The excitement is building for the ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025, set to be held on March 16, where top teams from corporations and universities will compete fiercely for glory. The race will start at the Expo Memorial Park, the site of the 1970 Osaka Expo, and finish at Yumeshima, the venue for the upcoming 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Featuring seven segments over approximately 55 kilometers, the event is expected to showcase both historic competition and the vibrant spirit of the Osaka and Kansai regions.
One of the key highlights of this year's event is the involvement of DREAMS COME TRUE, whose song "Koko kara da!" has been selected as the theme song. Band member Masato Nakamura, who spoke about his affinity for Osaka during his childhood, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. "We are immensely grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to this important event and inspire future generations," he stated.
During his interview with ABC announcers Kei Iwamoto and Chiaki Washio, Nakamura reflected on his formative years spent living in Neyagawa, Osaka. "Living here shaped my desire to entertain people. Whether it was from how humor is integrated within the community or the countless memories of exploring local sites, my time here has played a monumental role in shaping the essence of who I am today," he explained.
The ACN EXPO EKIDEN promises to be uniquely competitive, as it is set to feature both university students and corporate teams competing side by side. Mizuki Noguchi, an Olympic gold medalist, expressed her enthusiasm about the potential outcomes for university entrants. "If many university students rank high, it will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the race and challenge the corporate teams to step up their game," she said, reflecting the healthy competitive spirit the event aims to nurture.
University teams participating include Waseda University, Josai University, Rikkyo University, and Teikyo University, each bringing their own unique aspirations and slogans:
- Waseda University: Their slogan, "One Waseda," emphasizes their commitment to teamwork as they aim to echo the school's long legacy of producing champions.
- Josai University: They proclaim, "Faster, Stronger, More Fun," signaling their eagerness to engage directly with corporate teams and showcase their skills.
- Rikkyo University: Their motto, "Rise Up Together," captures their ambition to transcend traditional university boundaries as they compete at higher levels.
- Teikyo University: With the slogan "The Team That Never Gives Up," they aim to embody resilience and determination throughout the race.
- Kansai Student Federation: Featuring strong athletes from the Kyoto Sangyo University, they come with ambitions high, motivated by success from previous accolades.
With advertisements flooding major transport routes such as the JR Yamanote Line and Osaka Metro, the excitement surrounding the race is palpable. From March 10 to March 16, 2025, these impactful ads will spotlight the participating teams and their respective aspirations, alongside the rich history intertwined with the all-important course.
This groundbreaking event stands apart, not just because of its competitive nature, but because it doubles as a celebration for future expos. The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which symbolizes the very essence of innovation and unity, incorporates cultural exchanges between young athletes and the excitement of major corporations, creating unforgettable memories for all those involved.
On race day itself, major media outlets including ABC TV will broadcast the event live, fostering national engagement and support. Viewers from around the country will cheer on the athletes as they make their way from the historic roots of Expo Memorial Park to the futuristic shores of Yumeshima.
"We are preparing not just to compete, but to create stories of resilience, teamwork, and excellence on the day of the race," Noguchi continued, her enthusiasm contagious as she reflects on the importance of collaboration between all competitors involved.
The event aims to strengthen community spirit, reflecting the hopes and dreams of the Osaka people, making it not just another race but rather a celebration of culture, determination, and togetherness within diversity. Seizing hopeful moments like these is precisely what makes events like the ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025 truly special.
With expectations high and enthusiasm brewing, all eyes will be glued to their screens on March 16 as history is made at the ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025. Whether it’s corporate teams fighting for dominance or university athletes aiming to rise to the occasion, the outcomes of this race will undoubtedly ripple through time, marking the momentous occasion with memories etched forever.