Former New Japan wrestler/referee Katsuhisa Shibata passed away on 2010/01/16 at the age of 66 due to myocardial Infarction.

Shibata had his first match as a rikishi in 1960. After leaving sumo in 66, he joined the original Tokyo Pro Wrestling, headed by Toyonobori and Antonio Inoki.

Shibata was one of the original members when New Japan had its first tour in 1972.

In 1977, he retired as a wrestler because of shoulder injury. He was active as a referee for New Japan until 1999.

His son Katsuyori joined New Japan to become a wrestler in 1998.

Rest in peace.