Sports

During the early post-war years, the Japanese were eager for relief from the demands of rebuilding lives. Spectator sports became an important means of relaxation and entertainment. During the War, professional sports - though not entirely suspended -- were played on a small scale. In November 1945, professional baseball was revived. Stadiums were quickly full of both Japanese and GIs. In 1949, Hironoshin Furuhashi broke the world record in the 1500 meter freestyle at the United States Swimming Championship in Los Angeles. This marked the reentry of Japanese athletes into the world of international competition, stirring national pride.