Japanese Competitive Eater Takeru Kobayashi Retires Due to Health Concerns

Takeru Kobayashi, the six-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest winner, has announced his retirement due to health concerns revealed in a Netflix documentary.

Japanese competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi has announced his retirement in a new Netflix documentary, "Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut."

Kobayashi, 46, opened up about his health concerns in the film, revealing that he could no longer feel hunger and that he estimated having eaten around 10,000 hot dogs over the course of his 20-year career.

"I hear people say they're hungry, and they look very happy after they've eaten," Kobayashi said in the documentary. "I'm jealous of those people because I no longer feel hunger."

The informational film follows the lives of four individuals, each with their own digestive health issues. Kobayashi talks about his lack of appetite, which his wife revealed has led to him going days without eating.

"Ever since I started this career, I've wondered what damage I've done to my body," he said.

After undergoing a series of tests, Kobayashi was informed that while his gut microbiome appeared to be fine, his brain scans were cause for concern, a wake-up call that eventually led him to walk away from the sport.

"I've decided to retire from competitive eating. It's all I've done for the last 20 years. I am worried about what my next step will bring, but I am also excited about my future. I have mixed feelings."

While taking a step back from competitive eating, Kobayashi isn't taking hot dogs off the menu anytime soon.

"Throughout my career, what's influenced me more than competitive eating is the hot dog. I want to create a healthier hot dog by combining it with healthy Japanese ingredients."

Kobayashi's retirement marks the end of an era in competitive eating. He was one of the most dominant competitors in the sport, and his performances at Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest were legendary.

In 2001, Kobayashi broke the world record by eating 50 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes. He went on to win the Nathan's contest a record six times, including five consecutive victories from 2001 to 2006.

Kobayashi's retirement leaves a void in the sport, but his legacy will continue to inspire competitive eaters for years to come.

In the meantime, Kobayashi is looking forward to the next chapter in his life. He is planning to spend more time with his family and friends, and he is excited about the possibility of creating a healthier hot dog.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have competed for so many years," Kobayashi said. "I have learned a lot, and I have made many friends. I am excited about the future."