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 of Mr. Shigeaki Kashiwa, an elementary school principal who has run the Tokyo Marathon four times.

A race where warmth and kindness naturally comes out from people

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

 The article featuring Ms. Yuna Nitta of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation’s Race Management Division at the 6km point resonated most with me. I felt that she planned very meticulously as an employee of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, and that the event was well coordinated and managed with consideration not only for the runners but also for the people living in the area. These things are not visible at first glance, but thanks to them, runners can shed tears of emotion at the finish line.

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

 The Tokyo Marathon reveals the inherent warmth and kindness of Tokyo’s people. Even though they might seem indifferent in daily life, their support along the course is incredibly encouraging. It’s a true microcosm of life, pushing you towards the finish line.

Nihonbashi area and my student days: delivering newspapers to pay for my education

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

 When I was a student, I delivered newspapers to earn money for my tuition. My delivery route was in the Nihonbashi area, which is part of the Tokyo Marathon course. I worked hard to become a teacher, and now I’m an elementary school principal. Running that route and receiving support there, it feels like I’m not only meeting my past self but also finding some kind of redemption.

――The Tokyo Marathon will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. To become the world’s best race, what are your expectations for the Tokyo Marathon, or what improvements would you like to see?

 I think the exceptional dedication of the volunteers and the constant support from the crowds along the route are what make the Tokyo Marathon so wonderful. Also, the course, which winds through Tokyo’s famous landmarks, is already perfect. I think it’s already the best in the world as is.

Time travel is harder than it looks?

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

 It’s definitely time travel for me. The course runs through the Nihonbashi area, where I used to deliver newspapers as a student – the classic picture of a struggling student paying for school. So, when I run through there, I meet my past self. I’ve run the course four times, and I can tell you, time travel is harder than it looks!