Kanazawa did not secure a podium finish, but the competition has not dampened his ambition. The nonagenarian is already considering another appearance at 93, which he believes could be his final competition. He also credits a traditional Japanese diet, including brown rice, natto and miso soup, for helping him maintain his physical condition over the decades.
90-year-old bodybuilder prepares alongside younger competitors
According to Reuters, Kanazawa followed the same backstage preparations as younger participants before taking to the stage in Spain.
He warmed up alongside his team and applied spray tan before posing under the competition lights. The event brought together athletes competing in the masters category, which is open to participants aged 50 and above.
For Kanazawa, participating at this age is about more than simply appearing on stage. He wants to attempt things that few others have done and continue pursuing bodybuilding for as long as possible.
“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,” he said.
The Japanese diet he has followed since turning 50
Kanazawa attributes much of his longevity and physical conditioning to dietary habits that he established several decades ago.He said he began building muscle through a traditional Japanese diet after turning 50. His regular food choices include brown rice, natto, a fermented soya bean dish, and miso soup.
He described this as the classic Japanese way of eating and said he has continued researching and learning about nutrition.
“This is something I’ve been researching and want to learn more about. But ever since I turned 50, I’ve been building muscle by eating a purely Japanese diet: brown rice, natto, and miso soup,” he told Reuters.
Kanazawa also made a striking claim about his health, saying he had gone 90 years without ever getting sick, which he attributed to his dietary habits.
Why he is considering retirement at 93
Despite missing out on a podium finish in Spain, Kanazawa is not ready to leave competitive bodybuilding immediately.
He is considering one more attempt at the age of 93, after which he expects to retire from competitions.
“I’m thinking I might give it one more go at 93. After that, I’ll probably have to retire,” he said.
He also spoke about the physical changes that accompany ageing, including wrinkles, and referred to Japanese attitudes towards visible signs of getting older.
“As you get older, you start developing wrinkles, quite a lot of them. In Japan, there’s this idea that once you get those wrinkles, it just doesn’t look very good anymore,” he said.
However, his focus remains on continuing to participate rather than allowing his age to determine when he should stop.
Kanazawa wants older people to remain active
Beyond his own bodybuilding ambitions, Kanazawa hopes his participation encourages other older people to stay active and pursue their interests.
He believes that determination and mental strength are important when attempting something challenging, particularly as people grow older.
“Once you set your mind to something, you need to develop the mental strength and determination to see it through no matter what,” he said.
He also hopes that more people will follow his example and continue working towards their goals as they age.
“I want people to work hard just as I have. I believe that if they do, we’ll see more people like me even as they get older. That’s what I hope for, and I want to be a good role model,” Kanazawa said.
