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Shigeru Sugita dead: Bodybuilding legend Mr Japan whose calves made Arnold Schwarzenegger jealous, dies aged 78

Published on May 01, 2025 at 06:55 AM

THE legendary Japanese bodybuilder whose calves made Arnold Schwarzenegger jealous has died at aged 78.

Shigeru Sugita was a champion bodybuilder who won the Mr Universe title in 1976.

A muscular man posing in dark shorts.
Shigeru Sugita has died at aged 78
July 1977 Iron Man magazine cover featuring Shigeru Sugita and Kozo Sudo.
Shigeru Sugita who won the Mr Universe title in 1976

Sugita reportedly passed away from natural causes on April 13.

The bodybuilder started his career in and won the crown of Mrin 1972.

He then went on to establish himself globally and became the first Japanese man to win the Mr Universe competition.

When Sugita was given his title, he posed for photos with his two fellow contestants and country men, Masashi Enomoto and Kozo Sudo, in Hyde Park.

It is said that crowds of people lined up along the park fence waiting for them strike a pose.

Sugita also won the IFBB Mr. International (middleweight) competition in 1981.

The bodybuilding legend trained under Bill pearl – the five-time Mr Universe champion.

After retiring Sugita opened his own gym in Jyobashi, Osaka where he trained the next generation of bodybuilders, sumo wrestlers, and professional wrestlers.

The gym has now been taken over byOsaka Pro-Wrestling Zeus who plan to continue his legacy.

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