Japan’s JBBF Highlights Prefectural and National Bodybuilding Events

At the 55th Okayama Prefectural Men's Bodybuilding Championship held July 25‑29 2026 at the Okayama Arts Creation Theatre Harenowa, three members of International Pacific University’s Barbell Club made their senior debut. Competitors were Ikeda Hinata (men’s bodybuilding), Kaneko Ryuta (men’s physique under 172 cm) and Yokoyama Toki (men’s physique under 172 cm). Alumni Daida Ota, now with Daiya Kogyo, placed third in the junior men’s physique division, providing a role model for current club members.

The Japanese Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (JBBF) published the entry list for the 30th Japan Class‑Based Bodybuilding Championship, scheduled for August 23 2026 at Kanazawa Cultural Hall in Ishikawa. The event will feature nine weight classes for men and three height classes for women. Notable participants include 55 kg champion Akazawa Noriyasu, who is chasing a tenth title, reality‑TV personality Koike Yuma in the 90 kg class, and other top athletes such as Matsuo Kousaku, Shimoda Ryo, Katō Naoyuki and Yoshioka Kenichi.