Bobsled Day

What Is Bobsled Day?

February 12 is "Bobsled Day." On February 12, 1938, Japan's first bobsled competition was held in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Known as the "F1 on ice," bobsled thrills spectators with speeds exceeding 130 km/h. That competition, called the All-Japan Bobsleigh Championships, is regarded as the starting point of competitive bobsled in Japan.

Bobsled in Japan

Bobsled is said to have begun in the late 19th century in St. Moritz, Switzerland, when people linked sleds together for fun. It has been an official Olympic event since the first Winter Games in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in 1924. In Japan, the sport came to be contested mainly in Hokkaido after the 1938 competition. Bobsled was also held at the 1972 Sapporo and 1998 Nagano Olympics, and the sport became widely known in Japan. "Spiral" (the Nagano City Bobsleigh-Luge Park), built for the Nagano Games, was Japan's only official competition track, but because of its heavy maintenance costs, it was announced in 2017 that ice-making would be suspended from the following season, and it is no longer used as a competition venue.

Why It's Called the "F1 on Ice"

Bobsled is called the "F1 on ice" because of its extreme speed and precise engineering. The streamlined sled is carefully designed down to its materials and shape to reduce air resistance. Top speeds can reach 140 km/h, and forces of 4 to 5 G act on the crew in the curves. A split-second mistake can be dangerous — it is a sport that tests both courage and skill.

Teamwork and Precise Steering

Bobsled can never be done alone. A powerful "push" to launch the sled at the start, a "pilot" who steers the fastest line down the track, and a "brakeman" who stops the sled after the finish — only when every member is perfectly in sync is the fastest time possible. February 12 is also a day to celebrate teamwork built on trust, not just individual athleticism.

Japanese Craftsmanship and Bobsled

In recent years, projects such as the "Shitamachi Bobsleigh" initiative in Tokyo have applied the skills of small manufacturers to building bobsleds, attracting wide attention. The sight of small-factory craftspeople polishing a sled in pursuit of the world's fastest time symbolizes the spirit of Japanese manufacturing. Bobsled Day is also a day to feel the fusion of sport and technology.

What Makes Bobsled Exciting

• Two-man and four-man: Men compete in two events; women compete in monobob (one-person) and two-woman events.
• The start matters: The push over the first 50 meters or so greatly affects the final time.
• Ice conditions: The pilot's ability to read how the ice changes with temperature and start order is crucial.
• Hundredths of a second: Races are decided by tiny margins, so sleds are maintained with great care.
• Battling G-forces: Athletes must hold their posture and line while enduring strong forces.

Racing Through the Winter Wind

Bobsled Day is a day to feel a bold sporting spirit that turns harsh winter into something to enjoy. The sight of sleds racing down the white course at tremendous speed moves and inspires those who watch. On February 12, think about the fierce battles on the ice and feel the energy hidden within the stillness of winter.

Ideas for Enjoying Bobsled Day

• Watch footage of Olympic or World Cup bobsled races and feel the intensity
• Look into the history of bobsled development in Japan and the "Shitamachi Bobsleigh" story
• Think about the value of a team pulling together toward a goal
• Try a winter activity such as a local skating rink or snow festival

Beyond Your Limits

Bobsled Day celebrates the spirit of challenging our limits. Overcoming fear, trusting teammates, and chasing the fastest line — that passion connects to the strength we need for everyday challenges. On February 12, take inspiration from the athletes racing on the ice and make a strong start toward your own goals.