Olympic Memorial Day

Olympic Memorial Day is observed on February 7th to commemorate the opening ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Very timely with the Olympics currently underway in Italy. The Olympic Memorial day was established in 1998 by the Nagano Block Council of the Junior Chamber International Hokuriku–Shinetsu District.

The Nagano Games embraced the theme of “coexistence with nature,” reflecting the region’s deep connection to its mountains, forests, and winter landscapes. The 1998 Winter Olympics were a major event for Japan, drawing 4,638 athletes and officials from 72 countries and regions, and attracting more than 1.44 million spectators. Japanese athletes delivered a historic performance, earning 10 medals, the country’s highest total in Winter Olympic history at the time. 

Reportedly, proposals have been made in the Nagano Prefectural Assembly to designate February 7th as an official Prefectural Citizens’ Day, the idea has not yet been adopted.