90-year-old Japanese bodybuilder competes in Spain

Toshisuke Kanazawa stood under the stage lights in Santa Susanna, Spain, on Friday. At age 90, the Japanese bodybuilder competed in the masters category for athletes 50 and older. He faced rivals decades younger in an event hosted by the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.

Kanazawa arrived at the coastal town to test his physical limits. He followed the same routine as younger competitors backstage. His team assisted him with warm-ups and applied spray tan before he stepped onto the platform. He did not finish on the podium, but he completed the competition.

The athlete attributes his condition to a diet established decades ago. Kanazawa said he has maintained this routine since his 50th birthday. He consumes a purely Japanese diet consisting of brown rice, natto, and miso soup. "It’s really the classic Japanese way of eating. And thanks to that, I’ve gone 90 years without ever getting sick," Kanazawa said.

He described his approach to bodybuilding as a lifelong pursuit. "I like to try doing things that nobody else has done, and more than anything I want to pursue bodybuilding for the rest of my life," Kanazawa said. He noted that he has researched muscle growth extensively since his mid-life years.

Kanazawa plans one final competition before retiring. He aims to compete again at age 93. "I’m thinking I might give it one more go at 93. After that, I’ll probably have to retire," Kanazawa said. He cited the development of wrinkles as a factor in his decision to step away from the stage in the future.

The bodybuilder hopes his example encourages older adults to remain active. "Once you set your mind to something, you need to develop the mental strength and determination to see it through no matter what," Kanazawa said. He wants to serve as a role model for those who wish to maintain physical fitness into old age.