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 of the Junior Chamber International Japan (a public interest incorporated association), and is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association under the name "Olympic Memorial Day."

A Memory Etched as the Last Winter Olympics of the 20th Century

The Nagano Olympics were Japan's second Winter Games, after Sapporo in 1972, and the last Winter Olympics of the 20th century.

• 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 won 10 medals (5 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze), including gold in the team ski jumping event, sending the country into a wave of excitement
• The purpose of this anniversary: since "coexistence with nature" was one of the ideals of the Nagano Olympics, to make it a day to think about Nagano's natural environment after the Games

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

The Nagano Olympics' opening ceremony began with the ringing of the bell at Zenko-ji Temple. At its climax, conductor Seiji Ozawa led a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, linking the stadium by satellite with choirs on five continents -- in Beijing, Berlin, Cape Town, New York, and Sydney -- to sing together simultaneously.

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.