Reports coming out of Japan this morning indicate that Kendo Nagasaki (real name Kazuo Sakurada) passed away yesterday at age 71. Nagasaki’s pacemaker reportedly stopped which led to a cardiac issue.
Nagasaki was most known for a good run in the 80’s and 90’s as a Samurai sword carrying face-painted superstar that spit out Asian Mist.
He last made an appearance as a major superstar in the United States as ‘The Dragon Master’ in WCW wearing a suit. He was a member of Gary Hart’s ‘J-Tex Corporation’ with The Great Muta and Buzz Sawyer. They feuded with Ric Flair, Sting, and The Andersons.
When he was in NJPW, he was known for being one half of the Ninja Express with Mr. Pogo. He appeared in the USA for the final time in August of 2019 at the ‘T-Mart The Gathering’ convention in Charlotte. He spent many hours preparing for the appearance because he wanted fans to get a real taste of who Nagasaki was. You can see that appearance below.
Wrestlezone would like to express condolences to family and friends of Kendo Nagasaki. A few wrestlers have already taken to twitter to show their condolences and pay tribute to him which you can see below.
Rest in Peace Kendo Nagasaki
Kazuo Sakurada (September 26, 1948 – January 11, 2020)
ケンドー・ナガサキこと桜田一男選手のご冥福をお祈りします。#ChanChung #KendoNagasaki #DragonMaster ???????? #NWA #Amarillo #Stampede #CWF #WorldClass #WWC #WCW #JWA #AJPW #NJPW #FMW #SWS #NOW #BJW pic.twitter.com/evWIbzzGUX— Masa HORIE ??? (@MasanoriHorie) January 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/alexpourteau/status/1216348407838773248
Sad to hear of the passing of a great family friend Kazuo Sakurada, Kendo Nagasaki…much respect, see you on the other side Kanji! pic.twitter.com/6UoROdvs2b
— Chris Youngblood (@chrisromero15) January 12, 2020
