New Japan is reporting their learning of the recent death of Tadao Yasuda, although a cause is not known. He reportedly was found dead today (yesterday Japan time) at his home in Tokyo per unofficial internet reports. He was 62.
He first began his career as a sumo wrestler in 1979, using the shikona (ring name) Takanofuji he reached a career high rank of Komusubi, the 4th highest rank in pro sumo. After a 13-year career he retired in 1992 and joined New Japan shortly afterwards, debuting in 1994. In 2001 he entered MMA under the guidance of Antonio Inoki and shocked the world by defeating powerhouse fighter Jerome Le Banner at INOKI BOM-BA-YE 2001 at the Saitama Super Arena. He followed by returning to New Japan and winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in 2002. He continued in the promotion until 2005, when he left for other promotions, namely the defunct comedy promotion Hustle where he won multiple championships, and retired in 2011. In sumo he had a career record of 418-459-4 (win-loss-absent) as a member of Kokonoe Beya (stable/room) with one Special Prize and 2 Kinboshi (Gold Star Victory, when a Maegashira rank wrestler defeats a Yokozuna Grand Champion in a tournament). He would have qualified for elder stock, which would have allowed him to become a coach and possibly a stablemaster at some point. In MMA his official career record was 2-4 with one fight-his last-in the PRIDE promotion, the rest mostly were in Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye or other one-offs.
Yasuda is reportedly survived by a daughter. I join New Japan and others in sending my deepest condolences to Yasuda’s family, friends and fans.
Photo credit: New Japan Pro Wrestling