1940 East Asian Games

The East Asian Games ( ja, 東亜競技大会, links=no, ''Tōa Kyōgi Taikai''), also known as the Asian Development Games ( ja, 興亜競技大会, links=no, ''Kōa Kyōgi Taikai'') were multi-sport events organized by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAA). The games were meant to be a replacement to the cancelled 1938 Far Eastern Championship Games and 1940 Summer Olympics originally to be hosted by Japan, and also served as a propaganda tool for Japan.

Background

Japan had been a participant in the Far Eastern Championship Games since its inception and a member of its Far Eastern Athletic Association (FEAA) since 1917. While the aim of the organization was for every East Asian country to join, the attempts made by Japan for Manchukuo to join were rejected by China, who was also a member of the FEAA, leading to the organization's dissolution. Japan and the Philippines established the Oriental Sports Association ( ja, 東洋体育協会, ''Tōyō Taiiku Kyōkai'', OSA), which planned two tournaments, now known as the Oriental Games ( ja, 東洋選手権, ''Tōyō Senshuken''): one in Tokyo (1938) and Manila (1942). Both were cancelled as a result of the Second Sino–Japanese War.

The Philippines and Manchukuo were drawn back by these series of actions by Japan. Manchukuo formally joined the OSA and the Manchukuo Athletic Association ( ja, 大満州国体育連盟) was created. The Philippines felt resentment for establishing the Oriental Association with the aim of "peace in the East". During negotiations with the government, which had promised independence by 1944, it was thought that getting involved in the Oriental Games, which was problematic from an international perspective, would be disadvantageous in future negotiations. Takashima 2010, p. 40 On the other hand, Japan was aiming to bid for the 1940 Summer Olympics, and the existence of the OSA would have a disadvantageous effect on the bid for the Olympics. In addition, although there was a movement to allow China into the OSA, no specific offer was made.

Even after the Tokyo Olympics were officially decided in July 1936, there was no progress toward holding the Olympic Games, such as the difference in interest among sports groups toward the Oriental Games in Japan, China's refusal to join the Oriental Association, and the Philippines' declaration of non-participation in the first Games. On top of this, Manchuria requested participation in the Tokyo Olympics, but was rejected by the Japanese side as it would develop into a political problem.

When the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out on July 7, 1937, Ichirō Kōno, a member of the Imperial Diet, immediately requested that the Olympics be forfeited. Also cancelled were the 1938 Tokyo games, which led to the planning of a new competition. This would culminate in the 1939 tournament between Japan, Manchukuo and China (Nanking).

At that time, Manchukuo and China had a positive view that sports could be effectively used as a diplomatic tool, thus showing enthusiasm for the idea, Takashima 2010, p. 63 but since China could not organize a team that could participate in all competitions, it was decided that it would be held as an invitational tournament. The event was to be hosted in Hsinking, with various stadiums being built as part of a National Sports Complex as a result.

Japan–Manchuria–China Friendship Games

The Japan–Manchuria–China Friendship Games ( ja, 日満華交歓競技大会, ''Nichiman Hana Kōkan Kyōgi Taikai'') began with an opening ceremony on August 31, although weather conditions meant that the competition began the next day. Despite this gesture, the event was marked by terrible weather conditions, as rain poured throughout the tournament. Takashima 2010, p. 54–56

There were four sports: track and field, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Swimming, baseball, martial arts, gymnastics, and other sports which were popular in Japan, were not implemented. The Manchurian team was particularly excited over baseball, but due to the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League's refusal to participate, the sport did not take place. Takashima 2010, p. 53 China did not participate in volleyball, leaving Japan and Manchukuo to play against each other, with the remaining three sports being the only ones to feature all three teams.

The focus of this tournament was how well Manchukuo and China could compete against Japan. Soccer was the highlight of the tournament due to North China being a place where soccer flourished. Not only had China won nine consecutive victories in the Far Eastern Championship Games, but in Manchukuo soccer was the national sport, and Japan had strengthened its team by defeating the Swedish team at the Berlin Olympics. As a result, a tough fight was expected.

In the end, Japan won both games (being the only scoring team), and there was a brawl in the match between Japan and China. Japan won all the basketball and volleyball games. In track and field, despite the unexpected performance of China, Japan finished first and Manchukuo finished second. Takashima 2010, p. 56

Manchuria was based on the founding principle of "Five Races Under One Union" (similar to the Chinese principle), but in this tournament, the Manchurian, Korean, and Caucasian groups were not harmonious as a team, and the Manchurian audience found itself rooting for the Chinese team instead of the Manchurian one. Despite the political use of this tournament, such as the fact that the team was made up of only Chinese players, the results revealed a different reality among the Mainland Chinese.

In addition, before and after this tournament, tournaments in which Korea participated in addition to Manchuria and China were held, and from the athletes' side, this tournament was just a part of a series of competitions.

Prelude to the 1940 Games

In November 1939, the OSA was dissolved and the "Greater East Asia Athletic Association" was newly established with the membership of Japan, Manchukuo, the Philippines, China, Thailand, and Burma. Then, in June 1940, it was decided that the "East Asian Games" would be held in Japan as a substitute for the cancelled Tokyo Olympics and as part of the celebrations commemorating the 2,600th anniversary of the ascension of Emperor Jimmu

HOME


Content is Copyleft
Website design, code, and AI is Copyrighted (c) 2014-2017 by Stephen Payne


Consider donating to Wikimedia



As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases