In Memory of Mr. Shigeo Nagashima, Former Honorary President to Japan Triathlon Union

We were deeply saddened by the great loss of Mr. Shigeo Nagashima who has been an honorary advisor to the Japan Triathlon Union (JTU) for the past 30 years since its establishment.
On behalf of all the triathlon family and stakeholders, both domestic and international, we express our sincerest condolences.

As a symbol of the Japanese sports scene, Mr. Nagashima has given dreams and hopes not only to the baseball world but also to all the population in this country.
His excellent achievements and charisma have been deeply engraved in the hearts of many people across generations.

In this context, Mr. Nagashima made significant contributions to the early days of Triathlon in Japan as the first President of the Japan Triathlon Federation (JTF), which he assumed in 1985. In the same year, at the Amakusa International Event he passionately advocated that Triathlon was a sport with great potential and could become an Olympic sport.
Approximately ten years later, in 1994, Triathlon was officially adopted to be included in the official Olympic program, and there were full of voices of gratitude and admiration for Nagashima for his brilliant foresights. His efforts to broaden perspectives not only in Japan but towards the world, and to build relationships with international sport organizations, particularly those in the United States, greatly contributed to the orchestration and development of Triathlon in Japan.

In 1989, with the establishment of the International Triathlon Union (ITU), the movement for organizational integration within Japan gained momentum, leading to the establishment of the Japan Triathlon Union (JTU) as a public interest incorporated association in April 1994, uniting prefectural organizations nationwide. At the inaugural Congress, Mr. Nagashima was appointed as an Honorary President along with Mr. Nakaji Shimizu, President of the Japan Triathlon Association (JTA), solidifying his symbolic presence in the triathlon community.

In 2024, the Japan Triathlon Union celebrated a milestone of the 30th anniversary of its establishment. The journey of triathlon, from its introduction to date, in Japan has been supported by the passion and efforts of many individuals, but the current development cannot be discussed without acknowledging Mr. Shigeo Nagashima’s foresight and leadership.
We stand on the foundation that Mr. Nagashima built and will continue to promote human development, community building, and societal progress through sports, passing on his spirit to the next generation.
With heartfelt gratitude and respect, we pray for the repose of Mr. Shigeo Nagashima’s soul.
We sincerely pray for the eternal rest of Mr. Shigeo Nagashima in peace, with heartfelt gratitude and respect.

＊Released by Japan Triathlon Union
https://www.jtu.or.jp/news/2025/06/03/73231/