Antonio Inoki has been honored with a new statue.
Antonio Inoki was one of the most key figures in the Japanese wrestling world, as he founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling and was instrumental in building the company. He was the first IWGP Heavyweight Champion. WWE recognized his immeasurable contributions to the wrestling world by inducting him into the Hall of Fame in 2010. Inoki passed away at the age of 79 on October 1, 2022.
As announced in a post on NJPW’s website, a statue of NJPW legend was unveiled as part of a special ceremony at the Sojiji Temple in Tsurumi, Yokohama on September 12. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, and Toger Mask represented NJPW at the unveiling. NJPW consultant Seiji Sakaguchi was also in attendance, as were Yoshiaki Fujiawara, Masahiro Chono, Kazuyuki Fujita, Naoya Ogawa, who were all Inoki’s students.
Per NJPW, the special “Burning Fighting Spirit” statue was unveiled at the Inoki family grave. It was made to 110% of Inoki’s living size, and Okada served as the model for the physique.
NJPW also noted that Inoki’s daughter Hiroki currently has his cremated remains. He will be laid to rest in Yokohama upon her return to Japan. Per NJPW, the grave and statue are open for public viewing.
