Michimasa Soyeshima

Biographical information

RolesAdministrator
SexMale
Full nameMichimasa•Soyeshima
Used nameMichimasa•Soyeshima
Original name副島•道正
Other namesMichimasa Soejima
Born15 October 1873 in Tokyo, Tokyo (JPN)
Died15 October 1948 in Kamakura, Kanagawa (JPN)
Title(s)Count
NOC Japan

Biography

Michimasa Soyeshima studied at Cambridge University. He founded the Japanese Amateur Basketball Association in 1930 and was its first President. He later had a major role in Japan’s successful bid, and subsequent abandonment, of the 1940 Tokyo Olympics. Soyeshima and fellow IOC Member Yotaro Sugimura lobbied Benito Mussolini to drop a planned Rome bid for the 1940 Olympics, and Soyeshima went to England in July 1936 and convinced the British Prime Minister and London Lord Mayor not bid for the 1940 Games. After it became impossible for Tokyo to host the 1940 Olympics, Soyeshima was a joint signer of the cable sent to President Henri de Baillet-Latour which advised the IOC of the Japanese decision to relinquish their host duties. Soyeshima served on the IOC as a Member from 1934-48.

Organization roles

Role Organization Tenure NOC As
Member International Olympic Committee 1934—1948 JPN Michimasa Soyeshima

Special Notes

Errata

DOB also seen as 14 October 1871, this date is from the Cambridge Alumni Register.