'Japan's Best' Naotaka Yokokawa Returns to Olympia Amateur... 'I Will Take Mr. Olympia'

Bodybuilder Naotaka Yokokawa aimed for a leap to the global stage by competing in the 'Olympia Amateur Japan 2025' held on November 23 at Chiba JPF Dome. This marked his comeback stage after 6 years since winning the JBBF Japan Bodybuilding Championship in 2019, drawing significant attention even before the competition.

Yokokawa previously announced a successful comeback by winning the 'Japan Open 2025' bodybuilding open class held on November 1 by FWJ.

"A Once-in-a-Century Phenomenon"

Yokokawa achieved scale-up under the guidance of Hideyasu Yamagishi (formerly an IFBB pro bodybuilder), known as 'Big Hide', showcasing overwhelming muscle mass. His physique, once boasting "Japan's Best", displayed astonishing development compared to that time.

'Olympia Amateur' is a competition where IFBB pro qualifications are issued in each category, featuring fierce competition among strong athletes, including foreigners. With pro cards expected to be issued to the top 3 overall, it was by no means an easy battle for Yokokawa, who possesses top-level muscle in Japan.

Yokokawa's ultimate goal is to reach the pinnacle of bodybuilding, 'Mr. Olympia'. He is particularly expected to excel in the 'Bodybuilding 212 (under 212 pounds, approximately 96 kg)' category, aiming for the world stage as a Japanese athlete.

In a talk show at FWJ's JAPAN PRO 2024 last November, he expressed his strong determination, stating, "I came with the goal of winning Mr. Olympia. It's not just a desire to participate in Mr. Olympia; I came with the mindset of taking it."

Coach Hideyasu Yamagishi expressed his faith in Yokokawa, saying, "I thought again that this is a once-in-a-century phenomenon. As someone who has fought in Bodybuilding 212, this is absolutely winnable."