Nakamura Shunkichi
Nakamura Shunkichi was the first Japanese to travel around the world on a bicycle. In 1902-1903, he traveled by bicycle through China, Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, Europe, and then across the United States, essentially circumnavigating the globe. The journey took roughly a year and a half.
Nakamura was originally from Mitarai, a port-town in Hiroshima prefecture. A small monument to his accomplishment stands in Mitarai today.
References
- Monument to Nakamura Shunkichi, Mitarai.[1]