Tokyo100 Endurance Trail Adopts Kokoheri for All Participants

Kokoheri: Essential for Tokyo100 Endurance Trail

The Tokyo100 Endurance Trail set to take place over two days on November 8 and 9, has mandated that all participants carry Kokoheri gear. Managed by AUTHENTIC JAPAN, based in Fukuoka, Kokoheri is a search service that specializes in locating missing individuals in mountainous terrains. This decision aims to bolster safety amidst the challenging 100km trail running race in Tokyo.

About the Tokyo100 Endurance Trail

The Tokyo100 Endurance Trail is not just a race; it is a hardcore test of endurance that spans 100 kilometers through the beautiful, rugged landscapes of Tokyo. The route stretches across the areas of Ome City, Okutama Town, and Hinohara Village, with a whopping cumulative elevation gain of 7,011 meters. Participants must navigate this challenging course within a strict 30-hour time limit, running both day and night.

Situated just two hours from the city center, this trail running event offers rare access to deep forests, steep ridges, and stunning valleys, capturing the interest of both domestic and international trail runners. As such, Kokoheri has been made an obligatory piece of equipment for each participant to ensure their safety.

Kokoheri's Life-Saving Features

Kokoheri is a service utilized by over 170,000 individuals who frequent mountainous areas. By carrying a specialized transmitter, users can be located quickly in case of emergencies. The device communicates directly with receivers, significantly cutting down search times in case of accidents.

This year, Kokoheri has also been designated as essential gear for various trail running races throughout Japan. The speed of trail running makes it more likely for participants to accidentally stray from the designated route. Given the physical challenges posed by the long distances involved, sudden health issues or injuries can lead to life-threatening situations. Thus, the effectiveness of Kokoheri's search capabilities against such uncertainties is highly valued in the trail running community.

Trail Running: An Increasing Risk

As more individuals take to the mountains for leisure, cases of mountain accidents in Japan have been rising. According to the National Police Agency, 3,357 people went missing in 2024 alone, marking one of the highest figures since statistical tracking began in 1961. In response to this surge, the National Police Agency is urging hikers to submit pre-hiking notifications and carry GPS devices for safer journeys.

Other Races Utilizing Kokoheri

Several trail running competitions in Japan have also made Kokoheri essential equipment. Some notable events include:

AUTHENTIC JAPAN: Company Overview

Founded by Kazuhiro Kuga, AUTHENTIC JAPAN is dedicated to providing essential services for mountain search and rescue. Based in Fukuoka, the company focuses on innovative solutions for enhancing safety in outdoor adventures. Kokoheri is Japan’s only private helicopter search service specifically designed for locating individuals in mountainous terrain, improving survival rates significantly with rapid response solutions.

Company Details

- Name: AUTHENTIC JAPAN Co., Ltd.
- CEO: Kazuhiro Kuga
- Head Office: 1-6-15-4F Akasaka, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
- Website: AUTHENTIC JAPAN

By prioritizing safety and utilizing advanced technology like Kokoheri, the Tokyo100 Endurance Trail aims to foster a secure running environment for participants, ensuring that this exceptional race can occur safely and successfully.