ancient culture meets modern athletics: the growing sport of strongman in Japan
When you think of Japan and strength, you probably picture a huge Sumo wrestler doing shiko, or perhaps a Ninja Warrior contestant like Makoto Nagano. If you’re more privy to strength sports, you might even have heard of Chikaraishi, traditional Japanese lifting stones. But until recently, you’d be unlikely to think of Strongman and Japan together. Now, organizations like Tenka Musou are working to change that, and bring modern Strongman competition to Japan.
Although Strongman has existed in Japan for many years already, it was largely discreet, with very little organization or attempts at growth. Tenka Musou cofounder and head David Dunlap is working to change that.
David has worked as a professional Japanese translator for 15 years, regularly traveling between Japan and the US. So when he discovered Strongman shortly after COVID lockdowns, it was only natural that he would bring his new passion for the sport with him overseas. David is particularly interested in the Chikaraishi stones, of which there are over 14000. These stones, traditionally associated with Shinto shrines, have been lifted competitively for hundreds of years, in events such as a lift above the head, a carry for max distance, and a leg press. David has documented his own journey with Chikaraishi on Youtube since August of 2023, when he found and lifted his first Japanese stone.
Although Chikaraishi was very popular in the 19th and early 20th century, it has dwindled in popularity since, with David believing that Japanese people are largely unaware of historic feats of strength such as stonelifting. Not all is lost however. In the small town of Soja, for example, a Chikaraishi festival is held every summer, featuring 23 stones ranging from 1.8kg to the 180kg Yokozuna stone, so that anyone can compete. And indeed, everyone does compete. The whole town participates, from big men to ladies in their work clothes and children. The competition has been held for hundreds of years, attracting competitors from all over the country. Local university powerlifting teams and champion bodybuilders are among those who have attempted these feats of strength.
Last year, Tenka Musou hosted their first strongman competition, aimed at novices, and had over 20 athletes enter. “That’s more than have ever competed in a single Strongman competition in Japan, as far as I know,” said David, when asked what he was most proud of in this venture so far. Part of what Tenka Musou is doing differently is opening competition to foreigners. In addition to 20 Japanese athletes, that first competition also featured multiple expats and athletes from Taiwan.
Now, they are gearing up for two 2025 competitions. In addition to another novice competition, Tenka Musou will be hosting Japan’s official OSG Qualifier, with 65 athletes registered. Taking place from February 8th to 9th, the competition blends common strongman events such as Log Press, Farmer’s Walk, and Axle Deadlift, with Chikaraishi events in the form of a stone press and a stone to shoulder. David is excited that a local TV station has already agreed to come and cover the event briefly, and hopes that this qualifier will put Japanese strongman on the map. The competition will also feature a traditional Japenese Taiko performance, as well as live music on both days. In this way, western Strongman and Japanese culture are entwined. By featuring Chikaraishi events, an important piece of Japanese history is helped to stay alive, and promoted to a greater audience.
The competition will also be livestreamed on the Official Strongman website
