Born in 1960 (Shōwa 35 / 昭和35年)

Politics & Economy

• Japan-US Security Treaty revised - Kishi cabinet forced vote on new treaty. Massive protests around Diet, PM Kishi resigned
• Ikeda Cabinet formed, Income Doubling Plan - PM Ikeda Hayato announced plan. Symbol of high economic growth
• Socialist Party Chairman assassinated - Asanuma Inejiro stabbed during speech by 17-year-old

Society & Lifestyle

• Color TV regular broadcasting begins - NHK and private stations started color broadcasts. Receivers still expensive
• Instant ramen boom - Following Nissin Chicken Ramen, companies entered market. Instant noodle market grew rapidly
• Dakko-chan craze - Vinyl “Dakko-chan” doll became explosive hit. Youth walked around with it on their arms
• Three Sacred Treasures spread - TV, washing machine, and refrigerator spread to ordinary households
• Weekly magazine boom - “Weekly Bunshun”, “Weekly Gendai”, etc. launched. Established as information media

Sports & Entertainment

• Rome Olympics held - Japan won medals in gymnastics, wrestling, etc. Abebe won marathon gold barefoot
• Taiho and Kashiwado promoted to ozeki - Both wrestlers who would build “Hakuho Era” promoted
• Sakamoto Kyu debuts with “Sad 60 Years Old” - Later achieved global hit with “Ue wo Muite Arukou” (Sukiyaki)
• Film “The River Fuefuki” released - Kinoshita Keisuke’s anti-war film. Screened at Cannes
• TV drama golden age - Foreign dramas like “Laramie” popular. TV became entertainment center