Tokyo Marathon Foundation Hosts FemCare Running Event for Women’s Health and Wellness

Tokyo Marathon Foundation Hosts FemCare Event

On October 17th and 18th, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation is set to host an event focused on running and femcare, as part of its Sports Legacy Project. Organized in collaboration with the Japan Femtech Association, this initiative aims to enhance women’s health literacy through a series of engaging talks and activities.

The Japan Femtech Association, led by representatives Naoko Yamada and Yuki Sekiguchi, has been active in improving women's health knowledge since its establishment. Their certified qualification for femtech education has been taken by over 90,000 individuals, reflecting a growing interest in women's specific health issues.

This year's collaboration with the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, spearheaded by Tadaaki Hayano, focuses on promoting wellness habits through running. The upcoming Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2025, scheduled for October 19, aims to increase the participation of female runners, which currently stands at just 24% for the Tokyo Marathon. In order to address this disparity, the event on October 17-18 will be held at the National Stadium, specifically promoting running alongside femcare education.

What is FemRun?

FemRun integrates the concepts of femtech and femcare with running, addressing the unique health challenges faced by women. The Japan Femtech Association recognizes understanding one's body as the first step towards healthy running. They highlight the importance of knowledge concerning issues such as menstrual cycles, menopause, and physical fitness, such as bone health and nutrition.

While female participation in international marathons like Boston and New York exceeds 40%, Japan's figures highlight a significant gap that needs addressing. Contributing factors to low female participation include societal expectations related to child-rearing, caregiving duties, and a lack of accessible running environments. The ongoing push to cultivate an understanding of women's health issues, alongside self-care practices and the use of health data, aims to create an encouraging atmosphere for women runners, removing barriers to entry into the sport.

The increase in female runners is expected to contribute positively to longevity and mental well-being, thereby enhancing societal vigor. By merging sport with femtech initiatives, the partnership between the Japan Femtech Association and the Tokyo Marathon Foundation represents a vital step towards elevating the ratio of female runners to a global standard.

Event Overview: "Know Your Body, Learn, and Run"

This two-day event includes bone density examinations and discussions focusing on enhancing well-being through running. Notable speaker Ryo Hirai, an experienced marathon runner and freelance announcer, will share tips on mental resilience, while health exercise instructor Masaki Maeda will provide practical self-care and stretching techniques.

Attendees will also be able to participate in a health-focused seminar on building a runner's body, featuring scholar Yuka Honda and healthcare journalist Mika Masuda, who will elaborate on the significance of bone and muscle health, along with nutritional guidance.

Event Details

- Dates: October 17-18, 2025
- Venue: National Stadium, Conference Room 4 (10-1 Kasumigaoka-machi, Shinjuku, Tokyo)
- Admission Fee: 500 yen per session (800 yen for combo tickets)
- Target Audience: Open to all genders; anyone interested in running or understanding women's health.
- Ticket Purchase: Available at Peatix

Presentation Sessions

On October 17, the following presentations will occur:
1. First Session (10:00-11:45): “Running for Well-Being” — with speakers Ryo Hirai, Masaki Maeda, and Naoko Yamada.
2. Second Session (11:45-13:15): “Building a Runner’s Body” — featuring Yuka Honda and Mika Masuda.

On October 18:
1. First Session (10:00-12:15): “Building a Runner’s Body” — same speakers as above.

The Japan Femtech Association, launched in July 2021, aims to assist women in navigating health challenges related to their life stages through education and advocacy. More details can be found on their website: Japan Femtech Association

In conclusion, this event not only seeks to promote physical activity among women but also aims to raise awareness surrounding women’s health issues, ultimately contributing to a healthier society. Join us in this exciting initiative!