#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Marathon #Watami Farm #Organic Sweet Potato

Watami Farm's Participation in the 2026 Tokyo Marathon

On March 1, 2026, Watami Co., Ltd., based in Ota, Tokyo, made a notable contribution to the Tokyo Marathon 2026 through its initiative known as the "Omotenashi Aid." At this prestigious event, which is one of the six major marathons globally, Watami provided runners with dried sweet potatoes made from organic Ebiharu produced on their farm. This initiative aimed to warmly welcome the approximately 38,000 runners participating from all over the world.

What is the "Omotenashi Aid"?

The "Omotenashi Aid" was established to promote a sense of pride in supporting runners and to offer them heartfelt hospitality through nutrition that reflects Japan's culinary culture. During the marathon, several aid stations are set up along the course, providing participants with essential nutrition to keep them energized throughout the race.

The inclusion of dried sweet potatoes, which are rich in naturally occurring sugars and ideal for sustained energy boosts, marked a significant aspect of Watami's contribution to the runners’ nutrition.

Watami Farm's Dried Sweet Potatoes

The dried sweet potatoes provided at the marathon were made from organic sweet potatoes known as "Ebiharu," cultivated at Watami Farm’s facility in Sawara, Chiba Prefecture. This variety is lauded for its intense sweetness and moist texture. After harvesting, the sweet potatoes undergo a curing process to convert starch into sugar. Following this, they are carefully steamed and dried without any added sugar or additives, preserving the natural sweetness of the sweet potato.

This product is not only perfect as a healthy snack for everyday life but also serves as an excellent source of energy for athletes during sporting events, due to its low-fat content and high nutritional value.

Watami Farm's Commitment

Since its inception in organic agriculture in 2002, Watami Farm has dedicated itself to "soil creation," "human development," and "community building," thereby leading the nation in the production of organic agricultural products. The farm actively works towards reducing environmental impact and promoting biodiversity while addressing the utilization of non-standard agricultural products to combat food waste. Furthermore, it is continuously advancing efforts to expand the production of domestic organic agricultural goods.

For more information, feel free to visit the Watami Organic Official Site.

About Watami Co., Ltd.

• - Address: 1-1-3 Haneda, Ota, Tokyo
• - Chairman & CEO: Mikio Watanabe
• - Established: May 1986
• - Business Areas: Domestic food services, international operations, home-delivered meals, agriculture, environmental operations, and human resources services.
• - Website: Watami Official Site