The Global Honored Crown (GHC) Heavyweight Championship is the top title in Japanese promotion Pro Wrestling NOAH. It was created on April 15, 2001 when Mitsuharu Misawa defeated Yoshihiro Takayama in a 16-man tournament final. Though its name implies a particular weight class, it has been held by junior heavyweights in the past, including Yoshinari Ogawa and former GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion Naomichi Marufuji. There have been a total of 9 recognized champions, who have had a combined 12 official reigns.