No meat, no fish: 90-year-old Japanese bodybuilder's all-veg diet revealed

Age is just a number, and time and again, people have proved it in their own ways. This time, it's about a Japanese man who is a bodybuilder at 90. Yes, you can read that again.

And not just a bodybuilder, a winner of several fitness championships in Japan as well. His name is Toshisuke Kanazawa, and he recently became the talk of the internet town after winning the 85-and-over category at the All Japan Masters Fitness Championships, just a day after turning 90. The victory was his 19th national title.

What really caught the attention was, of course, his age and his perseverance, but also his diet. Kanazawa has also followed a diet without meat or fish for decades, focussing majorly on vegetarian dishes for his nutrition. Toshisuke Kanazawa won his 19th title in bodybuilding this year (Photo: Toshisuke Kanazawa/Instagram)

But that's not all about him. There is also a little emotional layer to his story as to why he is still into bodybuilding competitions and there's a Arnold Schwarzenegger connect too.Japan's 90-year-old bodybuilder's diet

Speaking with CNN, Kanazawa said he has not eaten meat or fish since returning to bodybuilding at the age of 50. His everyday meals are built around a handful of familiar Japanese staples.

Breakfast is typically brown rice, natto and miso soup. Natto, made from fermented soybeans, is a source of plant protein and can have a slightly sticky texture. In fact, miso soup is also made from soybean paste in a savoury broth.

For lunch and dinner, he eats brown rice with a little furikake, a Japanese seasoning commonly sprinkled over rice. He also has a protein drink three times a day.

That's it. Simple, regular and at it. No fancy longevity diet trend.

And he is not the only bodybuilder who does not eat meat. If you search online, you will find a couple of bodybuilders, like Nimai Delgado or Anil Gochikar who claim to be vegetarian and vegan. Therefore, their protein, fibre and nutrient intake is balanced accordingly.

Kanazawa also shared, "Ageing is something you simply cannot control. I am just continuously striving to see how we can slow down ageing through diet and training." He aims to make human history by being able to live up to 130 years. This 90-year-old bodybuilder is striving for slowing down ageing. (Photo: Toshisuke Kanazawa/Instagram)

Truth be told, Kanazawa is not the only one striving to slow down ageing. In India, a recent survey by LocalCircles revealed that roughly 7.3% (1 in 6 Indians) of Indians are actively working to slow down the ageing process by improving their diet, exercising regularly, taking supplements and even exploring therapies.

In fact, Kanazawa's relationship with bodybuilding is almost as remarkable as his diet. He first stepped away from competitive bodybuilding at 34. But because of his wife, and maybe famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, he returned to the world of fitness at 50!Why is he still into bodybuilding?

The Japanese man returned to the sport at 50 when his wife became ill. For her, seeing her husband compete and win, gave her something to cheer about. She has since died, but he has continued taking the stage.

Now, at 90, retirement still does not appear to be on his cards. At 90, he still has a purpose. He wants to compete in the 60-and-over category at the World Championships and has even spoken about his dream of meeting Schwarzenegger, whom he has admired for decades.

"Even though I am only 10 years older than Arnold, I want to show him what I can do," he shared.

Speaking of dreams and longevity, diet alone is no magic trick. Genetics, decades of training, lifestyle and many other factors play a role in ageing and health. And ofcourse, dedication, discipline and diligence should not leave the chat.- EndsPublished By: Jigyasa SahayPublished On: Sep 24, 2026 09:42 IST