Yugoslavia year 1964 stamps – Olympic Games Tokyo full set – MNH

Yugoslavia year 1964 stamps – Olympic Games Tokyo full set – MNH

The 1964 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVIII Olympiad, were held in Tokyo, Japan, from October 10 to October 24, 1964. Here are some key points about the 1964 Tokyo Olympics:

1. Return to Asia: The 1964 Tokyo Olympics marked the return of the Summer Games to Asia for the first time since the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Tokyo was awarded the hosting rights in 1959, making it the first Asian city to host the Olympics.
2. Infrastructure Development: The Tokyo Olympics spurred significant infrastructure development in Japan, including the construction of new sports venues, transportation systems, and accommodations. The Yoyogi National Gymnasium, designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, was one of the iconic venues built for the Games.
3. Opening Ceremony: The opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics took place at the National Stadium in Tokyo and featured traditional Japanese elements, including taiko drum performances and a release of thousands of pigeons. Yoshinori Sakai, born on the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, lit the Olympic cauldron.
4. Sports and Events: The 1964 Tokyo Olympics featured competitions in 163 events across 19 sports, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, judo, and volleyball. It introduced new sports such as judo and volleyball to the Olympic program.
5. Highlights: Notable moments from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics include Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia becoming the first person to win consecutive Olympic marathons, setting a new world record in the process. American swimmer Don Schollander won four gold medals in swimming events.
6. Legacy: The 1964 Tokyo Olympics left a lasting legacy in Japan, helping to showcase the country’s recovery and post-war economic growth on the world stage. The Games also contributed to the modernization of Tokyo and raised the profile of Japanese sports internationally.