Kasama City Honors Ethiopia’s Legendary Athlete Abebe Bikila with Road Naming

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2025 (FMC) – In a symbolic celebration of Ethiopia–Japan friendship, a road in Kasama City, Japan, has been inaugurated in honor of Ethiopia’s legendary athlete Abebe Bikila, the Ethiopian Embassy in Tokyo told FMC.

The ceremony was attended by the Ethiopian delegation led by Minister of Industry Melaku Alebel and coincided with the conclusion of TICAD-9 in Yokohama, Japan.

During the event, Minister Melaku highlighted that the road naming deepens the longstanding ties between Ethiopia and Japan, describing it as a new chapter in bilateral relations. He quoted a Japanese saying, “A true friendship is an eternal treasure,” and expressed gratitude to the government and people of Japan, as well as the residents and leadership of Kasama City, for paying tribute to one of Ethiopia’s most cherished national heroes.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Japan, Ambassador Daba, described the inauguration as an extraordinary occasion, emphasizing that it marks a milestone for future generations to remember the achievements of Abebe Bikila.

Kasama City Mayor Yamaguchi Shinju welcomed the Ethiopian delegation and underlined that the road naming initiative would further strengthen the bonds between the two nations, calling it an important step in advancing Ethiopia–Japan relations.

The decision to honor Abebe Bikila—whose historic marathon victory at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games inspired the world—serves as a profound gesture of recognition. His triumph not only instilled immense pride in Ethiopia but also reinforced enduring goodwill between the Ethiopian and Japanese peoples.