Interview Relay 42 Stories of the Tokyo Marathon
〜Connecting Hearts〜

Interview Relay: 42 Stories of the Tokyo Marathon ~ Connecting Hearts~

This time, we introduce a wonderful story from Mr. Subroto Bhattacharya who tried for the Tokyo Marathon to live up to his promise to his deceased friend. 

A promise with my friend lasts forever

――Out of the interview relay articles published now, which one resonated with you the most? At which kilometer mark was that runner featured?

 A story of Mr. Kenichiro Mogi at the 18 km point resonated with me the most. Just like him, I was also a charity runner in the Tokyo Marathon 2025. 

――What is the biggest appeal of the Tokyo Marathon, the point that makes you want to run it?

 It is a unique marathon for its combination of beautiful cityscapes, fantastic organization in a very vibrant city and the hospitality and support of the Japanese people. 

――Please tell us about a Tokyo Marathon related episode or story that moved you.

 I ran the Tokyo Marathon 2025 as the Charity Runner for Plan International Japan. The reason for running Tokyo was also to honor a friend and patient of mine, Masaharu Mabuchi, who had immigrated to the USA. He passed away last year from cancer, and I promised his widow that I would run Tokyo in his honor.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the finish line. My legs just weren’t ready to carry me all the way, and I was caught by the cut-off time.  But just as the concept of the Tokyo Marathon, “The Day We Unite.”, I promise that I will be back to fulfil a commitment made to a friend.

We all journey through life facing many challenges.For some, that journey is tragically shortened before its time. But we remain united — in this life and beyond — and a promise made is forever. I would love to have the chance to complete this journey successfully for Masaharu.

The Tokyo Marathon embodies the culture with love and peace. 

――What does the Tokyo Marathon mean to you? #MyTokyoMarathon is…?

 It represents a successful struggle against adversity. Japan is the only country in the world that has rebuilt itself, preserving its culture, after the devastation of two atomic bombings. To me, the Tokyo Marathon embodies this spirit of resilience, carried out not in anger, but with love and peace.