
If the Hakone Ekiden is the crown jewel of Japan’s running season, the National Men’s Ekiden is the chaotic, colorful cousin that doesn’t get nearly enough love.
Held annually in Hiroshima, this seven-stage, 48-kilometer race is a spectacle that brings together runners of all levels — from junior high schoolers to seasoned pros — representing each of Japan’s 47 prefectures. It’s vibrant, messy, and thrilling, like falling headfirst into a tub of Quality Street.
Here are some of my takeaways from this year’s race.
The Beautiful Mayhem of the Tasuki Exchanges
Nowhere is the chaos of the National Men’s Ekiden more evident than at the tasuki exchanges, especially in the early stages. Imagine 47 runners, all at top speed, trying to pass a single sash in the space of a half-width road. It’s a wild, frenetic dance that often feels like controlled chaos. The narrow margins leave no room for error, and yet somehow, most teams make the handoff without a hitch. Watching the tasuki exchanges is a spectacle in itself, one that perfectly captures the energy and unpredictability of Ekiden.
High School Powerhouses: Long Live Nagano
Nagano’s dominance in the National Men’s Ekiden is no accident. This year, they made history by claiming their fourth consecutive victory — a first in the event’s 30-year history. The secret weapon? A quartet of high schoolers from Saku Chosei High School, fresh off their win at the National High School Ekiden in December. All four boast 5,000-meter personal bests in the 13-minute range, making them one of the strongest youth lineups in the country. Nagano’s blend of youth and experience is a formula for success, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
Just too good. Nagano Prefecture take the win.
Something’s Brewing at Waseda University
The 5th stage turned into a crystal ball, giving us a glimpse of Japan’s future running superstars. Rui Suzuki (Chiba) and Tetsu Sasaki (Nagano) — both high school phenoms — broke the existing course record on their leg, with Sasaki edging out Suzuki by about ten seconds. Both athletes are set to join Waseda University in April, adding even more firepower to the university's already impressive roster. After Waseda's strong showing at this year's Hakone Ekiden, it’s clear that something special is brewing at Waseda. Don't sleep on them come December's collegiate Ekidens.
Lean on Me: Rui Suzuki’s Effortless Glide
Watching Rui Suzuki is a joy. With his distinctive forward lean reminiscent of a Ren Tazawa or a Timothy Cheruiyot (coincidence that "rui" is in his name... well, yes, complete coincidence, but still! haha). Suzuki makes running blistering paces look easy. On his stage, he passed multiple runners with the kind of effortless glide that leaves you questioning reality. He’s a runner who seems destined for greatness — and he’s only just getting started.
Chiba's Rui Suzuki take the tasuki for Chiba
A Smile at 3:00/KM Pace
The 7th stage brought one of the most heartwarming moments of the day. Asahi Kuroda (Okayama) and Yuto Tanaka (Fukui), both from Aoyama Gakuin exchanged a smile and a couple of words mid-race despite running at a blistering 3:00/km pace. It’s a moment that perfectly captures the spirit of Ekiden: fierce competition balanced with camaraderie and respect.
Discombobulated by Kit Colors
Ekiden fans are used to associating athletes with their iconic team colors, so seeing familiar faces in unfamiliar kits can be a little disorienting. Case in point: Yamato Yoshii, formerly of Chuo University and now running for Toyota, swapped his signature red and white for Miyagi Prefecture’s sunshine yellow.
The National Men’s Ekiden is a reminder of why Japan’s running culture is so special. It’s vibrant, unpredictable, and full of stories waiting to be told. From Nagano’s continued dominance to the rise of Waseda’s future stars, this year’s race had it all. Whether it’s the mayhem of the tasuki handovers or the heartwarming moments mid-race, this event proves that there’s more to Japan’s running scene than Hakone.
If you’re a fan of running, or just love a good story, add the National Men’s Ekiden to your watchlist. Like a box of Quality Street, you never know what you’re going to get, but it’s guaranteed to be delightful.
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