About
Kanō Jigorō was born on December 10, 1860, in Mikage, Japan. Graduating from Tokyo Imperial University in 1881, he founded the Kōdōkan institute in 1882, transforming classical jūjutsu into modern judo. He formulated the principles of seiryoku zen'yō (maximum efficiency) and jita kyōei (mutual welfare). As principal of Tokyo Higher Normal School (1900-1920), he introduced physical education into schools. The first Asian IOC member (1909), he led Japan's first Olympic delegation in 1912 and helped secure the 1940 Tokyo Games. He died at sea in 1938.
* 1860-12-10 — † 1938-05-04
Major works
- Kōdōkan Judotechnical book
Key milestones
- 1882Founded the Kōdōkan institute in Tokyo.
- 1909Became the first Asian IOC member.
- 1912Led Japan's first Olympic delegation.
Themes
Physical educationJudoOlympismEfficiencyMutual welfare
Sources: ndl.go.jp · joc.or.jp · tsukuba.ac.jp