Toshisuke Kanazawa, a 90-year-old bodybuilder from Japan, competed in the masters category for athletes aged 50 and older at the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) World Championships on October 30 in Santa Susanna, Spain. Despite facing competitors decades younger, Kanazawa demonstrated that age is no obstacle to maintaining peak physical condition.

Kanazawa’s dedication to bodybuilding extends beyond competition. Backstage, he followed the same preparation routines as his younger peers, warming up with his team and applying a spray tan before stepping onto the stage. Throughout his career, he has emphasized discipline in both training and diet as key factors contributing to his longevity and fitness.

He attributes much of his health and muscle maintenance to a traditional Japanese diet that he adopted from the age of 50: brown rice, natto (fermented soybeans), and miso soup. “Ever since I turned 50, I’ve been building muscle by eating a purely Japanese diet,” Kanazawa explained, adding that this eating regimen has helped him avoid illness throughout his life.

Although Kanazawa did not place on the podium in the recent competition, he remains committed to pushing the boundaries of the sport. He plans one more competitive appearance at age 93 before considering retirement. Reflecting on aging, Kanazawa noted cultural attitudes toward physical appearance, mentioning the common perception in Japan that wrinkles detract from one’s look as they grow older.

Beyond his personal ambitions, Kanazawa hopes his example will encourage others, particularly older adults, to stay active and challenge limiting beliefs about aging. “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 expressed his desire to serve as a role model for persistence and hard work, envisioning a future where more people remain physically engaged regardless of age.