We are giving a major upgrade — a full model change — to the four “Hirokazu Tanaka National Conventions” we’ve held since 2010.
The new name: “World Same Name Match.”

Proposed by [Almost-Leader] Hirokazu Tanaka in his book “All Hirokazu Tanakas” (Shinchosha, July 2025), this event reimagines a same-name gathering as a human-centered platform for solidarity and mutual support, overcoming loneliness and division in modern society.

Our slogan: “#GatherSameNamePeople”

On October 29, 2022, we broke the Guinness World Record for the largest same-name gathering, surpassing American entrepreneur Martha Stewart’s 164 with 178 Hirokazu Tanakas. The achievement unexpectedly captured global attention, featured in international media across 44 countries and 28 languages.

One of the viewers was Serbian publisher Robert Čoban, who thought, ‘This isn’t much of a record—we could easily beat it in Serbia.’ And he was right: only 98 days later, on February 4, 2023, in Belgrade, 256 women named Milica Jovanović gathered, swiftly overtaking our record.

From that moment, same-name gatherings had become a worldwide phenomenon. We realized it was no longer about numbers, but about how these communities could connect internationally and contribute to peace. Out of this idea, we founded the NGO International Same Name Association (ISNA) together with Robert Čoban.

In March 2025, Hungarian scholar Dr. Kovács Balázs, Associate Professor at the University of Pécs Faculty of Arts, reached out to us. Inspired by our activities, he proposed hosting the Kovács Balázs Conference on November 8–9 with about 20 participants, and expressed his wish to join ISNA.

The renewed event will be titled ‘World Same Name Match,’ with official support from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Serbia, and the Embassy of Hungary.

This event will also feature exciting cultural exchanges with Serbia and Hungary. Highlights include a presentation on Serbia by Tijana Nagato, Secretary to the Serbian Ambassador, a Serbian folk dance performance by the Philippine Ethnic Dance Troupe of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, and a booth selling Serbian specialties. From Hungary, we will showcase banners provided by the Hungarian Embassy, along with a Hungarian folk dance performance by the Ethnic Dance Research Society of The University of Tokyo and Ochanomizu University.
This year marks a three-nation celebration — our very own ‘Tri-Country Expo.’ But looking ahead, we dream of expanding it into a global ‘Same-Name Expo,’ a festival of peace with participation from over 100 countries.

We are also inviting participants beyond Hirokazu Tanakas. You don’t need to share the exact same full name — groups with the same family name or the same given name, or groups of two or more people with matching names are all welcome.

For example, same-name groups we already know — like Yuko Watanabe, Koichi Sato, or Mariko Sugiki — can join for free. Groups with common names such as Tanaka, Takahashi, Shohei, or Aoi will be able to purchase tickets for 1,000 yen per person (tax excluded).

And of course, since this is an international event, we warmly welcome Johns, Muhammads, Nguyens — and everyone else from around the world!

Naturally, as the Hirokazu Tanaka Association, we’ll also be aiming to reclaim the record from the 256 Milica Jovanovićs. At our Guinness Challenge Corner, more than 256 Hirokazu Tanakas will gather together for five minutes, under the watchful eyes of an official Guinness adjudicator.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Guinness World Records. We deeply resonate with their anniversary statement:
“As we celebrate our 70th year, we want to inspire more people to discover the special experiences that come only through challenge. After all, we believe everyone has the potential to become the world’s number one.”
Meeting 264 people named Hirokazu Tanaka through our same-name gatherings has made one thing very clear: even if the name is the same, each Hirokazu Tanaka is completely unique — just as every human being is one of a kind. Sharing the same name is just a coincidence, but even a small point in common can spark friendship. And when people cooperate, anyone can become number one.
All it takes is five minutes together.
Without trying too hard, you can still be number one.
Hirokazu Tanakas, let’s aim for it once again!

And now, this gathering is open not only to Japan but to same-name groups all around the world — Let’s Same Name Party! 🎉
Let’s expand the circle of connection between same-name communities everywhere.

World Same Name Match 2025🇯🇵🇷🇸🇭🇺

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: Doors open 18:30 (Media check-in 18:15)
     Start 19:00 / Close 21:00 (Guinness Challenge Time at 20:00)
Venue: Shibuya Cultural Center Owada – Sakura Hall
     Capacity 735 seats (535 on 1F / 194 on 2F balcony)

Performers:

• 256+ Hirokazu Tanakas (target)
• Tijana Nagato (Secretary to the Serbian Ambassador)
• Philippine Ethnic Dance Troupe of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
• Ethnic Dance Research Society of The University of Tokyo and Ochanomizu University
• (Additional performers TBA)

Vendors:

• Japan–Serbia Music Exchange Association (Etsuko Kakusaki, Director, Japan–Serbia Society)
• Makoto Investments
• DOMACA
• Tanaka Hirokazu Company

Organizers:

• The Hirokazu Tanaka Association (General Incorporated Association)
• International Same Name Association (ISNA, General Incorporated Association)

Co-Organizer: Tanaka Hirokazu Company Co., Ltd.
Sponsors: Now accepting
Partners: Shibuya no Radio, Tanaka Shrine (Kyoto, Mototanaka)
Supported by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Embassy of Serbia, Embassy of Hungary, Liszt Institute Hungarian Cultural Center, Japan–Serbia Society

#同じ名前のヒト、集まろう (#GatherSameNamePeople)
#タナカヒロカズを探しています (#LookingForHirokazuTanaka)

📩 Inquiries: sales@tanakahirokazu.com