IWGP Version1 Heavyweight Championship Belt

This IWGP V1 replica rebuilds the original NJPW heavyweight title, the first design in the lineage. Antonio Inoki created it and became the inaugural champion when the title was established on June 12, 1987. The design carried the belt for a decade before a second version replaced it in 1997. A wide centre plate holds the IWGP lettering, with the lion and globe motif set behind it. Matching side plates run down a genuine cowhide strap. Our professional craftsmen build every belt to order.

Product Details

Strap: 100% genuine cowhide, hand-tooled with stitched edges
Strap thickness: 3mm, 4mm, or 5mm
Length: 50 inches, fits waists to 46 inches
Custom sizing: kids and extended lengths on request
Plate materials: zinc SD, zinc CNC, or brass
Plate thickness: 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, or 8mm
Plate count: one centre plate plus matching side plates
Weight: 7 to 8 lbs fully assembled
Plating: standard gold, 24k gold, nickel, silver, antique
Nameplate: free with every order
Lining: optional foam padding and velvet backing
Hardware: heavy-duty snap fasteners
Payments: partial payments accepted

Choose Your Build

Plate metal. Zinc SD die-casts the detail cleanly at the friendliest price. Zinc CNC machines each plate, so edges stay crisper. Brass runs denser and carries the most weight on the waist.

Plate thickness. A 2mm or 4mm build stays light enough to wear comfortably. A 6mm or 8mm build adds depth that suits a display case.

Engraving. CNC etching cuts deeper than stamping, so the IWGP lettering and the lion keep sharp edges.

Plating. Standard gold plating covers evenly at lower cost. The 24k gold plating upgrade warms the tone and lifts the relief. Nickel, silver, and antique finishes are also available.

Customization. Change the metal, thickness, plating, enamel colours, strap colour, or length. Your nameplate is free, and we cut logo side plates from your artwork.

Story Behind The Belt

Antonio Inoki created it and became the first holder of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on 12 June 1987. This design carried the title for a decade until the second-generation belt presented to Shinya Hashimoto replaced it in 1997.

Design For Real Fans And Collectors

These are the best made to order replicas for the true fans and collectors of the NJPW wrestling. The original sits at the front of the lineage, and the rest of it runs through the complete IWGP belt range. If you are unsure which era you want, our side-by-side look at the older designs lays them out together.

Production, Shipping, And Returns

The belt reach to your doorstep within the 20 days after the order confirms. Worldwide shipping is free and tracked door to door. Your belt ships in a padded sleeve inside a rigid box. Return standard builds within 30 days.