The Global Honored Crown (GHC) Heavyweight Championship is the top professional wrestling 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 11 recognized champions, who have had a combined 15 official reigns. NOAH held a 16-man tournament to crown the first champion, held over its month-long, 18-event Navigation for the Victory GHC tour. The tour was held from March 18 through April 15, 2001.
† Akiyama and Misawa were both counted out, but the match was restarted.
Watching the GHC champion take on Shuhei Taniguchi in what looks to be a non-title match. The records are not calling it a title match. I don't understand Japanese so I can't confirm.