Haseko Group Proudly Sponsors the 58th All Japan University Ekiden Championship

Haseko Group's Commitment to the All Japan University Ekiden Championship

Haseko Group, represented by Haseko Corporation based in Minato, Tokyo, proudly announces its special sponsorship of the "58th All Japan University Ekiden Championship" scheduled for November 1 this year. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Haseko has provided special support since 2019. They have launched the "Haseko Support Special Site" (https://www.haseko.co.jp/ekiden/) on April 27, featuring the latest updates on local qualifying rounds and the championship, along with photos of employees cheering on participants across various regions.

The All Japan University Ekiden Championship is considered one of the three major university ekidens in Japan, alongside the Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip University Ekiden and the Izumo All Japan University Selection Ekiden. This year’s event, now in its 58th iteration since its inception in 1970, will host 27 teams, including representatives from 17 schools from eight regions and eight seeded schools, as well as selection teams from the Japan Collegiate Track and Field Association.

Haseko has been promoting a unique theme throughout its sponsorship: “Athletes, do your best! Employees, do your best! Together, we create a handmade ekiden.” Around 500 employees will support the event across various locales, channeling their collective spirit to enhance the atmosphere of the championship. Notably, they will unveil a refreshed design for the well-received mineral water bottles used for cheering, introducing the original Haseko ekiden support mascot, "Mega Pon." Additionally, this year, they will also create mini keychains to accompany the mineral water, which will be distributed to all participating teams.

Through its special sponsorship, Haseko aims to contribute to sports promotion and community development as a corporate group expanding its activities throughout the Kanto, Kansai, and Tokai regions and across the nation, striving for increased recognition and corporate value.

Special Broadcasting and Merchandise

To further elevate the event, Haseko will air support commercials during the national live broadcast of the championship. They will provide participating teams with Haseko-branded mineral water featuring special labels, keychains, commemorative towels, "Tanakami Rice" produced by Haseko Anshin Deli, vegetable sets from Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture, and locally sourced meat and rice.

A Look Back at Previous Events

Reflecting on the past, the 57th championship offered a glimpse of a thriving community atmosphere. This year's cheering mineral water features a versatile label, ready for yet another memorable event.

Haseko Support Special Site

The Haseko Support Special Site (https://www.haseko.co.jp/ekiden/) showcases the latest news about local qualifying rounds and the championship. It features employee activities across the nation and keeps a history of supporting goods. Additionally, they plan to launch a segment titled “Haseko Employees Speak! What They Love About Ekiden,” sharing personal insights and experiences.

Overview of the 58th All Japan University Ekiden Championship

- Event Name: 58th All Japan University Ekiden Championship (also known as All Japan University Ekiden)
- Date: November 1, 2026 (Scheduled Start Time: 8:10 AM)
- Course: From the West Gate of Atsuta Shrine (Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture) to the Uji Bridge in Ise Jingu (Ise City, Mie Prefecture), a total distance of 106.8 km across eight sections.
- Participation: A total of 27 teams including representatives from 17 schools from eight regions, eight seeded schools, and selection teams from both the Japan Collegiate Track and Field Association and Tokai Collegiate Track and Field Association.
- Organizers: Japan Association of Student Athletes, Asahi Shimbun, TV Asahi, Me-TV.
- Support: The Japanese Sports Agency, Aichi Prefecture, Mie Prefecture, Nagoya City, Ise City, etc.
- Operational Support: Tokai Collegiate Track and Field Federation, Aichi Athletic Association, Mie Athletic Association.
- Special Sponsor: Haseko Group