Shinsuke Nakamura, NJPW share tributes to Tadao Yasuda

On social media this morning, WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura took a moment to remember Tadao Yasuda and reflect on the impact Yasuda had on his life.

News broke overnight that Yasuda, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, has passed away at 62 years old. Yasuda played an important role in Nakamura’s development by serving as his first-ever opponent when Nakamura debuted for NJPW back in 2002. In a tweet today, Nakamura thanked Yasuda for how he looked out for him when he was starting out in wrestling.

“Tadao Yasuda has passed away,” Nakamura wrote. “He was my opponent in my debut match, and because he had experience juggling mixed martial arts and professional wrestling, I will never forget how he repeatedly showed concern for me as a young wrestler when I was taking on both challenges. I pray for his soul to rest in peace.”

NJPW has also issued a statement expressing sadness at Yasuda’s death:

  • New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tadao Yasuda. He was 62.
  • Born October 9, 1963 in Tokyo, Yasuda went into sumo wrestling from junior high school, where he competed at a high level through a 13 year career, retiring in May of 1992. From there, Yasuda would join New Japan Pro-Wrestling and debuted on February 24 1994 against Hiroshi Hase. 
  • In the early 2000s, Yasuda would head to the original Inoki LA Dojo where he trained in MMA in addition to continuing in pro-wrestling. His efforts paid off with strong performances in 2001, and the biggest win of his fighting career on New Year’s Eve over Jerome Le Banner. The next April, Yasuda would win the vacant IWGP heavyweight Championship by defeating Yuji Nagata in a tournament final. 
  • Heading up the fearsome Makai Club stable, Yasuda continued to be a formidable force in NJPW until his departure in 2005. Yasuda eventually retired from professional wrestling in February 2011. 
  • The thoughts and deepest sympathies of all at New Japan Pro-Wrestling go to Yasuda’s family, friends and fans. 

Tokyo Sports reports that Yasuda was found dead at his home in Tokyo on February 10. A cause of death has not been announced. He had been working at a security company until shortly before his passing.

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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.