Katsuhiko Nakajima
In 2008, Hijikata managed to win the Junior Tag League alongside Katsuhiko Nakajima on March 23. A little over a month later, Hijikata continued his success by defeating Silver King for the World Junior Heavyweight Champion on April 29. He held the championship for nearly five whole months before losing it to Naomichi Marufuji on September 28. Following his title reign, Hijikata took part in the All Asia Tag Team Championship tournament in January 2009, where he teamed up with former Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion Suwama, but they were unsuccessful in winning the tournament and the title.