Masao Yazawa

After graduating from Kamakura Gakuen High School, Masao Yazawa enrolled at Senshu University in Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward. He won the title in the 200 metres at the 1935 Japan Athletics Championships, earning him a place on the Japanese team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. In 1937, he returned to win the 100 and 200 at the national championships. His first title came as early as 1933 in the 4x100 relay. Yazawa also served as captain of the university’s track and field club, when Senshu University won the Hakone Ekiden long-distance relay.

Yazawa was also known for his relationship with actress Setsuko Hara, who went to Germany just after the Olympics for the shooting of “The Daughter of the Samurai” film, directed by Arnold Fanck. Yazawa’s father strongly opposed the relationship, however, and prevented them from marrying.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.5 (1937); 200 – 21.6s (1935).