Masatora Kawano, Track and field athlete | A race walking life that started from the bottom. To the top of the world again with “90% immersion” and “10% bird’s-eye view”

Masatora Kawano
Born in Miyazaki Prefecture in 1998. Men’s 35km race walk 2:21:47 (2nd place in world history)

Graduated from Gotemba Minami High School and Toyo University. He has become a member of Asahi Kasei Corporation since 2021.
He is the Japanese record holder for the 50km race walk (3:36:45, 2019), and set a new world record (2:21:47) in October 2024 in the 35km race walk and has been appointed as the Japan representative for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.
In the 50km race walk at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he placed 6th in harsh conditions. At the World Athletics Championships Oregon 22, he won a silver medal in the 35km event and a bronze medal at the 2023 Budapest Games. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, he placed eighth in the mixed relay paired with Kumiko Okada. With his stable results and indomitable spirit, he is attracting attention as a top runner in the race-walking world.

 

“Challenge” rather than “protect” – Rekindled passion

――You set a new world record in the 35km race walk in October last year.

I didn’t have time after the Paris 2024 Olympics in August, so to be honest, I wasn’t 100% ready for the All-Japan Race-Walking competition in Takahata. However, on the day of the event, the weather was good, and although I struggled a little in the first half, I was able to concentrate on walking at the winning point. As a result, I think it was really good that I was able to qualify for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

――As the race progressed, was there a moment when you were conscious of the world record?

No, I wasn’t conscious of it at all. I had a feeling that I might be able to aim for the Asian record, but I didn’t have a world record in my mind. That’s why I knew about it for the first time when I heard in an interview after the race that it was “A world record”… When I heard it, I couldn’t speak right away (laughs).

――After that, the world record was broken by Evan Dunfee (Canada) and Massimo Stano (Italy). What did you think?

The level of the entire race-walking world is rising steadily, and Toshikazu Yamanishi has broken the world record in the 20km, and I thought that the 35km would eventually be surpassed. As Dunfee and Stano break records, of course there is a sense of frustration. I watched Stano’s race live stream and honestly felt that it was amazing.
However, if I had been facing the World Athletics Championships as a world record holder, I would have gone on the defensive side instead of being a challenger. That’s why I feel that being able to face the situation as a challenger again is a positive thing for me. I’m very excited now, and my motivation has increased considerably.

 

The fate of race-walking that started “by chance”

――Please tell us how you started track and field.

When I was in junior high school, I belonged to the table tennis club. I liked table tennis, but to be honest, I wasn’t very good at it, so I thought I wouldn’t stand out. However, I was aware that I had some stamina as I was running in the morning training. I thought that “I want to run by joining the track and field club in high school,” so I just happened to temporarily join the club with no particular motive.
At that time, it was said that it was “the most relaxed club activity”, but at that time, a teacher who had been teaching at a powerhouse school was appointed. The atmosphere of playing seriously was created, and I just happened to join the club.

――How did you decide to start race-walking?

Before the first inter-high qualifiers, I told my teacher that I wanted to participate in the 5000m, but when I looked at the entry list, for some reason it was a 5000m race walk… (laughs). I hurriedly told the teacher, “You made a mistake,” but he said, “Race walking also leads to running, why don’t you try it?”(bitter laughs) I had never done race walking before, and I practiced for the first time three days before the race.

――What was your first impression when you actually tried it?

I was in last place by a very large margin in the first match. I thought, “I am definitely not cut out for this” and I was thinking of quitting right away. But in that race, the top two were disqualified, and I was barely in 8th place. As a result, I won the right to participate in the prefectural tournament. Even though I was in the lowest rank, I was able to advance to the prefectural tournament. It was really a “coincidence” event. If it weren’t for that, I probably wouldn’t have been doing race walking.
However, as my record time increased, I became fascinated by the technical elements of race walking. It’s not just about reaching the goal quickly, but about how fast you can pursue with a set form. That’s where I became fascinated.

 

“The feeling of playing a VR game”

――I think it is sometimes difficult to continue walking long distances. How do you control your mind?

It sounds like a very strange thing, but I feel like I’m playing a VR game.

――What do you mean?

With the feeling of “90% immersion” and “10% bird’s-eye view”, which I think is perfect balance for me. If I overlook too much, my attention will keep drifting to the surroundings and I will have trouble concentrating. On the contrary, if I am 100% immersed, I will get panic attacks.
I think it’s quite scary to do “BIOHAZARD VALIANT RAID ” which is a virtual reality cooperative game. However, I can calm down by having a 10% bird’s-eye view of “this is just a game”. That is close to the feeling I had in mind. It creates good concentration for me, so I try to keep myself that way during the race.

――When you are having a hard time in a race, does the 10% bird’s-eye view fly out of your head?

