Masters rowing booming in Japan

Start of the men's E-G category

Japan is well known for the longevity of its people, women average 86 years and men 79. Both numbers are the highest in the world. Many of these come out of the baby-boomer age and have now started enjoying a “happy retirement.” Some are putting their happy retirement energies into rowing.

Last weekend Japan’s Today Olympic boat course hosted the Toda International Masters Regatta – the first international masters regatta ever to be held in Japan. Located north of Tokyo, the Toda course was originally built for the cancelled 1940 Olympic Games. It had to wait until 1964 for the Games to return.

Rowers came from Korea, Singapore and from across Japan to test the old Olympic course and enjoy beautiful spring conditions.

Korea's men's eight receive their medals

Competing against four Japanese men’s eights in the 65 years and over G category, Korea’s entry included six athletes who had participated in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, headed by Kim Hunjong. Some Japanese Olympians from the 1964 Games also participated allowing for old friendships to be renewed 43 years later.

The oldest competitor was 78-year-old Masato Tamai of the Partez Rowing Club. Mr. Tamai began rowing at the age of 74 and commented, "I am just a beginner, but I love rowing. This event has made me very happy." Mr. Tamai won a gold medal in men's single I category.

Start of the women's single, won by Ms. Lim of Singapore

Organising committee member, Mr. Jun Tatsumi commented, “In Japanese rowing circles the masters rowing population has dramatically increased in the last five years. Many are enjoying rowing as a lifelong sport.” Tatsumi estimates around 4000 masters rowers in Japan with those over 50 somewhere around 1500.

Event organiser, Masataka Tanada, stressed the importance of Japan hosting its first International masters regatta: "Over the past seven years many rowing clubs from Japan have participated in the World Rowing Masters regattas. Hosting an international masters regatta in Japan is very meaningful. We hope that rowers in Asia will have more opportunities to meet and compete within Asia in the future. This first event was a huge success."

Rowing clubs that participated in the event included Boat Dankai-go, Concordia 60 , Dark Blues RC, Japan Boatmen Club, Kanogawa RC, Killer Whale RC, Kisuikai, Light Blues RC, Mitsubishi BC, Partez RC, Tatsumi RC, Toshiba Keihin, Tohmon RC and Waseda-Keio Masters.

Copy thanks to Jun Tatsumi, Toda International Masters Regatta Committee

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