Tokyo during Golden Week. Amid a flurry of events taking place all over the city, “Tokyo: Speed: Race” brought together a diverse group of runners. Organized by ASICS Japan Co., Ltd. and the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, this running event featured a variety of races, with DJs spinning music and cheers ringing out from the sidelines to encourage the runners.
People with a wide variety of goals—from runners seriously aiming for a personal best to relay teams passing the baton to their teammates, U-15 runners, families, and even those participating for fashion or wellness—gathered along the ginkgo-lined avenue in Gaienmae.
“Aiming for a race that’s about more than just ”speed.”
Yuta Kanazu
He joined ASICS in 2006. He is currently a member of the Sports Marketing Department at ASICS Japan, which oversees domestic operations. In addition to supporting athletes and sports organizations and handling contract matters, he is also involved in the planning and operation of marathons and running events. He is currently working on initiatives to broaden the appeal of running culture, including “Tokyo: Speed: Race.”
“ASICS has a brand slogan: ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body.’ The idea is that through sports, not only does the body become healthier, but the mind also becomes more positive—and that, in turn, enriches our daily lives. We’re hosting this event as an opportunity for participants to embody those values.”
So says Yuta Kanazu of ASICS Japan, the organizer of this event. He explains that at the heart of this vision is a desire to “further energize running culture.”
"By sticking with running, you’ll continue to exercise, and as a result, your mind and body will become more positive. I feel that running is a gateway to a fulfilling daily life. However, it’s quite difficult to convey that feeling through words alone. That’s why, through events like this, I want to help people—from children to adults—move their bodies naturally so they can experience that feeling for themselves."
©ASICS
That philosophy is also reflected in the event’s design. This year, a new “U-15” race was introduced. The event has been updated to serve as a “venue for challenges” where a wider range of people can participate—not just based on time or skill level.
“I believe one of the appeals of ”Tokyo: Speed: Race' is that anyone can participate, regardless of age, gender, running time, or skill level. We want to make this an event that welcomes a diverse range of participants, including those with disabilities. Last year, we had family-friendly categories and a half-relay, but this time, we wanted to create an ‘opportunity to take on a challenge through sports’ for middle and high school students as well.”
Furthermore, the word “Speed” in the event title carries a meaning that goes beyond mere competition.
“Although the name is ”Tokyo: Speed: Race,“ I don’t think it’s just about ”speed’; I see it as an event where everyone faces their own challenges. I think races offer a sense of the ‘extraordinary’ that you can’t experience just by running alone on a regular basis. For example, the tension 10 seconds before the start—that’s the kind of feeling you rarely get in everyday life. By holding it as a race, I hope participants will feel a sense of seriousness, dedication, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it, and I want to cheer them on as they take on their individual challenges.”
©ASICS
Mr. Kanazu also says he would like to expand the event even further in the future.
“We hope to continue adding even more unique events in the future. From a racing perspective, I think it would be interesting to introduce something like a ”championship showdown’ for amateur runners, and I’d like to see the event evolve by adding various categories and activities. I believe this event still has plenty of room to grow. Whether it’s the number of participants or the scale of the event, I want to nurture it into an event that attracts even more people.”
It's not just about racing—it's "Tokyo: Speed: Race."
This event featured more than just races; there were also various hands-on booths set up throughout the venue.
In one corner of the venue, where cheers for the runners filled the air, visitors were moving their hands with serious expressions at a hands-on booth for “sign language commentary” hosted by Okayama Broadcasting. Aiming to foster a new culture where both hearing and deaf people can enjoy watching sports together, a Deaf athlete who works as a sign language commentator was teaching attendees how to provide sign language commentary.
Hoshinami, who works as a model while also promoting the joys of running as a running influencer, was one of the people who stopped by that booth.
”I've always wanted to learn sign language, and I was actually interested enough to sign up for a sign language class this year. Last year, the Deaflympics—marking its historic 100th anniversary—were held in Tokyo, and I hope sign language continues to spread as a ”tool for communication'!"
In addition, Ms. Seinan visited a booth where visitors could try on prosthetic legs. A wide variety of prosthetic legs were on display, ranging from those used in track and field to soccer and basketball, as well as those designed for everyday use. She learned that the prosthetic legs used by athletes are custom-made for each individual to fit their specific body. At the booth, she was able to put on a prosthetic leg for trial and actually walk around.
"I have a friend who is a para-athlete with a prosthetic arm, but I haven't had any interaction with runners who use prosthetic legs, so I'm learning a lot by actually experiencing this for myself!"
She also tried on the “SUPERBLAST 3” at the ASICS try-on booth. Hoshiminami, who wore the “SUPERBLAST 2” during last year’s Tokyo Marathon, said, “I felt they were even lighter and had even more bounce.”
