Remembering Osamu Kido

A Wrestling Legend Passes Away

News: Osamu Kido, a highly esteemed former member of the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) roster, has sadly passed away at the age of 73. Among the pioneering stars who joined NJPW early on, Kido departed from the Japan Wrestling Association (JWA) alongside Antonio Inoki to aid in the establishment of NJPW. While he may not have reached the same level of fame as Inoki, Kido was cherished by fans and notably clinched the NJPW Tag Team Championship in 1986 alongside Akira Maeda. It is with profound sorrow that we announce his demise on December 11 following a valiant battle against cancer.

A Mentor and a Pioneer

Following his retirement from professional wrestling, Kido transitioned into a mentorship role, dedicating himself to training numerous Japanese wrestling talents at the NJPW dojo. Particularly noteworthy was his influential role in shaping the career of current WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura, who openly expressed deep admiration for Kido’s wrestling techniques and training approaches in his book. The wrestling community grieves the passing of this Japanese wrestling legend, recognizing his immense contributions to the sport.

A Legacy in Wrestling

Osamu Kido, born on February 2, 1950, left an indelible mark on the wrestling world during his illustrious career. Commencing his journey in the wrestling realm in 1969, he played a pivotal role in the inception of NJPW in 1972. Kido garnered acclaim for his exceptional prowess in mat wrestling and his knack for infusing simplicity with captivating performances inside the ring.

A Master of the Mat

Throughout his career, Kido expanded his horizons by venturing into the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF), where he gained immense recognition for his mastery of mat wrestling. His crowning achievement came in 1985 when he secured a significant milestone by triumphing in the esteemed Three Tour Tournament, thereby cementing his stature in the wrestling domain. Subsequently, Kido made a comeback to NJPW and actively participated in the original NJPW vs. UWF feud, reaffirming his exceptional talent. In 1986, alongside his partner, he clinched the IWGP Tag Team Championship, adding yet another accolade to his remarkable career.

A Legendary Mentor

After retiring from active competition, Kido dedicated himself to mentoring aspiring wrestlers at the NJPW Dojo. Among his most notable proteges was none other than Shinsuke Nakamura, who has since soared to great heights in the wrestling industry. Kido’s influence on Nakamura’s career cannot be overstated, and his guidance undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Nakamura’s ascension to fame. In 2005, Kido briefly emerged from retirement before ultimately hanging up his boots for good in 2010. Sadly, on December 11, 2023, Osamu Kido passed away at the age of 73 due to cancer, leaving behind an enduring legacy in Japanese professional wrestling.

A Lasting Legacy

In conclusion, the wrestling world bids farewell to Osamu Kido, a revered figure whose legacy remains etched in the annals of the sport. His pivotal contributions to NJPW, his exemplary prowess inside the ring, and his unwavering commitment to nurturing future talents have undeniably left an enduring imprint on the wrestling community. Kido’s memory will be fondly cherished, and his impactful legacy will serve as a timeless inspiration for generations of wrestlers yet to come. Rest in peace, Osamu Kido.

FAQ’s

Q: Which championship did Osamu Kido secure during his career?

A: In 1986, Osamu Kido clinched the NJPW Tag Team Championship alongside Akira Maeda.

Q: Whom did Osamu Kido mentor during his tenure at the NJPW dojo?

A: Notably, one of his trainees was Shinsuke Nakamura, who has since attained significant success in the wrestling industry.

Q: When did Osamu Kido pass away and what was the cause of his demise?

A: Osamu Kido bravely battled cancer and passed away on December 11, 2023.