Kisso Kawamuro Explained

Kisso Kawamuro
Birth Date:August 1892
Birth Place:Yokohama, Japan
Discipline:Road
Proyears1:1926–1927
Proteam1:Baggi-Samyn

was a pioneering Japanese racing cyclist. His name is also rendered "Kiso" ("Kisou" is the correct romanization in modified Hepburn).

Career

Born the son of a ship's captain, Kawamuro moved to France in 1918, where he was employed in the airplane and then automobile industries. He had participated in cycling races in Japan so he continued to ride in France. In 1926, he became the first Japanese to ride in the Tour de France by entering as a touriste-routier (an individual without a team).[1] He also entered the race in 1927, but on that occasion as well, he retired during the first stage. The next Japanese to enter the race would be Daisuke Imanaka in 1996, and the first Japanese to complete the Tour would be Yukiya Arashiro and Fumiyuki Beppu in 2009.

In subsequent years, Kawamuro competed in demi-fond races in Germany.[2] [3] He eventually returned to Japan and worked in the motorcycle industry before passing away in 1973 at the age of 82.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Quénet. Jean-François. Tour de France likely for two Japanese riders. Cyclingnews. 16 May 2012.
  2. Web site: Kawamuro Kisou: Shōwa jidai. Jitensha Bunka Sentā. 20 May 2012.
  3. Web site: Kawamura Kisou no Doitsu ensei. Jitensha Bunka Sentā. 20 May 2012.