The NAGASE Cup 2026: An Inclusive Athletics Event for All Ages

The NAGASE Cup 2026: A Celebration of Inclusivity in Athletics

On September 22, 2026, the NAGASE Cup, a pioneering inclusive athletics event, took place at the MUFG Stadium in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Sponsored by Nagase & Co., Ltd., this unique competition aimed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, nationality, or disabilities. This year marked the fifth anniversary of the event, having launched in 2021 with the motto, "Further, We Go. To Unseen Landscapes."

The event garnered significant participation, attracting approximately 4,200 attendees, which included 671 athletes, among them 241 para-athletes. Despite the looming presence of Typhoon 25, athletes from 38 prefectures in Japan and from four overseas nations, including the UK and Singapore, gathered to compete.

A Platform for All Athletes

The NAGASE Cup encompasses both the Japan Athletics Federation and the Japan Para Athletics Federation and features recognized categories for traditional and para-athletes alike. Among the highlights was the inaugural elite race, showcasing elite para-athletes and marking the beginning of a new competitive tradition.

In a bid to inspire the younger generation regarding inclusivity, a specific program targeting schoolchildren was implemented. This included the new 50m race category for elementary students, along with various engaging events and experiential programs designed to enhance the understanding of inclusivity. The essence of the event is built on creating an environment where athletes from various backgrounds can compete and challenge themselves.

Engaging the Next Generation

One of the most exciting features of the event was the “Kid Journalist” program, which allowed young participants to interview athletes. This interactive experience provided children the chance to learn about sports journalism, meet inspiring athletes like Asuka Terada and Yutaro Hamada, and gain insights into the athletic world.

Participants were also able to engage with adaptive technologies, including prosthetics and racing wheelchairs, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the challenges faced by para-athletes. This year's event not only emphasized competition but also fostered understanding and empathy, key elements in making sports accessible to all.

Commitment to Future Generations

Nagase Group continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion in society under its slogan “Delivering next.” The company aims to support athletes' next steps and create platforms for spectators, competitors, volunteers, and community members to experience new values and engage in diverse perspectives. Through the NAGASE Cup, it aspires to promote inclusivity and broaden social circles, encouraging the acknowledgment of diversity among all.

The event has been recognized three times by the Sports Agency's Parathletics Promotion Project, further highlighting its significance in advancing adaptive sports.

As we reflect on the success of NAGASE Cup 2026, it is evident that the spirit of inclusivity is flourishing. Participants and attendees walked away with lasting memories and a reinforced sense of community, showcasing the true power of sports to unite people from all walks of life.

For further details about the event, visit the official website or follow the NAGASE Cup on Instagram.