Hidetada Yamagishi Confirms Masters Olympia Will Be His Final Show
Veteran 212 bodybuilding standout Hidetada Yamagishi has officially announced that the 2025 Masters Olympia will mark his final competition before he retires from the sport. A fixture in professional bodybuilding for nearly three decades, Yamagishi has graced some of the sport’s most prestigious stages, including his victorious campaign at the 2023 Masters Olympia. With the event set to return this year in Tokyo, Yamagishi is preparing to defend his title one last time on home soil.
“Should I do it? I just decided that I’m going to go for it and do my last show, my very last show.”
The decision to return for one final outing wasn’t made lightly. Yamagishi recently appeared on OlympiaTV, where he detailed his thought process leading to this momentous choice. Initially retiring in 2022, he was drawn back to competition in 2023 when the Masters Olympia made its long-awaited comeback, leading to his triumphant victory in the 212 division.
“I didn’t wanna do it, this show. Last show, it was perfect for me, win then go. That was the perfect scenario for me.”
Hidetada Yamagishi Announces Retirement Following 2025 Masters Olympia
The highly anticipated 2025 Masters Olympia will take place in Tokyo on August 9-10, a fitting location for Yamagishi’s swan song. After the event was absent from last year’s schedule, its return adds an extra layer of significance to what promises to be an unforgettable competition.
“Believe it or not, this is my very first Pro show in Japan. I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t imagine being on the stage as a Japanese professional bodybuilder standing on the stage in Tokyo.”
A trailblazer for Japanese bodybuilding, Yamagishi made history in 2014 when he transitioned to the 212 division and captured the Tampa Pro title. Over the course of his career, he amassed five professional victories, including standout wins at the 2016 Arnold Classic 212, the 2019 Europa Pro Dallas, and the 2019 Monsterzym Pro. His consistency and longevity also saw him compete on the Olympia stage 10 times, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Looking back on his 2023 Masters Olympia victory, Yamagishi admitted he entered the contest without expectations, simply aiming for a strong performance. However, his dominant showing reaffirmed his place among the sport’s elite, proving that even after years away, his conditioning and stage presence remained world-class.
“I was so fortunate I won but my mindset was, I’d be happy in Top 10. I won and that was a surprise to me.”
Yamagishi’s professional journey began in 2005 at the Ironman Pro, where he made an immediate impact by finishing as the runner-up. By 2007, he earned his first Olympia qualification, finishing 13th. His breakthrough victory came in 2010 at the Europa Show of Champions, setting the stage for a decorated career defined by perseverance and excellence.
Now, after years of competing at the highest level, Yamagishi has the opportunity to step away from bodybuilding on his own terms, potentially capping off his career with one final triumph in Tokyo.
“Win or lose, I’ll just do my best and show my very best physique to Japanese fans.”
