at any moment, making him an anti-hero or tweener.
In World Class Championship Wrestling, Mera joined H & H Limited, managed by Arman Hussein and Gary Hart, and formed a tag team with masked wrestler Magic Dragon. He also worked as a singles wrestler, building on his skills and reputation.
After an injury in 1983, Mera joined Skandor Akbar's Devastation Inc., marking the end of his illustrious wrestling career.
