The athletes from Ohtsu-da High School, renowned for their exceptional performance in national high school relay (ekiden), are set to transfer to Tottori Johoku High School en masse due to dissatisfaction with recent coaching changes. This decision, confirmed on March 4, 2025, reflects the turmoil within the Fukuoka school, which boasts five national championships.
At the heart of this shift is the demotion of head coach Ken Akachi, 52, who has garnered respect for his coaching style and significant results. Following the school administration’s announcement last November—that Akachi would be replaced by former coach Daiichi Kurumae, with Akachi relegated to support—many students rallied against the decision. Akachi's coaching tenure has faced challenges, including allegations of corporal punishment which led to his resignation in March 2023. Despite this, the athletes and their families voiced their desire for Akachi's return. They rallied for his leadership after he pledged not to resort to corporal punishment again.
Under Akachi's guidance, the team enjoyed commendable success, finishing 6th and then 2nd place at national competitions, which only intensified the students' disappointment over the administrative changes. Following extensive discussions with their guardians, about 90% of the current 1st and 2nd-year students, including many key athletes, opted to transfer to Tottori Johoku, where Akachi will lead them.
When addressing the situation, Akachi stated, “I respect the decision made by the students and parents. I want to work hard with the students who are enrolled at Tottori Johoku and also hope those who decide to stay at Ohtsu-da will continue to do their best.” This quote highlights his commitment to the athletes' welfare and their chosen paths.
The regulatory framework of the National High School Athletic Federation imposes restrictions on the newly transferred athletes, preventing them from competing in federation-sponsored tournaments for six months post-transfer. This means they will miss the prestigious Inter-High School Championships later this summer. Nonetheless, they will qualify for the prefectural high school ekiden this fall and subsequent national level competitions, providing them pathways to showcase their capabilities.
Historically speaking, substantial collective transfers are not unprecedented. Notably, ten students from Sendai Ikuei High School moved to Toyokawa High School following disruption from the 2011 tsunami incident. That transfer culminated in both schools succeeding at national tournaments shortly after, albeit under regulatory constraints.
The ripple effects of this move extend beyond individual athletes. Across Tottori, experts suggest the change will significantly alter the dynamics of high school relay competitions moving forward. With Ohtsu-da’s athletes joining Tottori Johoku, team rankings and competition landscapes may shift considerably, raising important discussions about athlete autonomy versus institutional decisions.
An analysis from sports journalists emphasizes the importance of putting 'students first’ as the primary consideration moving forward. The upcoming months will be pivotal for both schools and athletes. Those remaining at Ohtsu-da will continue under different coaching leadership, whilst the migrating athletes will look to uphold and build upon their prior successes under Akachi.
Ohtsu-da High School, which was founded as Ohtsu Professional School back in 1919, has long been synonymous with excellence within track and field, demonstrating prolonged excellence through its ekiden performances since first competing nationally in 1959, culminating in five championship victories over decades. The recent issues are sure to have long-term effects on their recruitment and overall morale.
Tottori Johoku, established much later in 1963, has also made its name through competitive athletics, particularly its wrestling program. Though their performance on the national ekiden stage remains less prominent, the incorporation of Ohtsu-da’s athletes is poised to heighten their reputation and competitiveness, bolstering their former standing as runners-up at the prefectural meet.
While the coaches and schools navigate this transitional phase, maintaining clear communication with athletes, parents, and sports administration bodies will be imperative. With both groups having experienced significant shifts, unity and focus on training will be the key to their future endeavors and successes.
The intentions of the students and their families have raised compelling questions within the sports community. It’s clear they prioritized their athletic futures and identified what they believed to be the best path for their growth, demonstrating resilience and commitment to their sport, regardless of institutional obstacles.