The World Same Name Match 2025: A Gathering of Hirokazu Tanakas

The World Same Name Match 2025

On October 18, 2025, a remarkable event known as the World Same Name Match will take place in Shibuya, Tokyo. This celebration brings together individuals named Hirokazu Tanaka and aims to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people with the same first and last name. It is an evolution of the Tanaka Hirokazu Movement, which has been fostering connections among individuals with the same name since 2010.

Organized by the Hirokazu Tanaka Association and the International Same Name Federation, this gathering strives to create a platform for solidarity, mutual support, and global connection. The slogan for this year's event is #GatherSameNamePeople, encouraging participants to embrace their uniqueness while coming together under a common name.

In 2022, 178 Hirokazu Tanakas gathered in Shibuya to successfully break the previous record of 164 set by American media personality Martha Stewart in 2005. News of the event resonated worldwide, with reports in 44 countries and 28 languages. Just 98 days later, in February 2023, this record was surpassed by a gathering of 256 Milica Jovanovićs in Belgrade, Serbia, igniting a friendly competitive spirit.

This global movement expanded when Roberto Choban, who watched the previous event on BBC News, established the International Same Name Association (ISNA). In March 2025, Kóvách Balázs, an associate professor at the University of Pécs in Hungary, expressed interest in participating, paving the way for numerous cross-cultural exchanges between Serbia, Hungary, and Japan.

The upcoming event in 2025 will feature a rich program, including presentations about Serbia by Tiyana Nagamoto, the secretary of the Serbian ambassador, performances of Serbian dance by the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Filipino Dance Troupe, and displays of Serbian products. Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy Hungarian dance performances facilitated by the Hungarian embassy. The aim is not just to gather Hirokazu Tanakas but to foster intercultural dialogue and promote world peace.

Entry is welcome to all individuals who share a surname or a first name, creating a large network of connections. For those named Tanaka or Takahashi, a nominal fee will apply, while other individuals can join for a small fee. The gathering serves as a platform to highlight the value of shared identities and our common humanity.

Event Details:

- Date: October 18, 2025
- Time: Doors open at 18:30, event starts at 19:00, and ends at 21:00. Guinness World Record challenge is estimated for 20:00.
- Location: Owada Sakura Hall, Shibuya Cultural Center. Capacity: 735 people.
- Special Guests: Ken Hasebe, Shibuya Ward Mayor; Toshio Kazusaki, President of the Japan-Serbia Association; and representatives from the Serbian embassy.

The event will mark not just an endeavor to break the previous record but also a celebration of humanity. Joining together for five minutes can turn into a beautiful sentiment of connection and collaboration.

As we gather to achieve a new Guinness World Record, we aim to set the stage for the 'World Expo for Same Names' in the future, aspiring to include participants from over 100 nations. The World Same Name Match is a celebration of diversity and unity among people sharing the same name while recognizing that each individual is unique.

Let’s Same Name Party!
Come together to celebrate, share experiences, and create lasting connections among the participants. We invite everyone to join this joyous occasion, regardless of whether you share the name with us or not.

For more information on participating or updates on the Hirokazu Tanaka movement, visit:

As we honor the idea that having the same name encourages unity, let's aim to gather more than 256 Hirokazu Tanakas and create an unforgettable moment together.