On the other hand, there is a feeling that the more painful it is, the stronger the bird’s eye view becomes. In order to escape from the harshness, you start to see yourself from a distance. But for me that is like “running away”. When you leave the group, your 90% immersed self gradually fades away, and your body and mind become separated. If that happens, I won’t be able to demonstrate my true ability at all.

――Which race has you been able to walk with the best balance so far?

It’s the World Athletics Championships Oregon 22. I felt like I was hooked on that tournament. On the other hand, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, I couldn’t sleep the night before because I was nervous, and I couldn’t eat at all in the morning. On the day of the race, my stomach was completely exhausted, and I couldn’t take any water due to stress, so I collapsed at the 42km point. At that time, I think I was completely too immersed in it and the bird’s-eye view was zero.

――It seems difficult to maintain that balance.

It’s really difficult. That’s why I’m really interested in how I can reproduce it. I am looking for my own way while listening to and consulting with various people, including experts.
My strength is that I can exert more power than I practice in actual performances, and I am the type who can give 120% of my strength. I believe that if I can control that power well, I will be able to continue fighting.

 

Here I can compete with the best in the world

――What was the deciding factor in joining Asahi Kasei?

I am from Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture, and Nobeoka, where Asahi Kasei is based, is very close. I decided to join the company because it was a company rooted in the local area. Asahi Kasei is really familiar to the people of Miyazaki Prefecture, and I myself have supported the track and field club since I was a child, so I had a longing for it.

――What is your impression after joining Asahi Kasei?

Top high school and university athletes join Asahi Kasei, and each of them has different philosophies and ways of thinking, and it’s very interesting just to listen to them. Not everyone has become stronger easily, and each one builds up its experience to become stronger. There are athletes who are seriously aiming for the top, so I am always inspired by their aspirations.

――What do you think about the support system and training environment?

It is a very grateful environment. The fact that I have been active in World Athletics so far is having support with daily life provides a great sense of security. They always provide substantial support, including training camps. I am currently based in Nobeoka, but I feel that I can compete against the world’s top athletes because I have a perfect environment where I can concentrate on training.

――Do you usually interact with the employees?

When I used to be based in Saitama, I would come to the office once a week to talk to employees and participate in meetings. I learned a lot, and everyone is very warm, and I feel the enthusiasm of support very strongly. The watch I am wearing now was actually given to me by people in my department, saying, “Good luck at World Athletics.” It is most reassuring to be able to walk while feeling connected to their support.

 

A step of determination to appeal as the “first rider”

――What kind of stage do you see the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 to be?

For me, I think the World Athletics Championships is a “battle stage”. Sharpen my concentration and put a lot of energy into winning. It is a feeling of putting my whole heart and soul into it.

――Please tell us your goal for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

This year’s 35km race walk will be the first event of the whole tournament. Until now, there were other events before the race walk, so I was pushed by the performance of other athletes, saying, “I will follow them.” But this time, on the contrary, I want to achieve good results and walk in a way that makes other athletes think, “Let’s follow him and do our best too.” I have won silver and bronze medals in two consecutive tournaments, so I will continue to prepare well for three consecutive medals and even higher medals.

――Is there anything you are looking forward to outside of competition?

My boss at the company said, “I’m going to gather about 300 people” (laughs). Very reassuring! Even when I set a world record at the Japan Championships, people at work came to support me, which was very helpful. I think it was because of their support that I was able to stay focused until the end even in difficult situations.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the venue for race-walk was changed to Sapporo, so I am really happy to be able to race walk in Tokyo (laughs). This time, I want to show you the best walk in front of everyone.

 

“I can’t help but raise my hand” Childhood days overflowing with curiosity

――Please tell us about your private life. What kind of child were you when you were little?

Anyway, I was a simple-minded person, and I was the type to jump right away if I thought “I might like this” even a little. When I was in elementary school, I did various lessons such as judo, badminton, and table tennis, and I was also the leader of the cheering squad, the conductor of the choir, and the captain of the mock cavalry battle at sports day. I think I was the kind of child who would push forward and get absorbed in each and every thing when I was curious.

――You weren’t that bad at appearing in front of people?

No, I get very nervous speaking in front of people. However, before I thought deeply about the actual performance, I felt like I wanted to do it first, and I was the type of person who would raise my hand. When I actually try it, I make embarrassing mistakes, but the desire to do it still wins.

――What do you mean by embarrassing mistakes?

The mock cavalry battle in elementary school is still a bit embarrassing experience(laughs). I was very thin at the time, but the three people who became horseback riders were very strong and big. I won every time in practice, but when it came to the actual match, I was frightened…and I couldn’t win at all (bitter laughs).

――But you said that you can exert more power than practice in race walk?

