Ekiden: The Soul of Japan’s Running Culture

 Born in the early 20th century, Ekiden—Japan’s long-distance relay race—has grown beyond a sport. It’s a cultural ritual, a celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and collective honor.

Every New Year, millions of viewers gather around their televisions to watch the Hakone Ekiden, Japan’s most prestigious university relay. On January 2–3, runners dash from Tokyo’s Otemachi district toward the mountain town of Hakone, each carrying not just their team’s hopes but also a symbol of Japan’s deeper spirit: the tasuki.

A Tradition Born from Messengers

The word Ekiden combines eki (station) and den (to transmit). Its roots go back to Japan’s Edo period, when couriers ran between relay stations to deliver handwritten letters across the country. When modern athletics arrived in Japan in the early 1900s, this historic image inspired the first Tokaido Ekiden in 1917—a 508-kilometer journey from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Since then, Ekiden has evolved into a national phenomenon that blends endurance with honor. For Japanese runners, it’s not just about speed—it’s about passing on a legacy.

The Tasuki: A Band of Trust

In Ekiden, runners don’t pass a baton. Instead, they hand over a tasuki—a cloth sash slung across the shoulder. The tasuki carries a deeper meaning: trust, connection, and shared responsibility. When a runner receives it, they carry not only their own strength but also the effort of their teammates and their school.

Coach Yoshinori Ikenaga, who led Kyoto University’s women’s team, once said,

“No one wins alone in Ekiden. You run for the person who handed you the tasuki—and for the one waiting to receive it.”

Where Effort Becomes Honor

The emotional power of Ekiden lies in the gambaru spirit—the Japanese idea of giving your all, no matter the pain. Countless images have captured exhausted runners collapsing just before the handoff, summoning their last strength to pass the tasuki.
They know that if they cannot deliver it themselves, their team’s effort will not count. It’s not merely a rule—it’s a matter of honor.

A Lesson Beyond Sports

Many Japanese schools hold Ekiden races to teach students discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Sociologists often say the race reflects Japan’s national character: diligence, unity, and humility. The tasuki has even become a metaphor across Japanese society—used in corporate team-building, education, and community projects—to represent connection and continuity.

Global Footprints

Today, Ekiden has expanded far beyond Japan. Companies, running clubs, and international races—from France and Singapore to the U.S.—host Ekiden-style relays, inviting runners to experience the thrill of finishing together rather than alone.

Vietnam has also embraced the format in recent years, with running clubs organizing Ekiden Run events to foster teamwork. Though many use batons instead of tasuki, the essence remains the same: run not just for yourself, but for your team.

More Than a Race

Ekiden distances vary—from half marathons and full marathons to ultra distances exceeding 100 or even 200 kilometers. Teams typically include five to ten members, each covering a segment before handing over the tasuki.

But in every version, the true goal is never individual victory—it’s unity. In a world increasingly focused on self-achievement, Ekiden reminds us that real strength lies in connection.
Each runner’s stride brings the team closer to the finish line—just as every shared effort carries a community forward.

Because in Ekiden, the race is not about how fast you run.
It’s about never letting go of the tasuki.

Alana