World Record Day
Historical AnniversariesWhat Is World Record Day?
October 27th is "World Record Day" in Japan, commemorating the day in 1931 when Japanese athletes set world records in track and field for the first time, at the 6th Meiji Jingu Games held at Jingu Stadium.
Two World Records, Set in a Single Day
At this competition, world records were achieved in two jumping events on the very same day -- a remarkable feat.
- Long jump: Chuhei Nambu recorded 7.98 meters
- Triple jump: Mikio Oda recorded 15.58 meters
- Its significance: as the first-ever track and field world records set by Japanese athletes, it sent shockwaves through the sporting world of the time
Mikio Oda and Chuhei Nambu
Mikio Oda won gold in the triple jump at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, becoming the first Japanese and the first Asian athlete ever to win an Olympic track and field title. Chuhei Nambu likewise won gold in the triple jump at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, standing as one of the defining athletes of prewar Japanese track and field.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Learn about the achievements and lives of Mikio Oda and Chuhei Nambu
- Learn the rules and highlights of jumping events like the long jump and triple jump
- Compare today's world records with the records set back then
- Trace the history of track and field in Japan
Japanese Talent, Sent to the World From a Single Stadium
At a time when Japan's standing in international sports was not yet established, two athletes setting world records on the very same day gave people of that era great dreams and pride. Let October 27th be a day to reflect on this remarkable achievement etched into the history of Japanese sports.