The legendary Japanese food challenger Yuka Kinoshita bids farewell to the sport at 39

End of an Era: Yuka Kinoshita Retires from Competitive Eating Due to Health Concerns

10th February 2025, Monday

Yuka Kinoshita, the world-renowned Japanese competitive eater who has garnered more than 5.2 million followers, finally took umbrage at health and age specific reasons for her retirement. As announced on February 1 by the 39-year-old lady, it was just before her entering into the 40s, according to the report by South China Morning Post.

“I find it hard to continue as an eating machine. My health has deteriorated for many years now, and although my stomach is empty, I feel tired. I still can eat normally, but I cannot push myself like before.”

The legendary career in competitive eating

Kinoshita rose in fame through the reality television show The Battle of Big Eaters in Japan in 2009 when audiences were introduced to her through a tiny frame and large personality. In spite of not being victorious in the contest, her shattering records of eating attracted attention, and she began her own online channel in 2014.

In the course of the years, she mesmerized audiences with records worth eating challenges eaten within a single sitting. For example, in the very most extreme experiences, she has eaten 600 fried chicken pieces, 100 burgers, or 5 kilograms of steak and ramen. Another memory was of a video where she consumed bibimbap infused with 50 eggs alongside 6 kilograms of miso soup. She has been known to eat between 5,000 and 20,000 calories a meal but was only 47 kilograms and 158 cm tall.

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 Struggles with Health and Mental Well-Being

Last year, Kinoshita took a seven-month break from content creation while battling bipolar affective disorder. She made her social media comeback in August, updating fans about her gradual recovery. In a recent video, she shared that she finds happiness in her three cats, saying, “I never thought of getting married. I am not in the mood for love, but with my cats, I feel content.” Looking forward, she added, “For this new year, I just hope to live a long life, like a snake.”

Fans React to Her Retirement

Kinoshita’s retirement announcement sparked an outpouring of support from fans worldwide. One follower wrote, “Your health comes first. Thank you for your videos—they were a source of comfort. I was always concerned about your well-being and hope you can now focus on a healthier lifestyle.”

Another fan reflected on her influence, saying, “Your videos helped me when I had no appetite. Watching you made me realize how delicious food can be, and I found the motivation to eat again. I’m grateful for that.”

With her departure, Kinoshita closes the chapter on a remarkable career that redefined competitive eating and inspired millions. While she steps away from the spotlight, her legacy as a beloved food challenge icon will undoubtedly endure.

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