Rachid Muratake: A Great Hurdler Who Redefines the Sport

Rachid Muratake (村竹ラシッド) is redefining what Japanese athletics looks like in the global arena. His explosive technique and anime-inspired flair have made him one of Japan’s most talked-about young athletes. From national records to Olympic finals, he’s proving that Japan can sprint with the best. More than a competitor, Rachid Muratake is the new face of Japanese track and field!

History and Origins

Rachid Muratake was born on February 6, 2002, in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture. He showed early promise in sprinting and jumping events, but it was the 110 m hurdles that revealed his true potential. Encouraged by coaches during his school years, he refined his rhythm and control at Juntendo University. In April 2024, he joined Japan Airlines as a sponsored athlete, continuing to train while working.

As Muratake’s technique improved, so did his results. He equaled Japan’s national record of 13.04 seconds in 2023, signaling a breakthrough. The following year, at the Paris 2024 Olympics, he finished fifth in the men’s 110 m hurdles, resulting in Japan’s best-ever result in the event. His progress reflects the country’s growing investment in short-distance athletics, long seen as dominated by Western nations.

Characteristics and Athletic Style

Muratake is known for a combination of speed, technical precision, and expressive flair. His hurdle clearance is smooth, minimizing loss of velocity as he transitions between barriers. Observers note he “rests in the air” slightly, allowing efficient motion during jumps. He also shows composure under pressure, often delivering his best times in national finals and international events.

But what truly sets Muratake apart is his style. After his 12.92-second record run in Fukui in 2025, he celebrated with a JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure pose, paying homage to one of Japan’s most iconic anime series. The moment went viral, blending Japan’s pop culture with its sports scene in a way fans hadn’t seen before. For many, Muratake symbolizes a generation of Japanese athletes who aren’t afraid to mix performance with personality.

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Major Achievements, Placements & Records at the World Athletics Championships

Muratake’s rise has been marked by consistent breakthroughs and high placements. In September 2023, as a fourth-year university student, he equaled the Japanese national record with a time of 13.04 s, putting him at the forefront of Japan’s 110 m hurdles scene. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he became the first Japanese male short-distance runner to reach an Olympic final, finishing fifth in the 110 m hurdles with a time of 13.21s.

In 2025, Muratake continued to raise the bar. He won the gold medal in the men’s 110 m hurdles at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi with a time of 13.22 seconds. Later, at a meet in Fukui in August 2025, he broke the Japanese national record, clocking 12.92 s, becoming the first Japanese hurdler to go under 13 seconds. At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, he again made the final and placed fifth, running 13.18s.

Evolving Face of Japanese Athletics

One emerging movement in Japanese track and field is the blending of sport with entertainment culture. Muratake’s anime-inspired gestures demonstrate a shift in the sport: athletes are increasingly adopting personal branding, gestures, or social media narratives to engage fans. This trend reflects how younger generations of athletes, raised on manga, anime, and digital media, connect sport to creativity and identity.

Another transformation lies in the embrace of sports science and biomechanics. Japanese hurdling programs now use motion capture, video analytics, and AI-assisted feedback to refine form and efficiency. Universities and corporate athletic teams, including Japan Airlines, are investing heavily in this technology. As a result, domestic performance levels are rising quickly, closing the gap with international leaders.

Why You Should Follow Rachid Muratake

First, his athletic story is compelling: a young Japanese hurdler breaking records and reaching finals on the world stage. Watching his progress will show you Japan’s growing competitiveness in short-distance and technical events. Muratake’s record times and consistent placements prove he’s a name that will shape Japan’s future in track and field.

Second, Muratake is a cultural bridge. His anime poses, multicultural heritage, and modern presence make him accessible to fans who might never have followed athletics before. He blends Japanese identity with global influences, representing an inclusive and expressive generation of athletes.

For anyone interested in modern Japan, its youth, sport, and culture, following Muratake offers a clear view of where the country’s next wave of talent is headed. Have you ever heard of Rachid Muratake? Did you watch his runs? Let us know in the comments below!

Cited Sources

• Tokyo Forward 2025. “Rachid Muratake, Athletics – “Hurdle seeker” who rewrote history“.
• World Athletics. “Rachid MURATAKE | Profile“.
• The Japan Times. “Muratake misses out on medal as Tinch takes 110-meter hurdle gold“.