Takeshi Yoshinaga

A study on the suicide of Kokichi Tsuburaya, a marathon runner

The purpose of this study is to clarify a contemporary meaning of discourse concerning the suicide of Kokichi Tsuburaya who was a marathon runner in the Olympic games in Tokyo, 1964. Tsuburaya’s death was continually talked about in the newspaper and magazines, and discourse related to the suicide of Tsuburaya was reproduced. It was pointed out that the nation and the Self Defense Forces had caused “pressure” for Tsuburaya. In worldwide competitions including the Olympic games, contemporary athletes receive “pressure” as Tsuburaya. However, the difference with the generation of Tsuburaya’s was clearly shown, and the conversion of the “ethos of sports” was pointed out. As a result of Tsuburaya’s death it brought meaning as follows: Through Tsuburaya’s, it was recognized that athletes undertake an excessive expectation from those around them, and social pressures over winning or defeat. It is thought that the death of Tsuburaya made clear the problem of identity loss for athletes. In addition, “recognition that modern athletes represent the nation” and “preferable attitude to competitive sport” is recognized. A definite link can be made between the “ethos of sport” and “Tsuburaya” which reproduces a (standard) discourse.