[quote]mj_gk wrote:
Actually, that’s a very interesting point, schwarzfahrer. I hadn’t considered that while fighting in Japan, the trainers would actively promote the use of steroids. (I don’t mean ‘steroid’ in a derogatory sense, which seems to be the implication here)
So, considering that particular steroids are legal, then why wouldn’t an athlete like Overeem use them?
Well, what about the possibility of a chance to fight in the States on a relatively short notice? I’m not talking UFC, but Affliction comes to mind, as they seemingly just throw their deck of cards in the air, and however they land is the fight schedule.
Another thing I’d be interested in hearing is the ‘stereotype’ of steroid in Japan. It’s well documented in the States and most of western Europe how the public views such substances.
There are others, but I’m pressed for time at moment, I’m leaving for Judo practice. 
In short, however, I see why physiologically an athlete would love the use of steroids, however public opinion, (depending on japan) could sway their use, amongst other things. [/quote]
You make some good points.
Steroids do not have the stigma that they have in the states . For example Major League players such as Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are still widely respected despite the news reporting on their steroid scandals. I think that the average Japanese just does not know anything about the drugs, good or bad.
During the Athens Olympics in the Hammer Throw, Murofushi Koji won the silver medal. The gold medalist was caught up in some controversy because he would not subject himself to a drug test. I think it was to test for a B sample. I do not remember it clearly. Anyway the media was not up in arms about doping.
The reporting was pretty dry. Oh he doped, ok. So that means Murofushi Koji gets the gold medal, ok. Not much outcry on this. Quite the opposite really, a bittersweet feeling of being “given” the gold medal, rather than earning it on the field.
That being said if you say not to do something in Japan, for the most part Japanese will not do it. They are very rule conscious. If the rules say do not use drugs they won’t because the if they are caught the social costs will be great. You will have to show the appropriate amount of hansei(regret) and make public apologies to take responsibility. These are generalizations of course.
But if their is no rule or law well then no problem. This has good and bad consequences though.
I suspect that Japanese fighters for the most part do not use drugs…I think they should though while in Japan. They also are behind in strength and conditioning and weight cutting(except the wrestlers) compared to their American counterparts.
