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NAGASE Cup 2026: Highlighting Athletes

The NAGASE Cup 2026, an inclusive athletics event sponsored by Nagase Sangyo Co., Ltd., has confirmed that national record holder Rin Kubo will participate in the women's elite 800m race. Scheduled for September 21, 2026, this race showcases top athletes, including para-athletes, and is recognized for inviting prominent performers and record holders worldwide. This will be the first invite-only race in the history of the NAGASE Cup. Along with the women's 800m, spectators can expect numerous exhilarating competitions highlighting the skills of elite athletes in one of Japan's revered sports venues.

Athlete Profile: Rin Kubo

Rin Kubo, born in 2007, hails from Kushimoto Town in Wakayama Prefecture. An athlete with a remarkable journey, her background includes a stint in soccer during her elementary school years at Kushimoto JFC, where her father served as coach, and she was selected for the Wakayama Prefecture U-12 training center. Rin's family includes prominent sports figures; her cousin is the renowned football player Takefusa Kubo.

Kubo’s credentials are impressive. She showcased her potential by winning the 800m event at the National Junior High School Championships at just 14 years old. She established her dominance in high school athletics by achieving a historic three consecutive wins in the 800m at the Inter-High, an unprecedented feat in the competition’s history. In her second year of high school, Rin shattered the longstanding Japanese record in the 800m event, clocking in at an incredible 1:59.93, making her the first Japanese female athlete to break the 2-minute barrier. She later improved her record to 1:59.52 at the 2025 Japan Championships, earning her a spot on the podium at the 2025 Asian Championships and securing representation at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships. After overcoming a stress fracture in her right leg, she achieved a remarkable three-peat victory at the Japan Championships in 2026.

About the NAGASE Cup

The NAGASE Cup is recognized as Japan's largest-scale inclusive athletics event, centered on the principle of participation for everyone. Athletes compete across various categories, regardless of disabilities, age, or nationality. The competition allows participants ranging from elementary school students to adults, both domestic and international. The NAGASE Cup not only supports athletes' challenges but also facilitates interactions among diverse individuals, promoting an inclusive society and fostering new perspectives.

Event Details

• - Event Name: NAGASE Cup 2026
• - Organizer: Japan Para Athletics Federation, Tokyo Athletics Association
• - Special Sponsor: Nagase Sangyo Co., Ltd.
• - Planning and Operations: TWOLAPS Co., Ltd., FIELD MANAGEMENT EXPAND
• - Date: September 21 (Mon, holiday) - September 22 (Tue, holiday), 2026
• - Location: MUFG Stadium (National Stadium), Shinjuku, Tokyo
• - Admission: Free, no tickets required

For further details regarding athlete participation and visitor experiences, please visit NAGASE Cup Official Media.

Contact Information

For press inquiries, please reach out to Nagase Sangyo Corporate Communications at 080-8828-8676. For event details and athlete qualifications, contact Kohei Koyama from the Japan Para Athletics Federation at [email protected] or call 090-8725-6654.