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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Sophie Zeldin-O'Neill

178 Hirokazu Tanakas set new namesake-gathering world record

Guinness AFPGetty Images
People named Hirokazu Tanaka gather in a Tokyo cinema for their successful attempt on the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of namesakes.
Call of the Tanakas: people named Hirokazu Tanaka gather in a Tokyo cinema for their successful attempt on the Guinness World Record for largest gathering of namesakes. Photograph: Tomohiro Osaki/AFP/Getty Images

Remembering names at a party is never easy, except at a gathering in Tokyo on Saturday where all 178 guests were called Hirokazu Tanaka – breaking a Guinness World Record previously held by 164 Martha Stewarts.

Hirokazu Tanakas from all walks of life came together for the record attempt, including a three-year-old toddler, an 80-year-old and even one who flew to Japan from Hanoi, Vietnam.

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