Nagano Day (Olympic Memorial Day)

What Is Nagano Day (Olympic Memorial Day)?

February 7th is "Nagano Day," also known as "Olympic Memorial Day" in Japan, commemorating the opening ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics held on this date. It was established that same year by the Nagano Block Council of the Hokuriku-Shinetsu District, Junior Chamber International Japan.

A Memory Etched as Asia's Second Winter Olympics

The Nagano Olympics drew major attention both as Japan's second Winter Games, after Sapporo, and as a rare Winter Olympics held in Asia.

• About the event: the 18th Winter Olympic Games, held primarily in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, from February 7th to 22nd, 1998
• Japan's achievements: Team Japan captured numerous medals, including in the team ski jumping event, sending the country into a wave of excitement
• The purpose of this anniversary: to keep the memory and excitement of the Nagano Olympics alive and pass it on to future generations

The Message of "A Festival of Peace," Delivered at the Opening Ceremony

The Nagano Olympics' opening ceremony, cued by the ringing of the bell at Zenko-ji Temple, featured choirs from around the world singing together in real time -- a performance carrying a wish for peace that was praised around the globe.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Watch back memorable moments and matches from the Nagano Olympics
• Learn what became of the Japanese athletes who competed at the time
• Visit facilities in Nagano Prefecture still connected to the Olympics
• Learn about the highlights of the Winter Olympics and future host cities

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Excitement, Delivered by a Snow Country to the World

Those sixteen days, when athletes and spectators from around the world gathered in Nagano, remain vividly etched in many people's memories. Let February 7th be a chance to recall the excitement Nagano shared with the world that winter.