Former NJPW wrestler Osamu Kido passed away on December 11 2023. He was 73.

Kido made his professional debut for JWA on February 21 1969, before wrestling on the first ever NJPW event in March 1972, and on his excursion to the US, received guidance and instruction from Karl Gotch.

In September 1984, Kido moved to the first incarnation of UWF, adding a formative martial arts style to his in-ring approach. Kido returned to NJPW in 1985, and on August 5 1986, teamed with Akira Maeda to capture the IWGP Tag Team Championships.

The technical expertise Kido exemplified, passed directly from the revered Karl Gotch earned him the nickname of ‘Ibushi silver’, meaning a subtly refined artisanal work of brilliance. All of New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened by Kido’s passing, and expresses the deepest of sympathies to Kido’s family, friends and fans.