Hidetada Yamagishi is hell-bent on delivering an Olympia title to his home country of Japan. In a recent Instagram post, “Hide” revealed a ripped physique update less than two months from his anticipated return to the 2023 Masters Olympia show, Aug. 25-27, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
During the 2000s, Yamagishi was a trailblazer in the IFBB Pro League, having made a name for himself in not one but two divisions during his prime. While building a career in the Open and 212 Bodybuilding, his blend of conditioning, fullness, and balance propelled him to some of the sport’s biggest stages, like the Mr. Olympia.
Despite his inability to win an Olympia title, Yamagishi pushed some of the best. That includes seven-time 212 Olympia kingpin Flex Lewis. In 2015, Hidetada took third to fellow standout Jose Raymond and Lewis at the Mr. Olympia show, which serves as the highest placing of his career. Some of Yamagishi’s best career victories include the 2010 Europa Show of Champions, the 2014 Tampa Pro, the 2016 Arnold Classic 212, and the 2019 Europa Dallas.
Yamagishi is no stranger to the spotlight. He’s graced the pages of various magazines, such as Weekly Playboy, Tarzan, and Ironman Japan, where he showcased his muscular build. Hidetada has also appeared in workout demonstration videos and has taken part in Japanese-aired TV shows.
Last year, Yamagishi decided to step away from the sport. During his hiatus, he built a successful YouTube channel. In Yamagishi’s opinion, the stars aligned for his comeback this year. The 2023 Masters Olympia contest announced its return following an 11-year absence. And coincidentally, Yamagishi just turned 50 years old. With that in mind, Yamagishi is more motivated than ever to finally nail down a coveted Olympia title.
Hidetada Yamagishi Looking Incredible 6 Weeks from 2023 Masters Olympia
Check out Yamagishi’s latest posing session below:
“6 weeks out @mastersolympiaofficial” Hide Yamagishi shared.
Initially, fans had hoped to see former four-time Mr. Olympia icon Jay Cutler compete at Masters Olympia. Over the course of several months, Jay has taken steady measures to transform his physique. While he is aiming to get in the best shape of his life since 2013, he stressed that he had no desire to return to a competition stage.
Longevity in bodybuilding has become a major talking point, and fans take notice when they see athletes who have succeeded in preserving their bodies. One such talent is Golden Era’s Tom Platz. He recently wowed fans online with a look at his ripped quad development at 68 years old.
Other veterans of the sport have done a stellar job of staying in great condition as well, like Lee Labrada. Labrada routinely shares training advice, strategies, and tips for longevity. He believes bodybuilding is the closest thing athletes have to a ‘fountain of youth.’ To this day, fans can’t believe Lee Labrada’s youthful appearance at 63.
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This isn’t Hidetada’s first progress update in preparation for the Masters Olympia event. In April, he showed off the physique he was working with ahead of his rigorous prep. With the contest taking place in late Aug., Yamagishi is working relentlessly to bring his absolute best in his return.