1. Overview
Masao Takemoto (竹本 正男Takemoto MasaoJapanese, September 29, 1919 - February 2, 2007) was a distinguished Japanese artistic gymnast and a pivotal figure in the development of Japanese gymnastics. Widely revered as the "God of Gymnastics" (体操の神様Taisō no KamisamaJapanese), he earned two world titles and a remarkable seven Olympic medals during his illustrious competitive career. After retiring from competition, Takemoto continued to shape the sport through coaching and academic roles, contributing significantly to Japan's dominance in gymnastics. He was notably the first Japanese individual to be inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
2. Early life and education
Masao Takemoto was born on September 29, 1919, in Hamada, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. His early education included attending the former Hamada Junior High School, which is now known as Shimane Prefectural Hamada High School. He pursued higher education at the Nippon Sport Science University (then known as the Nippon Physical Education Association Gymnastics School Higher Normal Course), where he obtained a degree in physical education. His academic background would later serve as a foundation for his post-retirement career in coaching and sports administration.
3. Athletic career
Masao Takemoto's athletic career was marked by consistent excellence and groundbreaking achievements for Japanese gymnastics across national, Olympic, and World Championship stages.
3.1. Early career and national championships
Takemoto began his competitive gymnastics career in the post-war era, quickly establishing himself as a formidable talent. In 1947, he participated in the inaugural All-Japan Gymnastics Championships, where he secured victory in the individual all-around event. This initial success was followed by an impressive streak of five consecutive individual all-around titles, culminating in a total of seven national championships throughout his career. His early dominance on the national scene foreshadowed his future international successes.
3.2. Olympic Games
Takemoto represented Japan in three Olympic Games, consistently delivering medal-winning performances that contributed to Japan's rising profile in international gymnastics.
3.2.1. 1952 Helsinki Olympics
Takemoto made his international debut at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. His performance was highlighted by a silver medal in the men's individual vault event. He achieved a score of 19.150, narrowly missing the gold medal by just 0.050 points, which was won by the Soviet Union's Viktor Chukarin.
3.2.2. 1956 Melbourne Olympics
At the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, Masao Takemoto served as the captain for the Japanese delegation. He played a crucial role in securing a silver medal for the Japanese men's team in the team all-around competition. Individually, Takemoto demonstrated his versatility by earning three bronze medals: one in the horizontal bar, one in the parallel bars, and another in the still rings events.
3.2.3. 1960 Rome Olympics
The 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy, marked the pinnacle of Takemoto's Olympic career. He achieved his first Olympic gold medal as part of the Japanese men's team all-around, a historic victory that represented Japan's first-ever Olympic gold in men's team gymnastics. His teammates in this groundbreaking achievement included Nobuyuki Aihara, Yukio Endō, Takashi Mitsukuri, Takashi Ono, and Shuji Tsurumi. In addition to the team gold, Takemoto also won an individual silver medal in the horizontal bar, finishing just behind his compatriot, Takashi Ono.
3.3. World Artistic Gymnastics Championships
Takemoto was also a prominent figure at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where he secured multiple world titles and medals.
3.3.1. 1954 World Championships
In 1954, Masao Takemoto participated in the 1954 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships held in Rome, Italy. He achieved a significant milestone by winning a gold medal in the men's individual floor exercise, sharing the top spot with Valentin Muratov of the Soviet Union, both scoring 19.250. Additionally, he contributed to the Japanese team's silver medal performance and earned an individual bronze medal in the parallel bars.
3.3.2. 1958 World Championships
At the 1958 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Moscow, Soviet Union, Takemoto showcased his continued dominance in the floor exercise by successfully defending his world title, securing his second consecutive gold medal in the event. His strong performance also helped the Japanese team win a silver medal. Individually, he added another silver medal in the vault and a bronze medal in the horizontal bar.
4. Post-retirement career and public service
After retiring from competitive gymnastics following the 1960 Rome Olympics, Masao Takemoto dedicated his life to coaching, academia, and various administrative roles, further solidifying his impact on the sport.
4.1. Coaching and academic roles
Takemoto transitioned into a distinguished career as a coach and academic. He served as a professor at Nippon Sport Science University, where he dedicated his efforts to guiding and researching the next generation of gymnasts. His leadership extended to the national stage, as he coached the Japanese national gymnastics team. He notably served as the men's gymnastics director for three consecutive Olympic Games: the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, and the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Beyond coaching, he held significant administrative positions, including Vice-President of Nippon Sport Science University, Honorary Professor, Director of Nippon Sport Science University, and Vice-President of Nippon Sport Science University Women's Junior College.
4.2. Awards and honors
Masao Takemoto's profound contributions to sports were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his life:
- In 1980, he was awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal by the Japanese government, recognizing his achievements in arts, academics, and sports.
- In 1993, he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class, a prestigious Japanese order awarded for distinguished service.
- A significant international recognition came in 1997 when Masao Takemoto became the first Japanese gymnast to be inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, acknowledging his status as a global icon in the sport.
- Following his passing in 2007, he was posthumously conferred the Junior Fifth Rank (正五位Shō-go-iJapanese), a high honor in the Japanese court rank system.
4.3. Contributions to gymnastics
Beyond his competitive achievements and coaching roles, Masao Takemoto is also renowned for his contributions to gymnastics nomenclature. He is particularly famous for having coined the Japanese name 月面宙返りGetsumen ChūgaeriJapanese, which translates to "Moon Salto." This term describes a specific aerial maneuver that is a key element of the "Tsukahara" vault, a move widely recognized in gymnastics. His contribution to naming this innovative technique underscores his deep engagement with the sport's technical evolution.
5. Personal life and death
5.1. Death
Masao Takemoto passed away on February 2, 2007, at the age of 87. He died in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, due to cholangiocarcinoma, a type of cancer.
6. Legacy and reception
Masao Takemoto's legacy is that of a pioneering force in Japanese gymnastics, whose individual brilliance paved the way for Japan's later emergence as a global powerhouse in the sport. His nickname, "God of Gymnastics," reflects the high esteem in which he was held by the public and within the gymnastics community for his exceptional skill and enduring influence. Beyond his athletic prowess, his lifelong commitment to coaching and academic leadership helped shape generations of gymnasts and contributed to the sport's foundational development in Japan. As an honorary citizen of Hamada City, his birthplace, Takemoto remains a celebrated figure, symbolizing national pride and athletic excellence.