Did you know that Japan has almost 1500 licensed road races? We talk to six-time Paralympian and five-time gold medalist, Noel Thatcher MBE about Japan as a distance-running nation, the beginnings of his connection with Japan and all the momentous work he has done or been involved in to bring Japan and the UK together through sports since.
Hi Noel, thanks for joining us today! Could you start by telling us a little about yourself?
Thanks for inviting me. I’m a visually-impaired six-time Paralympian and five-time gold medalist. I have worked with a number of Anglo-Japanese organisations including the Japan Foundation, Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, Japan House as well as supporting JNTO in the UK to promote cultural exchange through sport. In 2019 I was awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation for furthering Japan-UK relations through sport.
You studied Japanese at university; tell us, how did you become a Japan fan?
I was always interested in Japan’s tradition as a distance running nation and when I received an invitation to take part in the inaugural World Marathon Championship for the visually impaired in Miyazaki in 1992 I jumped at it. I immediately felt a deep connection with the culture and people I met and, on returning to the UK I set about learning the language. It took me three attempts but, in 2003, I became the first visually impaired person to pass level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Do you have any funny cultural faux pas stories to tell of the times you were still new to Japan and the culture?
I think the only minor discretion was forgetting to remove the “toilet slippers” which are only worn in the bathroom, at my in-laws house. Japanese people are incredibly understanding and kind when it comes to helping navigate cultural differences so there is very little chance of offending someone.
And what is your most treasured memory in the country so far?
There are too many but I have to say being invited to help with setting up parkrun in 2019 was special as it brings people together and strengthens communities. I also had a magical night one December watching an all-night Kagura dance deep in the Kyushu mountains with friends. To be honest though, every day in Japan is an adventure.
If you could, what is the one thing you would import into the UK from Japan? (be it an item, a custom, a phenomenon etc.)
One of the things I miss most are Japanese bookshops, especially the children's section. There are so many wonderful books to inspire and the quality of Japanese publishing is unsurpassed in my opinion.
Have you ever participated in running events in Japan? If so, are there any differences, big or small, between those held in the UK? If not, are there any you would like to try?
Japan is the land of distance running with almost 1500 licensed road races prior to the pandemic. I’ve run many marathons and shorter races and they all have unique features specific to the local area. There is always a fantastic community feel to the events and soaking in an onsen after a run is quite possibly the best feeling in the world!
Where in Kyushu would be at the top of the list to take a friend who is visiting Japan for the first time?
Kyushu has some beautiful coastlines, especially around Nagasaki. Takachiho is very spiritual, not surprisingly as this was where the first gods descended to Japan. Beppu has fantastic hot springs and mountains nearby. Finally, I can recommend Murakami Karaage in Nakatsu for the best fried chicken in Japan!
What’s next for you?
My family and I are getting ready to go back to Japan at New Year for the first time in over three years so that is very exciting. Hopefully I can share my experiences and affinity with all things Japanese and inspire other people to have their own Japanese adventure.
Thank you for talking with us!
You can find Noel on his Twitter here.
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