Yuki Joseph Nakajima set a Japanese national record in the men’s 400 meters at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Sunday, running in 44.44 seconds to finish second in his heat at the World Athletics Championships.
The previous national record was 44.77, set by Kentaro Sato at the 2023 worlds in Budapest. Sato’s time broke a record that had stood for 32 years, since Susumu Takano set a time of 44.78 at the Japan Championships in 1991.
“I really came into this one with confidence,” Nakajima said trackside after the race. “Of course I’m glad that I was able to bring out my ability, but more than that, the cheers and support from everyone in the venue really pushed me forward, and I gave it everything over the last 9 meters — that was thanks to all of you.”
Nakajima previously reached the semifinals in Budapest in 2023. No Japanese runner has made the men’s 400-meter finals since Takano in 1991, the last time the championships were held in Tokyo.
Nakajima’s time was sixth fastest among participants in the first round, tied with Botswana’s Lee Bhekempilo Eppie.
Fuga Sato failed to make the semifinals after placing sixth in his heat.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.