Japanese Wrestling Historian Koichi Yoshizawa Passes Away
An important figure of pro wrestling history - Koichi Yoshizawa is no more.
It has come to light via Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the Japanese pro wrestling historian passed away on July 28 aged 73.
Back in the 70s and 80s he had been the most important source of information about Japanese wrestling for wrestling magazines and newsletters. However, it all began in the 1960s onwards until the internet era.
Yoshizawa grew up being a fan of Rikidozan and all of the stars of that era. He was also one of Japan's top wrestling historians because he went back so far. He eventually became very close with most of the Americans that would tour Japan. It was about a decade back that he started having health issues and wasn't allowed to travel to shows.
Going against the doctor's advice, the last show he attended was The Destroyer Memorial show and Dave Meltzer revealed that Yoshizawa "had to go to Tokyo to see Abdullah the Butcher for the last time."
Starting from the 60s, he could be seen at most of the major events in Japan being at ringside and capturing photos. Despite being a fan of American Wrestling, he never graced The States.
Yoshizawa sent letters to several magazines and newsletters with the results and news covering the major shows. He would send multiple letters per week and notably, Observer became the leading insider source. He wrote and took photos for Japanese wrestling magazines.
Yoshizawa was also associated with sports newspapers. In addition to this, he wrote reports and shoot photos for every U.S. wrestling magazine during the magazine era.
Koichi Yoshizawa remained to be the number one and most consistent source among others who were Japan affiliated with different wrestling magazines. He played a pivotal role in getting photos or the coverage of Japanese wrestling in the U.S.
Koichi Yoshizawa's valuable contribution to the pro wrestling media space will never be forgotten.
