Antonio Inoki Celebrated with Statue in Yokohama, Japan
The legendary Antonio Inoki has been celebrated with a statue in Yokohama, Japan, close to a year after the passing of the Japanese wrestling legend.
Inoki died at the age of 79 on October 1, 2022. His cause of death was ruled as systemic transthyretin amyloidosis. Considered one of the most influential wrestlers of all time, Inoki founded New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1972 and became the first IWGP Heavyweight Champion in 1987. Following his passing, Inoki was made the honorary lifetime chairman of the promotion.
As covered on New Japan’s website, a special ceremony was held at the Sojiji Temple in Tsurumi, Yokohama, Inoki’s hometown. Several NJPW wrestlers attended, including Tiger Mask, Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Kazuchika Okada.
After incense was burned according to a traditionalist Buddhist ceremony, the special ‘Burning Fighting Spirit’ statue was unveiled at the Inoki family grave. The bronze statue was made to 110% of Inoki’s actual size, with Kazuchika Okada acting as the model for the statue’s physique.
Inoki’s cremated remains are currently with his daughter Hiroko and will be laid to rest in Yokohama when she returns to Japan later this year from the United States. The grave and statue are open for viewing to the general public.
Inoki’s life and legacy will be celebrated next month at AEW Wrestledream, which will take place on the anniversary of his passing. The event was announced during the post-All In media scrum by AEW President Tony Khan, who described Inoki as one of the great dreamers of wrestling. At this time, only one match has been confirmed for the show: Bryan Danielson Vs. NJPW World Television Champion Zack Sabre Jr.
