November 7, 2022
1 minute reading time
The opening event of Sailing’s 2017-18 World Cup Series is in Gamagori, Japan. Held from 15-22 October 2017, more than 250 sailors from 39 nations will race in eight Olympic sailing events. Hirofumi Kawano – President of JSAF
In Memoriam: Hirobumi Kawano
The sailing community is mourning the loss of Hirobumi Kawano, Honorary Chairman of the Japan Sailing Federation (JSAF), who passed away on 5 November 2022 aged 76.
Mr Kawano was known throughout sailing as a passionate, caring, generous and thoughtful sailor and leader. He had served as Vice Chairman of the Japanese Olympic Committee from 2013-2017 and as Chairman of the Japan Sailing Federation from 2011-2021 where he played a key role in ensuring the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games was a success by providing an essential link to the local community in Enoshima and as well as to the wider Japanese sailing community.
Under his leadership, the JSAF provided wonderful welcomes to teams from around the world as they staged a series of international events which were essential in giving sailors, coaches and officials the opportunity to prepare for the Olympic regatta.
His dedication through a difficult period resulted in an exciting and truly spectacular Games in Enoshima which were broadcast worldwide.
He later became an Honorary Member of the Japanese Olympic Committee, an Honorary Chairman of the Enoshima Yacht Club – the host venue for sailing at Tokyo 2020 – where he had also been Mayor of Fujisawa, and the Vice Governor of the Kanagawa Prefecture.
Our condolences go to the Japanese Sailing Federation and his friends throughout the global sailing family. His loss will be felt throughout the sport, his community and Japanese sailing, but his achievements in Japanese sailing will long be remembered. He will be sorely missed by everyone at World Sailing.