Sports

Japan Coast Guard diver sets world record for consecutive pull-ups

May 28 (NHK) - A diver for the Japan Coast Guard has been recognized as having set the world record for most consecutive pull-ups.

Adachi Kenta met with the media at a Coast Guard office in Yamaguchi Prefecture, western Japan, where he works as a diver on a patrol vessel. He spoke about his achievement and performed some pull-ups.

He accomplished the feat in March by completing 651 consecutive pull-ups. This was recognized as the high-water mark by the Guinness World Records earlier this month.

The 34-year-old was only able to do 12 pull-ups when he enrolled in the Japan Coast Guard School 15 years ago. But he eventually discovered he had an aptitude for the exercise when he started training to be a diver.

He started preparing to set the world record in earnest last September. During the two months leading up to his attempt, he completed 300 consecutive pull-ups every other day.

Adachi said he is happy he achieved his goal of being listed in the Guinness World Records.

He added that the pull-up is an essential exercise for coast guard officers, and he hopes his record will motivate his younger colleagues.

Hachiko Statue Sealed Off Ahead of Halloween in Shibuya

Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward has installed barricades around the Hachiko statue in front of Shibuya Station as part of safety measures ahead of Halloween on October 31st.

Japan to Introduce Free High School Education Next Year

The Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai, and Komeito have reached an agreement on the framework for Japan’s new free high school tuition program, which will begin in fiscal 2026. Under the plan, tuition support for private full-time high schools will be capped at 457,000 yen, while correspondence courses will have an upper limit of 337,000 yen.

Sense of Crisis in World Heritage Shirakawa Village: ‘Never a Year with So Many Bears Before’

Bear sightings have surged across Japan, and in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village—home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go—local authorities held a nighttime drill on October 28th to prepare for possible emergencies.

Japan Mobility Show Opens, Toyota Unveils Century Coupe

The Japan Mobility Show opened on October 29th, marking the start of Japan’s premier automotive exhibition, where foreign manufacturers are stepping up their entry into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market.

Takaiichi and Trump Emphasize Importance of Japan-U.S. Alliance

Prime Minister Takaiichi’s first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Trump drew high praise from officials at the Prime Minister’s Office, who described the atmosphere as friendly and open. According to government sources, the two leaders addressed each other by their first names, “Sanae” and “Donald,” a gesture that one senior official called “120 points,” underscoring the success of the meeting.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

World-Renowned Okinawan Karate Traces 90-Year Legacy

Okinawa’s traditional karate, now practiced by more than 130 million people across 190 countries, marked 90 years since the martial art’s name was formally adopted. On October 25th, over 3,000 participants gathered along Naha’s Kokusai Street for a mass performance commemorating “Karate Day,” celebrating the legacy of a discipline born in the Ryukyu Kingdom that continues to unite people around the world.

Japan Claims Gold in New International Climbing Event

Japan became the first champion in the newly established international team climbing competition held in Iizuka, Fukuoka Prefecture, after securing a decisive victory in the bouldering finals on October 25th.

[SoftBank vs. Hanshin] Japan Series Game 1

The Hanshin Tigers opened the 2025 Japan Series with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on October 25th.

Japan Series Opens on Saturday as Hawks Aim for First Championship in Five Years

The Japan Series will open on October 25th, with the Pacific League champion Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks facing off against the Central League champion Hanshin Tigers. As the Hawks seek their first championship in five years, not only the players but also the people of Fukuoka are charged with excitement.

Sadaharu Oh Receives Order of Culture,

Baseball legend Sadaharu Oh, 85, chairman of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, has been awarded this year’s Order of Culture, while voice actress Masako Nozawa, 88, known for voicing the protagonist Son Goku in the anime "Dragon Ball," has been named a Person of Cultural Merit — the first voice actor ever to receive the distinction.