Episode 78: The Dream of Those Days
May 25, 2026
The truth is, I wanted to be "jacked." I used to believe that bigger was always better.
For about ten years, from age 18 to 27, I did nothing but eat and crush heavy weights. I even had the extreme idea that "I want to supply nutrients even while I'm asleep!" so I’d wake up in the middle of the night just to drink a protein shake.
Naturally, I ended up with cavities (laughs).
I’ve always loved bodybuilding; back in university, I used to buy and devour IRONMAN magazine at the campus bookstore.
However, to be blunt... right now, I'm fat.
Compared to the Tokyo Dome show earlier this year, I’ve easily gained over 10kg. There’s barely a trace of my physique from my prime.
Years ago, I published a book titled Why Was Hiroshi Tanahashi Able to Change New Japan Pro-Wrestling?. If I were to release a book now, the title would have to be: Why Has Hiroshi Tanahashi Gotten So Fat? (New Edition).
Man, weight is really hard to lose, isn't it?
I’d like to try getting down to about 80kg in the near future.
When I entered university at 18, I was 70kg, and by 19, I was 80kg. So, returning to my weight from 30 years ago would mean...
Based on the math, I need to lose 28kg. Hieee!
If I need to lose 28kg, even if I lose 2kg a month, it would take over two years. Since fat is 9kcal per gram, that’s
【9×28,000g＝252,000kcal】
252,000kcal!! ((((；ﾟДﾟ)))))))!!!
It’s a mind-boggling number, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. A 28kg weight loss begins with a single gram...
Of course, I want to lose weight for my health, but the most immediate problem is: 【The waist of my suits is more than 5cm away from closing】.
Ah, it’s a grave situation. During my active years, I had my suits custom-made for title matches and press conferences. They were built for a "special" physique—broad back and armholes, but a very narrow waist.
Shall I do it one more time? A physical transformation. As I always used to say: "Life goes on even after you retire from pro-wrestling."
Now that the goal is set, I just need to pick the "X-Day" to start.
What? You're saying I should just start today? Of course, you're right.
When I appeared on the morning show Love It! The other day, the only feedback on X (Twitter) was: "Wait, Tanahashi got fat."
I mean, some people said it makes me look more like a "President" (laughs).
Anyway, once I get started, I’ll let you know. If I can get started, that is...