Former Japanese Bench Press Champion and World-Renowned Oculoplastic Surgeon Appointed Chairman

The Japan Para Powerlifting Federation (hereinafter referred to as "the Federation") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Yuhiko Kakizaki as Chairman, effective July 1, 2026, following the expiration of the term of the previous chairman.

Chairman Kakizaki is a former top athlete who was a Japanese champion and set a national record (257.5kg in the 125kg class) in able-bodied bench press. He is also a globally respected physician and researcher specializing in oculoplastic surgery.

Furthermore, he founded the Japan Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and served as its first chairman for seven years. He also served as chairman of the Asia Pacific Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, an international organization, demonstrating his experience in organizational development and management both domestically and internationally.

Leveraging his experience cultivated in diverse fields such as sports, medicine, research, and organizational management, he will focus on expanding the sport's recognition, improving athletic performance, and building a sustainable organization with a 10-year vision.

Goals of the New Leadership

The new leadership aims to develop the sport's organization with the following three pillars:

【Expanding Recognition of the Sport】

Para powerlifting, unlike able-bodied bench press, is a sport where athletes push the barbell using only upper body strength without the use of their legs. We aim to widely promote the unique appeal and value of this sport to able-bodied bench press athletes, thereby expanding the fan base and the number of participants.

【Nurturing Star Athletes】

In pursuit of our long-standing goal of producing Paralympic medalists since the Federation's establishment, we will further promote athlete discovery, development, and enhancement.

【Building a Sustainable Organization】

First, we will carefully assess the current situation to establish a solid organizational foundation, with a 10-year outlook, aiming to create an "independent sports organization that can be operated by anyone at the top."

Additionally, by utilizing the knowledge gained as a physician and researcher, we will actively engage in scientific communication regarding the "value of muscle strength" and physical function, which can only be effectively conveyed by a sports organization.

Message from Chairman Kakizaki

I believe that the most important aspect for a sports organization is to create an environment where athletes and stakeholders can participate with peace of mind, and to build an organization that continues to develop in the future.

I have been involved in able-bodied bench press for many years, but para powerlifting is still not widely known. I want to widely convey the unique appeal and value of this sport, where athletes challenge themselves using only upper body strength without the use of their legs, to those interested in strength training.

By simultaneously promoting the sport's recognition and improving athletic performance, I will work to create an environment that leads to the production of future Paralympic medalists. Furthermore, I will give back to society the knowledge gained as a physician and researcher, and widely disseminate the "value of muscle strength."

Profile

Yuhiko Kakizaki

・Former Japanese Champion in Able-Bodied Bench Press ・Set Japanese record of 257.5kg in the 125kg class ・2nd place in the National Masters Bench Press Championship (50s age group) for 3 consecutive years ・Founder and first Chairman of the Japan Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (7 years) ・Former Chairman of the Asia Pacific Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2 years)

・Authored over 400 English-language papers ・Highly regarded globally in the field of periocular surgery ・Visiting Professor at Nippon Fukushi University (Sports Medicine)