# Antonio Inoki

> Japanese professional wrestler, businessman, and politician (1943-2022)

**Wikidata**: [Q45207](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45207)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Inoki)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/antonio-inoki

## Summary
Antonio Inoki was a Japanese professional wrestler, businessman, and politician (1943–2022). He founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972, shaping Japanese wrestling as a global sport and establishing the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship as one of wrestling's most prestigious titles. He also served as a member of the Japanese House of Councillors and founded the Inoki Genome Federation, a biotechnology company.

## Biography
- Born: February 20, 1943, in Tokyo, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Education: Attended Tokyo Metropolitan University of Health and Sports Sciences
- Known for: Founding New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and revolutionizing Japanese professional wrestling
- Employer(s): New Japan Pro-Wrestling (founder), Inoki Genome Federation (founder), Japanese House of Councillors (politician)
- Field(s): Professional wrestling, business, politics

## Contributions
- Founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972, establishing it as a major global wrestling promotion with the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
- Developed the "puroresu" style of wrestling, emphasizing realistic fighting techniques and athletic competition.
- Served as a member of the Japanese House of Councillors from 1998 to 2004, advocating for sports and biotechnology policies.
- Founded the Inoki Genome Federation in 2007, a biotechnology company focused on genetic research and applications.
- Promoted international collaboration in wrestling, featuring stars like Big Van Vader and Chyna in NJPW.

## FAQs
- **What is Antonio Inoki best known for?**
  Antonio Inoki is best known for founding New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972, which became a global leader in professional wrestling. He also shaped Japanese wrestling as a distinct sport and served as a politician in Japan.

- **Where did Antonio Inoki work?**
  Antonio Inoki worked as the founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and the Inoki Genome Federation. He also served as a member of the Japanese House of Councillors.

- **What style of wrestling did Antonio Inoki develop?**
  Antonio Inoki developed the "puroresu" style of wrestling, which emphasizes realistic fighting techniques, athletic competition, and storytelling rooted in honor and discipline.

- **What political role did Antonio Inoki hold?**
  Antonio Inoki served as a member of the Japanese House of Councillors from 1998 to 2004, where he advocated for sports and biotechnology policies.

- **What awards has Antonio Inoki received?**
  Antonio Inoki was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame for his contributions to professional wrestling.

## Why They Matter
Antonio Inoki revolutionized Japanese professional wrestling by founding NJPW and establishing the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship as one of wrestling's most prestigious titles. His "puroresu" style influenced global wrestling culture, and his political career in Japan demonstrated the intersection of sports and governance. The Inoki Genome Federation further showcased his entrepreneurial ventures in biotechnology. His legacy endures through NJPW's global influence, his political advocacy, and his role in shaping both wrestling and Japanese sports policy.

## Notable For
- Founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), one of the world's largest wrestling promotions.
- Developer of the "puroresu" wrestling style, which became a global standard.
- Member of the Japanese House of Councillors (1998–2004), advocating for sports and biotechnology.
- Founder of the Inoki Genome Federation, a biotechnology company focused on genetic research.
- Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
- Promoted international wrestling stars, including Big Van Vader and Chyna, in NJPW.

## Body
### Early Life and Wrestling Career
Antonio Inoki was born on February 20, 1943, in Tokyo, Japan. He attended Tokyo Metropolitan University of Health and Sports Sciences, where he developed his interest in professional wrestling. Inoki began his wrestling career in the 1960s, working for various promotions before founding New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972. He established the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship as the promotion's flagship title, elevating NJPW to global prominence.

### Development of Puroresu
Inoki pioneered the "puroresu" style of wrestling, which emphasized realistic fighting techniques, athletic competition, and storytelling rooted in honor and discipline. This approach distinguished Japanese wrestling from American styles and helped establish NJPW as a leader in the industry. His focus on technical skill and competitive storytelling influenced wrestling worldwide.

### Political Career
From 1998 to 2004, Antonio Inoki served as a member of the Japanese House of Councillors. He advocated for policies related to sports and biotechnology, demonstrating the intersection of his professional and political interests. His political career highlighted his commitment to sports governance and public service.

### Business Ventures
In 2007, Antonio Inoki founded the Inoki Genome Federation, a biotechnology company focused on genetic research and applications. The company aimed to advance biotechnology in Japan and contribute to scientific innovation. This venture showcased Inoki's entrepreneurial spirit beyond wrestling and politics.

### International Influence
Antonio Inoki promoted international collaboration in wrestling, featuring stars like Big Van Vader and Chyna in NJPW. He helped bridge Japanese and American wrestling audiences, expanding NJPW's global reach. His efforts contributed to the globalization of professional wrestling.

### Awards and Recognition
Antonio Inoki was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame for his contributions to professional wrestling. These honors recognized his impact on the sport and his role in shaping wrestling culture.

### Legacy
Antonio Inoki's legacy endures through his founding of NJPW, his development of puroresu, his political advocacy, and his biotechnology ventures. His influence on wrestling, sports policy, and entrepreneurship continues to shape Japanese and global entertainment industries.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/oct/01/antonio-inoki-dead-wrestler-muhammad-ali-japan)
2. [アントニオ猪木さん死去 プロレス界の巨星堕つ](https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/240536)
3. Letterboxd
4. [Source](https://grantland.com/features/antonio-inoki-japan-politics-pro-wrestling-ric-flair-saddam-hussein-iraq-north-korea-kim-jong-un-hostages/)
5. [Biography of Antonio Inoki | Inoki Genki Factory](https://www.inokigenki.com/en/history/index.html)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. National Diet Library
8. CiNii Research
9. MusicBrainz
10. [Fuji News Network](https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/424994)
11. [NHK](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/shutoken-news/20221001/1000085434.html)
12. [Daily Sports](https://nordot.app/948840131008610304?c=768367547562557440)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](http://id.ndl.go.jp/auth/ndlna/00019346)
15. Library of Congress
16. Quora
17. Nihon Tarento Meikan
18. YouTube API