The men’s 400m track and field event is gaining momentum. Kentaro Sato (29, Fujitsu), who set a new Japanese record of 44.77 seconds last year, and Fuga Sato (28, Mizuno), who ran 44.88 seconds, the third fastest time in Japan’s history, will clash at the Japan Championships (June 27-30, Niigata). Both have already broken the standard for participating in the Paris Olympics (45.00 seconds), and if they win, they will be selected for the national team. Those who break the standard will be selected for the national team in early July even if they finish in the top three, but the two are determined to “win.” This is because their attitude will push Japan’s 400m to the world level, and because they have respect for the tournament, which will have a major impact on the athletes’ competitive careers.
What does this year’s Japan Championship mean to the two of you?

Will Satofu take the lead in the first half?

There have only been three Japanese runners in history who have run under 44 seconds. They are Susumu Takano, the former Japanese record holder with a time of 44.78 seconds, and the “Double Sato.” The first time the two ran under 44 seconds was at the World Championships in Athletics in Budapest in August last year, so this year will be the first time that two runners who run under 44 seconds will compete in the Japanese Championships.

In the showdown between the two, Sato Fu is expected to take the lead.
The Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) measured the time for each 100m at last year’s World Championships. Sato Kaze’s 44.88 (semi-final group 2) 200m time was 21.09, while Sato Ken’s 44.77 (qualifying group 1) was 21.71. By the way, when the former Japanese record holder Takano ran 44.78, his 200m time was 21.3.
As you can see from his passing time, Sato Fu has improved his overall 400m record by increasing his speed in the first half. In early June, he spoke about his race development at the Japan Championships as follows:

“I’m planning to keep a clear image in mind and run a relaxed first half of the race to achieve a speed faster than last year. If you just aim for a time in the 21.0s, you’re likely to strain yourself. Being comfortable in the first half is a prerequisite for setting a good record, so I’m hoping that will result in a passing time in the 20s.”

On the other hand, what kind of mindset does Ken Sato have as he passes the 200m mark?

“Even though I was able to run with ease in the first half, my time at 200m last year was too slow compared to the world. The Japanese record was 21.7 seconds, but I want to be able to do that in under 21.5 seconds.”

There is a difference of 0.4 to 0.5 seconds between the two runners’ estimated 200m times. Sato’s 200m time is one of the fastest in the world, meaning he could be 4 to 5 meters ahead of his opponents at the Japan Championships.

However, they expect to finish in the same time and their goal is to win.

“If I do the 400m well, I can beat the Japanese record, and I’m aiming for a time of 44.5 seconds or less. If I can get that time, the ranking will come naturally.” (Ken Sato)

“My goal is to win in a time of the mid-44 second range. (Even if I finish in the top three, I’m likely to make the national team) but when I think of coming in third, I feel like this is the place to compete. I want to win and get an immediate job offer.” (Sato Fu)

Both “Double Sato” competitors are hoping for a new Japanese record to be set.