"I really liked that you can choose shoes based on your own pace and what you're looking for, and that you can actually try them on."
A lively, festive atmosphere.
Now, what everyone’s really interested in is the race itself. In addition to the “Family Run,” this year’s event featured a “U-15 Race,” a “Half Marathon Relay,” and a “5km Race.” From runners aiming for personal bests to teams passing the baton to their teammates, and even those who just came to enjoy the event, everyone enjoyed the race in their own way.
The first people I spoke with were the runners participating in the “Half Marathon Relay.” Many teams were participating as community groups, and the venue was filled with a sense of excitement and camaraderie that was quite different from that of the individual races.
Hideaki Makino of “BEAMS,” who works as a fashion running advisor, participated in the “Half Marathon Relay” as part of the company’s running team. He says that the number of younger runners within the company has been increasing recently.
“Until recently, the core group of ‘BEAMS’ runners was made up of people around our age, but lately, it’s been young employees in their second year or so—and there are more and more who did track and field in college. They have a very positive attitude toward running and have started actively participating in events like this.”
"What struck me after actually running it was how different the atmosphere was from the relay marathons of years past. There were a lot of stylish teams, and the lively, boisterous atmosphere was really great. It had the kind of excitement you’d find at a festival."
"I used to think of ASICS as a very serious brand, but lately I get the impression they've been actively hosting open events like this. I had imagined a more austere event, but in reality, there was a very relaxed atmosphere. That was one of the reasons I enjoyed this event so much."
Hayato Noyama, who participated as a member of “THE WEEKEND WELLNESS CLUB (TWWC)”—a wellness community focused on “finding balance” through activities such as running, meditation, and yoga—also took part in the “Half Marathon Relay.”
"Everyone starts off at a pretty fast pace, so around the 600-meter mark, I suddenly felt like my body just wouldn't move anymore. It was really tough. But it was impressive to see such a diverse group of people—from kids around 4 or 5 years old to adults—all enjoying the event at their own pace."
"What I really like about this event is that, rather than just competing, it feels like we're all working together toward a common goal. As adults, we rarely get the chance to pass the baton to one another, and I think the appeal of this event lies in the fact that it's not just about running—it's about feeling that sense of unity. I'd definitely like to participate again next time."
Everyone has their own pace and their own challenges.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the 5-kilometer race was more serious. As soon as the starting gun went off, the runners took off all at once, each heading toward the finish line at their own pace.
Seinan, who had been visiting the various activity booths at the venue, also participated in the 5-kilometer race. She said she ran the race despite having some concerns about her knee.
“I was actually planning to just run at my own pace without pushing myself too hard, but the atmosphere at the venue—or rather, how seriously everyone was taking it—was incredible. Before I knew it, I was giving it my all (laughs). I finished in the 23-minute range—it might have been the fastest I’ve ever run in my life.”
“Although ASICS is a brand that originated in Japan, it has always had a global image. But after participating today, I was struck once again by the diverse group of runners taking part—people of all ages, genders, and cultures naturally coming together. I felt it was a truly inclusive event, and my understanding of the brand deepened.”
"Also, ASICS running gear features a lot of soft colors—which I personally love—and the designs are really cute. I think those aspects are part of its appeal."
Taisei, a former professional rugby player, also participated in the 5-kilometer race. He says he usually runs at a leisurely pace for distances of about 10 to 15 kilometers, but looking back, he notes, “Running the full 5 kilometers was tougher than I imagined.”
“I started off a little too fast (laughs). All the other runners were really fast, so I went in with the mindset of ”Follow me!', but the second half was pretty tough. Still, I was relieved that I managed to finish just under 20 minutes and 50 seconds."
"I went for a run today wearing the 'SONICBLAST.' What I like about these shoes is that they work for everything from jogging to racing. Also, I really like how ASICS apparel is so functional and designed with the user in mind."
“What struck me after participating in this event is that it’s not just for ”fast runners.’ There are relay events, and there’s an atmosphere that makes it easy for even people who don’t usually run that much to join in. That low barrier to entry is part of its appeal, and I feel that events like this will inspire more people to take on all kinds of races."
Even after the race was over, many runners remained at the venue. Some were taking photos with the teams they had passed the baton to, while others were sitting on the grass, chatting about the next race.
“Although the event was titled ”Speed“ and ”Race,” it had the atmosphere of a cultural event. Running brings people together. It was a day that allowed me to rediscover the appeal of running.
I wonder what kind of scenery the next “Tokyo: Speed: Race” will offer. I’m already looking forward to next year.
Photo_Tada
Text_Tsuji
