On March 16, 2025, the ACN EXPO EKIDEN event, commemorated as the Osaka/Kansai Expo, was successfully held at the Expo Memorial Park to the Osaka/Kansai Expo venue. This prestigious relay race, comprising seven sections over 54.5 kilometers, witnessed extraordinary performances from top corporate and university teams alike. The race not only served as a competitive platform but also showcased the site's historical significance, as it remembered the first Osaka Expo held 55 years earlier.
Toyota Motor's team clinched the championship title, finishing the race with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 32 minutes, and 48 seconds. Coach Takeshi Kumamoto, brimming with pride, expressed the importance of their 'serious formation' leading up to the event. He reflected on the pressures they faced, stating, "The athletes were able to run without yielding the front position, relevant under the weight of the expectations. Their ability to secure victory under pressure is commendable." This sentiment reverberated through the team's collective spirit as they strove for excellence against fierce competition.
The format of the race was unprecedented, combining teams from both corporate sectors and universities- 16 top teams fiddled head-to-head on the unique course. Remarkably, Aichi Gakuin University finished third, showcasing their strength among university competitors, particularly notable as it was the highest-ranked educational institution. Notable mentions also go to Fujitsu, who secured the second spot, finishing just 1 minute and 14 seconds behind Toyota Motor.
The ASU EKIDEN also celebrated the upcoming four-month countdown to the opening of the Osaka/Kansai Expo set to begin on April 13, 2025. The route of the relay was exemplary, starting from the Expo Memorial Park situated near the site of the 1970 Osaka Expo, passing through beloved landmarks like the Osaka Castle Park and Midosuji, and culminating near the future Expo venue. It was exciting to witness participants race along the newly developed expressways, such as the Shin-Midousuji Route, alongside onlookers cheering from the sidelines.
During the race, notable performances included the opening run by Toyota’s Yoshii Hirokazu, who dominated the first section and declared, "My intention was to achieve the section prize, and I was focused on maintaining this lead." His energetic contributions, alongside Kenji's progression over the following sections supported by the accomplished Tomoki Ota – the holder of the Japanese half-marathon record and participant at the past year’s Paris Olympics – led them to create and hold onto substantial leads.
Coach Kumamoto remarked on the challenges the team faced, emphasizing, "We had to secure our position against students. Their winning spirit was thrilling, and I appreciate their efforts to run entirely uninhibited up to the final sections." This collective conviction became evident with each passing relay, culminating when the anchor, Uchida Hayata from Hosei University, confidently surged forward to the finish line, celebrating the victory with arms raised high.
The EXPO EKIDEN's unusual structure brought other teams closer and bridged the gap between university and corporate competition, which was also endorsed by Aogaku University’s head coach, Haru Shin. He shared, "This was such an enjoyable event! Running through the heart of Midosuji was remarkable. I am thankful for the opportunity." He advocated for more collaborative events like this to reinforce teamwork, regardless of background.
While the event concluded with Toyota Motor as the proud victors, the collective spirit of camaraderie and spirited competition remained vividly showcased throughout. The stories of persevering teamwork between seasoned corporate champions and eager university athletes served as defining memories for participants and spectators alike.
The excitement for the grand opening of the Osaka/Kansai Expo continues to build, with events like the ACN EXPO EKIDEN setting the stage for this monumental occasion. The successfully executed EKIDEN event stands testimony to the zeal and energy surrounding both the athletes and the city of Osaka itself.
Takeshi Kumamoto’s strategic vision and leadership certainly paid off during this race, leaving no doubt as to the prominence of sporting events leading up to the Expo and the astonishing ability of both competing teams to rise to the occasion.