[Japanese Side] "Life Needs Muscles" Lessons from Japan's Oldest Bodybuilder at 87 Years Old

Bodybuilder Toshisuke Kanazawa Born in 1936
"Exercise Starts in Daily Life... Challenge Is Important Regardless of Age"

"Starting the new year, I will really exercise."

Do you like exercising? I also consistently do weight training, but as year-end drinking parties continue, it’s really hard to keep up with my workout routine. I don’t understand why once I skip the gym even once, my body just wants to keep avoiding it.

Mr. Toshisuke Kanazawa posing at a bodybuilding competition. (Photo by Toshisuke Kanazawa Instagram)

Recently in Japan, news about a bodybuilder born in 1936 has become a hot topic. An old article suddenly started gaining attention again. Despite being 87 years old, his physique was better than that of many younger people, surprising the public. Recently, he even published a book spreading his exercise philosophy. It includes his life philosophy, saying, "What I want to break records in is not just bodybuilding."

Today, we share the story of bodybuilder Kanazawa Toshisuke, born in 1936.

Kanazawa was originally a swimmer. He started bodybuilding in his twenties and won his first championship at the Japanese National Championships at age 24. At 27, he earned the title of 'Mr. Japan' for the second time and continued his career as a bodybuilder. He actively promoted exercise, establishing the first gym in his hometown of Hiroshima, and retired at 34. After that, he distanced himself from exercise and continued his daily life.

When he turned 50, Kanazawa’s wife became seriously ill. He wanted to be a support for his sick wife, but the reflection in the mirror of himself who had stopped exercising was disappointing. To give his wife courage and show her that it was possible, Kanazawa decided to return to training. After restarting exercise, at age 57, he won the bodybuilding masters competition for participants over 40. Last year, at 86 years old, he competed in the Japan National Championships and was invited to the World Championships in Spain.

In an interview with Mainichi Shimbun, he said, "No matter how old you are, it’s important to have goals and keep challenging yourself," adding, "If people feel something from seeing me challenge myself even in old age, I am just grateful." In fact, he frequently posts on social media such as Instagram and continues learning, including studying English.

Especially to promote the perseverance developed through exercise and the joy of physical transformation, he published a weight training book last October. The title is Kanazawa-style Easy Weight Training.

Weight training book published by Kanazawa. (Photo by Toshisuke Kanazawa Instagram)

Kanazawa said on his SNS, "Everyone knows how important muscles are in life, but when it comes to weight training, many people grimace and say it’s tough. There’s no need for that. If you start by moving your body according to your own ability, your strength will inevitably improve." His philosophy is actually, "Training fails the moment you overdo it." He says exercise should be enjoyed in daily life. He considers daily activities as exercise and takes charge of all household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

Kanazawa says he wants to continue participating in bodybuilding competitions until he is 90 years old. In an interview with Mainichi, he also said, "I want to live healthily until 100 and be a role model for grandmothers and grandfathers around the world."

Kanazawa says that beyond using the body, muscle strength is necessary to live in the world. Even at nearly 90 years old, challenges and perseverance must continue. His teachings resonate deeply with those who are determined to make a better new year.