Nonaka
Masahiro 野中 雅浩

2019.12.19

Simple and clear, this feat of power is exciting

How much weight can a human being lift? This curiosity led to the birth of the sport of weightlifting. Measuring 182 centimeters in height and 155 kilograms in weight, Nonaka has a body frame as large as that of a foreign athlete. Mobilizing every muscle and bone in the body, a weightlifter raises the barbell. It is a simple, but profound, sport that is not just about power.

Repeating the process of planning, execution, and results

Weightlifting has two events: the snatch and the clean and jerk. In the snatch, the lifter raises the barbell above the head in one continuous motion and stands up. In the clean and jerk, the lifter first moves the weight up to the shoulders and stands up, then jerks it above the head using the body’s reaction force. The lifter is given three attempts in the snatch and three attempts in the clean and jerk, and the best lift in each is combined to determine the overall result.

Asked about the appeal of weightlifting, Nonaka said, “Watching a person lifting a weight of over 200 kilograms is exciting. I make a plan all by myself, execute it, and produce results. If I can’t improve my record, I review my form and training methods. A lifter who has little power is no good even if he or she has techniques. Having power will allow you to lift the weight even with a little bit of technique. It is a feat of power, and that’s what makes it exciting.”

Nonaka started weightlifting in high school. “It’s not a contact sport, so there’s no risk of unexpected injury. I focused on improving flexibility and building up leg muscles and gave importance to balance,” said Nonaka. His strong lower body and flexible hip joint helped him maintain postural stability when lifting the barbell.

To perform on the Olympic stage

Nonaka became the Japanese champion weightlifter at the 2014 National Invitational High School Tournament for the first time and won a triple crown at national competitions for high school students. He took fourth place at the 2015 Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships, and tenth place at the 2016 IWF Junior World Championships.

In weightlifting, the weight of the barbell can be increased by the kilogram, but it cannot be reduced from the amount in the first attempt. How much weight you choose to start with and how you add weight and improve your record is a form of strategy to be applied against other athletes and constitutes an important element in the match. Nonaka, who is good at the clean and jerk, tends to close the gap in the second half, turn the tables, and win, bringing excitement to the audience. “I want to be an athlete who can win the audience over to his side and make them enjoy the match,” said Nonaka.

“Everything I have done is reflected in my record. Target setting is easy for this sport, which makes it all the more challenging. I want to try to see until when I can keep evolving, and I want many people to watch this sport so that its appeal can be conveyed.”

“At the world-class level, there are athletes weighing over 170 kilograms in my category. I feel there’s a gap in ability, but it’s not a gap that can’t be closed. I want to perform on the Olympic stage.”

Masahiro Nonaka’s philosophy

Meet expectations and enable the audience to enjoy the match.