#Japan #Guinness World Records #Shibuya #Tanaka Hirokazu #International Same Name Association

Guinness World Records Challenge Event

On October 18, 2025, the International Same Name Association (ISNA) will be hosting a remarkable event in Tokyo, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people sharing the same first and last name. The event celebrates the establishment of the ISNA and is expected to attract an impressive group of Tanaka Hirokazus—263 participants confirmed so far, who will gather at the Shibuya Cultural Center’s Sakura Hall, which features a seating capacity of 735.

The journey began in 2022 when 178 individuals named Tanaka Hirokazu came together in Tokyo, achieving the then-record for the largest assembly of people sharing the same name. This achievement garnered international attention, sparking interest beyond Japan. The gathering earned widespread media coverage, including reports from leading outlets like BBC News. However, just 98 days later, a new record was set in Belgrade, Serbia, with 256 people named Milica Jovanović, reigniting the competitive spirit among name-sharing groups worldwide.

In the wake of these events, connections formed with Serbian event organizers stimulated the establishment of the ISNA as a platform for cultural exchange aimed at fostering global peace through activities centered around shared names. As ISNA continues its outreach, collaborations have developed within Serbia and beyond, including exciting prospects from Hungary, where an event focused solely on individuals sharing names is scheduled for later this year. The Pécs University has shown interest, indicating a growing international community committed to this cause.

With the aim of reclaiming the Guinness record, plans for the Tanaka Hirokazu Movement National Tournament 2025 will see this monumental gathering officially recognized as a Guinness World Records challenge. Representatives from Guinness World Records Japan will be present to oversee the effort and validate the count. In addition to the record attempt, this event aims to promote international cooperation among Japan, Serbia, and Hungary, coinciding with the ongoing Osaka-Kansai Expo, where cultural pavilions from both Serbia and Hungary will be featured.

Event Overview

• - Title: Tanaka Hirokazu Movement National Tournament 2025 - Tri-Nation Expo (三国博覧会)
• - Date: October 18, 2025
• - Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM, media registration at 6:15 PM; event starts at 7:00 PM and is expected to conclude by 9:00 PM, with the Guinness challenge planned around 8:00 PM.
• - Location: Shibuya Cultural Center Sakura Hall, 735 seats (with a two-tiered balcony).
• - Participants: 256 or more Tanaka Hirokazus
• - Organizers: The Tanaka Hirokazu Association and the International Same Name Association.
• - Co-host: Tanaka Hirokazu Corporation.
• - Support: Shibuya Radio, and endorsements from the Serbian Embassy, the Japan-Serbia Association, and cultural institutions.

For ongoing updates, visit the official websites of the Tanaka Hirokazu Movement and Tanaka Hirokazu Corporation, where new product launches and developments are regularly published.

About Guinness World Records

The Guinness World Records began in 1955 from a simple inquiry about the fastest bird of prey in Europe. Over the past seventy years, it has grown into a global platform aimed at making the world more interesting, fun, and positive through various media outlets including books, television, and events. For official information, you can visit the Guinness World Records website.