#Japan #Tokyo #Social Issues #Japanese Running Association #Running for Health

Energizing Japan: The New Era of the Japanese Running Association

On April 15, 2026, the Japanese Running Association (JRA) hosted an unveiling ceremony for its new leadership at the Sabo Kaikan, attracting around 300 attendees including members of the National Diet, government officials, and corporate representatives. The newly appointed President, Kenji Kawamura, and the appointed Vice Presidents highlighted their commitment to the motto, "Energizing Japan through Running!" This initiative aims to promote health, support children's development, revitalize local communities, and address pressing societal issues through running and walking.

The New Leadership Announcement

The unveiling event served to publicly present the new executive team of the JRA and share the organization's future direction. Kenji Kawamura, a former Cabinet Secretary and Minister of Education, now leads the association. He is supported by seven Vice Presidents:
1. Toshiaki Endo (Chairman, Japan Sports Association)
2. Toshikazu Yamaguchi (CEO, Yomiuri Shimbun Group and Chairman of Nippon Television Holdings)
3. Kazuyoshi Furukawa (Former Chairman, National Youth Education Promotion Organization)
4. Yoshirou Matsumoto (Chairman, Japan Medical Association)
5. Yasuo Harada (Advisor, East Japan Construction Guarantee)
6. Kazuhisa Hamaguchi (Visiting Professor, Takushoku University)
7. Koichi Sekiguchi (Former Executive Director, Japan Private Railway Association)

Additionally, Makoto Morii of the Rakuten Baseball Team has been appointed as Deputy Vice President. Together, this multi-disciplinary leadership brings expertise from politics, media, education, healthcare, infrastructure, sports, and private enterprise, ready to foster health and generate new societal values through community-focused running and walking initiatives.

Core Philosophy of the Association

The JRA's philosophy extends beyond viewing running and walking as mere exercises. The motto, "Energizing Japan through Running!" encapsulates their commitment to extending healthy lifespans, fostering the holistic development of children, invigorating local communities, and promoting corporate health initiatives. The association plans to work collaboratively with national and local governments, public institutions, businesses, and educational entities, aiming to create new social values starting from accessible running and walking.

Highlights from the Event

The event opened with President Kawamura's remarks, followed by the presentation of future activity plans by representative director Wataru Kobayashi and co-representative Akira Kawabuchi. A video showcasing the kid's event "Kakekko Attack," which will take place in November 2025 at Yokohama's Yamashita Pier, was screened. Notable guests included former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and current Minister of Justice Hiroshi Hiraguchi, along with other dignitaries. The audience was treated to inspiring words from Daichi Kamino, known as the "God of the Mountains," who shared the potential of running and the importance of mentoring the next generation. The day concluded with a toast led by Hiroshi Nose, President of Sapporo Brewery Co., Ltd., encouraging dialogue among participants on health promotion, community revitalization, and potential collaborations.

Future Prospects

The JRA is set to accelerate its national outreach and public-private partnerships. The association intends to welcome member companies that support its philosophy and activities, as well as sponsors and local governments willing to engage in health promotion, community development, child welfare, and sports promotion initiatives.

Event Overview

• - Event: Unveiling Ceremony of the Japanese Running Association
• - Date: April 15, 2026, starting at 17:00
• - Venue: Sabo Kaikan
• - Attendees: Approximately 300

About the Association

Name: Japanese Running Association
Slogan: Energizing Japan through Running!
Core Activities:

• - Certification and qualification programs
• - Running and walking events
• - Marketing initiatives related to running and walking
• - Health promotion activities via running and walking
• - Collaborations with businesses, municipalities, educational institutions, and various organizations

Call for Partners

The JRA is actively seeking:

• - Companies and organizations to become member partners engaged in its ongoing activities
• - Sponsorship for events like "Kakekko Attack"
• - Collaborative efforts with local governments, public institutions, educational organizations, and other entities to tackle health promotion, community revitalization, and child development issues.

Contact Information

Japanese Running Association Secretariat
Contact: Tetsuro Tanioka
Phone: 03-6384-5499
Email: [email protected]
Website: jaruna.jp
Contact Form: Contact Us