Another recent big news:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/.../#.XPC_lY9lDIU
Also, the first person not of African descent to break the 10-second barrier in 100-metre dash was almost going to be a Japanese person ~20yrs ago.
Koji Ito clocked 10.00 flat and I think the clock initially showed 9.99 before the official time was unfortunately changed to 10.00.