Shigeru Sugita dead: Bodybuilding legend Mr Japan whose calves made Arnold Schwarzenegger jealous, dies aged 78
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.
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Shigeru Sugita has died at aged 78
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Shigeru Sugita (left) won the Mr Universe title in 1976
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Arnold Schwarzenegger was said to be jealous of Sugita's calves
Credit: Michael Ochs Archives - Getty
Sugita reportedly passed away from natural causes on April 13.
The bodybuilder started his career in Japan and won the crown of Mr Japan in 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.
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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.
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The gym has now been taken over by Osaka Pro-Wrestling Zeus who plan to continue his legacy.
Devastated fans have paid tribute to the late bodybuilder on social media.
One wrote: "Sugita was a very creatively dramatic poser, with an incredible physique for his day."
While another said: "That is sad to hear..I competed along side of Shiguru & Kozo in the 70's in the NABBA Mr Universe…great physics….R.I.P. Shiguru…."
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