The 2025 Osaka Marathon unfolded on February 24, treating fans to thrilling athleticism and heartfelt tributes as athletes toed the starting line at the Osaka Prefectural Office, racing toward Osaka Castle. Among the standouts was Kuroda Asa from Aoyama Gakuin University, who made his marathon debut with stunning success: he completed the race in 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 5 seconds, marking the fastest time for any Japanese student and placing him third among Japanese athletes overall.
Kuroda's record-breaking run was overshadowed by tragic circumstances, as he dedicated his performance to his late classmate, Minawatari Sena, who passed away on February 19 after battling malign lymphoma. The young athlete's memory spurred Kuroda forward, inspiring him to run with “Minawatari Sena Power” inscribed on his shoes. "This was the first marathon for me, and it was filled with emotions," Kuroda recalled, emphasizing how he felt motivated to honor his classmate’s spirit throughout the race.
Detailed reports from the marathon revealed Kuroda’s strategy as he kept pace with the leading group for most of the event, enduring major hurdles and surpassing the previous record set by Wakabayashi Hiroki just two weeks earlier. Kuroda stated, "I was so absorbed during the race; I barely have any memories of the final stretch. All I focused on was achieving the best record I could."
Meanwhile, Kondo Ryota, running for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, captured the headlines by setting the new Japanese record for debut marathons, clocking 2:05:39 and finishing as the top Japanese athlete. His performance not only secured him second place overall but also catapulted him onto the world stage as he qualified for the Tokyo World Championships set for September 2025. Kondo's time narrowly eclipsed the student record previously held by Wakabayashi, which had been set during the Bepu Oita Marathon.
The race itself commenced at 9:15 AM with ideal conditions following earlier predictions of snow and rain. Although weather forecasts hinted at precipitation, runners enjoyed clear skies without significant weather hindrances. Despite this positive turn, logistics during the marathon were criticized after markers were misplaced at the course’s halfway point, which confused leading runners—including Susuki Kengo of Fujitsu—who strayed off course, resulting in lost time. Participants reported feeling hampered by these unexpected detours, raising eyebrows and prompting refunds for participants who were disproportionately affected.
The emotional weight of the marathon extended beyond the physical exertion of Kuroda's and Kondo’s spectacular runs. Aoyama Gakuin University has emerged as one of Japan’s elite athletic schools, featuring prominently not just on the track but also within the emotionally charged narrative surrounding their teammate's legacy. Kuroda highlighted this sentiment, stating, "It was sad running under these circumstances, but I wanted to carry the thoughts of my peers and team members with me."
After making history, Kuroda expressed hope for future success, indicating he will focus on excelling at the upcoming significant collegiate relay events. He appreciates the challenges running brings and finds solace and determination from personal adversities beyond the competitive track. His steadfast dedication is palpable, and it reflects the foundation of spirit thriving within Aoyama Gakuin’s program.
The Osaka Marathon not only displayed astoundingly fast times but also reinforced the power of memory and affection shared among students. With students like Kuroda and Kondo, Japan is poised to face the world championship for marathon athletes head-on with rising stars ready to mark their territory on the global stage.