Aoyama Gakuin University's track and field team, celebrated for its remarkable achievements, arrived in Kumamoto's Minakami Village on March 18, 2025, for a focused training camp. This comes on the heels of their spectacular performance at the 101st Hakone Ekiden, where they not only secured their second consecutive overall victory but also shattered the meet record. About 60 team members, including athletes and coaching staff, were warmly welcomed at the Minakami Village Office, greeted with applause from local officials.
The accomplishments of Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) at the Hakone Ekiden—the premier long-distance relay race in Japan—highlight the team's prowess, achieving their eighth overall victory and further establishing their legacy in the sport. In recent years, the university has built a deep connection with Minakami Village, having participated in several local events, including the Okukuma Road Race and Okukuma Ekiden. Director Hara has taken a proactive role as the village's regional creation promotion advisor, further strengthening ties between the two entities through agreements that include displaying the 'Minakami Village' logo on the team's uniforms.
During the welcome ceremony, Mayor Hirotsugu Nakazono conveyed his congratulations to the team, stating, "Congratulations on winning the Hakone Ekiden. Please hone your speed in Minakami Village, which has well-equipped facilities, and fight in the world in the future." His supportive words resonate with the village's goal of fostering local sporting talent and encouraging athletes to excel on a global stage.
A key figure of the team, Asahi Kuroda, has recently been appointed as the new team captain. He made headlines by setting a new student record at the Osaka Marathon in February 2025, completing the race in an impressive time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 5 seconds. With a determined mindset, Kuroda expressed his ambitions for the training camp, remarking, "I want to work on training with all the members at this training camp as the first step towards a team that will win at Hakone next year." This statement embodies the spirit of teamwork and the collective effort that the squad is striving for as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Scheduled to continue until March 26, 2025, the training camp will take place at the 'Sky Village,' a facility situated at approximately 1000 meters above sea level, designed to enhance the athletes' speed and performance. The high-altitude training venue is expected to provide the ideal conditions for developing endurance and agility.
On the same day of their arrival, the local Kumatama Dairy and Hawaite Dairy lent their support, generously providing milk products such as milk and yogurt to the team, reflecting the community spirit that characterizes Minakami Village. This thoughtful gesture not only nourishes the athletes but also emphasizes the village's commitment to supporting the team in more ways than one.
The partnership between Aoyama Gakuin University and Minakami Village extends beyond athletic pursuits; it fosters a collaborative environment conducive to local development. With initiatives aimed at promoting health, wellness, and sports, both entities benefit from the alignment of their goals and aspirations.
As the training camp unfolds, the focus remains squarely on enhancing athletes' speed and preparing for the next Hakone Ekiden. Aoyama Gakuin University's track and field team has laid the groundwork for another successful season, committed to seizing every opportunity to grow and excel. With support from local officials and a robust training regimen, they are well-equipped to push their limits and achieve new heights.
The bonds between the team and the local community continue to flourish, demonstrating the power of collaboration and dedication in pursuit of excellence. As they embrace this period of training, Aoyama Gakuin University not only aims for competitive success but also for significant contributions to local traditions and sporting culture, ensuring that their legacy is interwoven with the vibrant history of Minakami Village.
