Governor Meets Organizers of New Year’s College Road Relay

Governor Koike received a courtesy call on December 25 from the Inter-University Athletic Union of Kanto, which organizes an immensely popular New Year sports event, the Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden (road relay) Race. 

The long-distance road relay, known as the Hakone Ekiden for short and dating back to 1920, is competed on January 2 and 3 every year and currently involves teams from some 20 selected universities in eastern Japan. They make a 217-kilometer round trip over five legs between Tokyo and the Mount Fuji resort area of Hakone. 

“So many athletes pass the relay sash in turn, creating countless memorable moments while we all cheer together for the Hakone Ekiden,” the governor told the visitors. “I believe starting the New Year this way has become part of the very essence of Japan.”

“We continue to look forward to the unique drama that only ekiden can unfold,“ she said,“ and we hope that with more people participating, it will continue to expand its reach. We will work closely with relevant organizations to provide solid support.”

Governor Koike added: “To all the athletes, we hope you give it your all again in the upcoming event.”