Uchikura & Co., LLC

"Maehata, Ganbare!"（前畑がんばれ） — The Radio Broadcast That Inspired a Nation

 

On August 11, 1936, during the Berlin Olympic Games, Japan witnessed one of the most unforgettable moments in its sporting history. It was not only because Hideko Maehata won the women's 200-meter breaststroke and became the first Japanese woman to earn an Olympic gold medal. It was because of the voice that millions of people heard over the radio.

 

As Maehata battled Germany's teenage swimmer Martha Genenger in a neck-and-neck race, NHK announcer Mitsuyoshi Kasai (河西三省) could no longer remain calm. Instead of delivering a composed play-by-play, he repeatedly shouted:

 

"Maehata, ganbare! Maehata, ganbare!"

 

It is said he cried "Ganbare!" around twenty times during the closing moments of the race. His excitement reflected what every listener across Japan was feeling. When Maehata touched the wall first, he exclaimed, "She won! She won!" over and over again.

 

The broadcast became legendary. More than a sports commentary, it captured the hopes, emotions, and determination of an entire nation. Many historians believe it also helped popularize the phrase "Ganbare!" (Do your best! Keep going!) as Japan's universal expression of encouragement.

 

Today, "Ganbare!" is heard everywhere—from Olympic stadiums and school sports days to workplaces, hospitals, and even among family members facing life's challenges. It is more than saying "good luck." It expresses faith in someone's effort, perseverance, and character.

 

Today, those same words carry a different meaning. As Japan continues to recover from the recent earthquake, "Ganbare" is no longer a cheer for an athlete—it is a message of hope for an entire nation.

 

日本がんばれ。
Japan, stay strong.

 

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the disaster. We wish for the safety of those still facing uncertainty, the swift recovery of the injured, and the rapid rebuilding of the communities that have suffered.

 

Nearly ninety years after "Maehata, Ganbare!" echoed across Japan, the spirit behind those words remains unchanged. Sometimes, a few simple words of encouragement can help an entire nation find the strength to move forward.