What is First Japanese Team to Reach the South Pole?

First Japanese Team to Reach the South Pole is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on December 19. What Happened on This Day? December 19th marks the anniversary of the day in 1968 when the "Polar Traverse Party" of the

When is First Japanese Team to Reach the South Pole?

First Japanese Team to Reach the South Pole is observed every year on December 19.

When was First Japanese Team to Reach the South Pole established?

First Japanese Team to Reach the South Pole was established in 1968.

What other anniversaries fall on December 19?

December 19 is also "Japan's First Flight Day", "Eyelash Care Day (Matsu-iku no Hi)", "Shinshu Matsumoto Nabe Day". See the December 19 page for details.

December 19

First Japanese Team to Reach the South Pole

Historical Anniversaries

What Happened on This Day?

December 19th marks the anniversary of the day in 1968 when the "Polar Traverse Party" of the 9th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, led by Masayoshi Murayama, became the first Japanese team ever to reach the South Pole.

A Grueling Journey From Showa Station to the Pole

The Polar Traverse Party departed Showa Station on September 28 of that year, traveling roughly 2,600 kilometers south along the 40th meridian east, and finally reached the South Pole at 5:00 a.m. on December 19th.

Point of departure: Showa Station, Antarctica
Distance traveled: approximately 2,600 kilometers across the polar ice sheet
Expedition leader: Masayoshi Murayama, who had long dreamed of reaching the South Pole since Japan's very first Antarctic expedition

Who Was Masayoshi Murayama?

Masayoshi Murayama (1918-2006) was a Japanese mountaineer who served as leader of Japan's Antarctic Research Expedition and as an honorary professor at the National Institute of Polar Research. Starting with Japan's first Antarctic expedition, he served as deputy leader on the 2nd and 3rd expeditions and as leader on the 5th and 7th, continuing to pursue reaching the South Pole until he finally achieved his long-held goal on the 9th expedition.

A Scientific Expedition, Not Just an Adventure

This polar journey wasn't simply an adventure aimed at reaching the South Pole itself — it was also an academic research expedition, conducting a wide range of scientific observations along the way, including measurements of ozone, gravity, and the condition of the ice sheet.

Tips for Marking This Day

Learn about the records of expedition leader Masayoshi Murayama and the 9th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition
Learn about the history of Antarctic observation and life at Showa Station
Trace the history of Japanese Antarctic exploration, including Nobu Shirase
Learn about the activities of Japan's current Antarctic research expeditions

The Day Japan Left Its Mark at the Long-Sought South Pole

For expedition leader Masayoshi Murayama, who had aimed for the South Pole time and again without success, this day marked the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Let December 19th be a day to reflect on the history of a challenge that etched Japan's name into the far reaches of a continent of snow and ice.