Bodybuilding.com - An Interview With 2007 Iron Man Competitor, Hidetada Yamagishi.

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Tokyo is one of the most convenient and organized cities in the world!

Hidetada Yamagishi moved from his home country of Japan to train under the guidance of Milos Sarcev in California. Here is what the personable pro had to say to Bodybuilding.com about prep for the 2007 Iron Man.

An Interview With 2007 Iron Man Competitor, Hidetada Yamagishi.

By: Kris Gethin

Hidetada Yamagishi recently moved from his home country of Japan to train under "The Minds" guidance of Milos Sarcev in Fullerton, CA. Bodybuilding.com caught up with the personable pro - 2 weeks prior to his return to the Iron Man stage hoping to obliterate his 15th placement of 2006. This is what he Hide (pronounced: Heeday) had to tell us -

[ Q ] Do you have a humorous/strange habit when getting ready for a show?

Before the contest, I start to crave salty foods. Maybe it's the same logic of when you're a child, if someone says you can't have something; you always want it even more! I like to eat traditional Japanese food like "umeboshi" (pronounced: u-me-bo-she)(Japanese pickled plum) and "ochazuke" (pronounced: o-cha-zu-ke)(rice & broth) full of sodium!!

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Hidetada Yamagishi.

[ Q ] What have you done different in prep for the 2007 Iron Man comparing to last years Iron Man.

My preparation for 2007 Iron Man is completely different from last year in many ways. The biggest difference is... I moved to the States - I sold my car, picked up my stuff, and moved to Fullerton, CA where my mentor Milos Sarcev owns his Koloseum Gym.

I first met Milos just after the 2006 Iron Man, in which I placed 15th. I asked him to train me for the San Francisco Pro which was only 2 weeks later. Whilst training with him, I was able to make huge improvements and placed 11th.

THE FIT SHOW

Milos Sarcev's Hardcore Training Style.
Date: 7/21/2006

Milos Sarcev is back with another episode of The Fit Show. This week Milos shows us his hardcore training style.
Video Show 34

This year, I've been training with Milos and his team for the past 3 months and following his nutrition program. Now, if training with him for 2 weeks last year made a difference, can you imagine what training with him for 3 months can do?

Training with Milos has really given me a different psyche as well. He's known for his intensity and being hard core but he's also a warm & hospitable person. He and his family have really taken me under their wings, and allowed me to meet great people, friends and supporters. This year, it feels like I'm competing with my "home" uniform on!

Hidetada Yamagishi Posing.
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View More Videos From The 2007 Iron Man Blog Here!

[ Q ] Can you briefly explain to me what it's like living and competing as a bodybuilder in your home country?

I lived in Tokyo for over 10 years. It is one of the most convenient and organized cities in the world! Everything is on time, the service is impeccable, and the city itself is immaculately clean and safe.

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Hidetada Yamagishi At The 2006 Iron Man.
View More Pics From The 2006 Iron Man Here.

There's always something new and trendy so you never get bored there (and when you do get bored, of course, the gym is open 24 hours!). It sounds so perfect that you start to wonder why anyone would leave. Go experience the "perfectly packed, overcrowded trains everyday and you'd be on the first train out to the airport too!

Hidetada Yamagishi Wallpaper
IFBB Pro & 2007 Iron Man Contender.
Photo By SecondFocus.
Week #47 - 2/06/2007
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The daily life as a bodybuilder, I don't think is too different from the US. We all know the drill: Train hard, eat clean, rest, tan and compete! Maybe less choices of bodybuilding magazines (we only have two!), eggbeaters and fat free products to choose from than the US?!

But, unfortunately, bodybuilding in Japan is considered more of a minor and amateur sport; probably the reason why I'm the only IFBB Pro in Japan. However, it's promising to see that there are many dedicated and talented light class bodybuilders who compete in the local, national, Asian and IFBB world championships.

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Hidetada Yamagishi.

[ Q ] Can you tell me if there is anything you do different as a bodybuilder in comparison to everyone else?

I am pretty much the typical type of bodybuilder, focused 100% on training and dieting everyday.

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Hidetada Yamagishi At The 2006 Iron Man.
View More Pics From The 2006 Iron Man Here.

[ Q ] Feel free to add anything else.

I really appreciate the support and encouragement from my sponsor, Mr. Kakuta from Rokkoku Construction Inc. He's made it possible for me to live in CA and focus on my training.