I think it is largely due to the characteristics of the competition. I was really bad at interpersonal competitions… I could do both judo and table tennis in practice, but I was really weak in the match.
I can demonstrate my strength when I don’t have to think about anything. For long distances such as 35 km or 50 km, the ability to “consistently do what you determine” is tested rather than bargaining. But at 20km, there are more elements that respond to the opponent’s movements, so I’m not too good with it. That’s why I like 35km the most.

 

I was so engrossed that even my hands remember

――What kind of personality do people around you say?

People often say, “You’re so serious” or “You’re very polite.” But on the other hand, some people say,“You are not fun at all” (laughs).

――Do you feel the element of being called “polite”?

I have received that kind of education in high school and university, so I think I have learned it properly. But in essence, I don’t think I am such a reliable person…
When it comes to listening to people, I’m the type of person who can keep doing what I think is good, but I don’t do what I think is not good, even though I say “yes” on the surface. I can’t continue unless I am convinced.

――Besides sports, is there anything that made you curious when you were a child?

That will be yo-yo. When I was in the 5th- 6th year of elementary school, I was really obsessed with it. I was doing yo-yo all the time on my days off and during meals, and I repeated the same technique about 100 times. I can still do it even now! My hands still remember it. I was doing it until it stuck with me.

――What was the reaction from your family?

They supported me and accepted me quite a bit. I wasn’t told to stop but rather enjoyed it together.

 

Don’t dare to listen to music

――How do you often spend your days off?

I often spend time at home. Also, I live in a dormitory, so I go out to eat with other athletes occasionally. I like to eat delicious food, so I go to restaurants in Nobeoka that they recommended and go with them. After that, I just read manga, and I don’t have any particular hobbies.

――What kind of manga do you read?

I read a lot of classic manga, and I often read manga that are being introduced. For me, manga is a “communication tool” in a sense. It can invite a conversation, and I read it to come up with good conversation topics. Recently, “BLUE GIANT” has been insanely interesting, and I am obsessed with it.

――It’s fun isn’t it? Did you watch the movie too?

Yes, I watched it with a subscription. I was inspired by that and went to a jazz club called “COTTON CLUB”. I am a bit of a person to follow the crowd (laughs).

――Do you listen to music before a match?

I don’t listen to music that much. When I listen to music, I get too focused into that world and can’t concentrate myself in the match. In order to create a mind for the race, I try not to listen to it.

――What do you do before a match?

I only think about the match. I just set a schedule in advance to “move like this in the race” and move according to it on the day. If I think about this and that, it will become buried in noise. By calmly doing what I have decided in advance, I get my mind right.

――Are you worried about the surrounding noise before the match?

On the contrary, I am very grateful. The surrounding sounds and atmosphere are one of the triggers that starts the match. It is like watching the training of other athletes and then switching into concentration mode.

 

“I want to be someone who can make people laugh.”

――Is there anything you are not good at or something you want to overcome?

For example, it would be nice if I could say something a little more interesting in a situation where I want to make race walking more exciting (laughs). I hope I can be that kind of person.

――I have an image that many race walking athletes reply coolly. You should definitely take the lead.

No, no, that will be aiming too high (laughs). That is too much, but I want to be able to get at least one laugh. There are people like Ryo Hamanishi who say interesting things to liven things up, but Toshikazu Yamanishi, who represents today’s race walking, is a well-rounded person, so that may be the image that people have of race walking. I also try to post on Instagram to liven up race walking as much as possible.

――Please tell us about any athletes you recommend other than yourself.

Well, Toshikazu Yamanishi is too obvious, so if I were to recommend anyone else – first of all, it will be Satoshi Maruo. We practice together, and he feels like a very reliable big brother. He will participate in two events, 20km and 35km at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, and I respect him for his technical and mental stability.
The one who looks interesting in the future is Kento Yoshikawa. He has the momentum after winning the 20km representative spot and even when we talk, I can see that he is thinking about various things. He is an athlete who also has an honest heart. I hope that the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 will be an opportunity for him to break out all at once.

――Are there any other athletes that you recommend in other sports?

I respect Judo athlete Takanori Nagase. In fact, at the Paris 2024 Olympic Village, we happened to stay in the same room. When I entered the room, it was very nice and tidy, and later I said to him, “The person who used it before me used it nicely,” and he said, “I used that room” (laughs). It’s often quite messy, but I was really impressed by how nice and tidy it was. We also belong to Asahi Kasei, and we paid courtesy visits together after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and since then we have started talking a lot.

――Finally, please give us a message to the fans who are looking forward to the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

I don’t think I’ll ever have the opportunity to see the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo again while I’m still active. That’s why I would like everyone to come to the venue and see them fight against the world’s best athletes live. Even if you don’t have a ticket, you can watch the race walk along the road, and it’s completely fine to jump in and participate. I would be very happy if you could cheer for me locally!

Instagram：masatora_kawano
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text by Moritaka Ohashi
photographs by Uta Mukuo

Co-produced with the Local Organising Committee of World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.