Dairen, Japan (China), 22.–23.9.1928
Tokyo, Japan, 6.–7.10.1928
In 1928, the French national athletics team toured the Far East, competing against the rising track and field power of Japan. The programme included two international matches. The first competition was held in Dalian, which is now part of China, but was then controlled by Japan through its puppet state of Manchukuo, and which the Japanese called Dairen. European visits continued in 1929 when the Germans came to measure their strength against their future brothers-in-arms.
In the first Japan v France meet, the best result was achieved by future Los Angeles Olympic champion Chūhei Nambu, who managed 14.88 (48-9¾) in the triple jump. It was the 11th longest mark in the world for the season. In the long jump, the fellow secured an event win by launching himself 7.30 (23-11½) from the board. 50,000 spectators cheered in the stands.
Jules Noël set a French record in the discus with a throw of 46.10 (151-3). It would improve further in the following years.
Middle-distance aces Séra Martin and Jules Ladoumègue did not participate in the Far East tour, for which the French federation slapped them with disciplinary actions.
Japan and France met for a second time in Tokyo a couple of weeks later. The level of results was poor due to bad weather. For example, Kenkichi Oshima, a 14-and-a-half-metre capable jumper, only managed 13.92 (45-8) in the triple jump. Nambu leaped 7.12 (23-4½) in the long jump. Japan won both international matches.
Winners (Spalding's Athletic Almanac)
Helsingin Sanomat, September 29, 1928 (in Finnish)
Helsingin Sanomat, October 2, 1928 (in Finnish)