Running Traditions: The Rich History and Cultural Legacy of Japan’s Ekiden Relay Race

Ekiden is one of Japan's most iconic sporting events, capturing the nation's attention each year, especially around the New Year. Rooted in Japanese tradition and history, Ekiden relay races draw millions of viewers, making them an essential part of Japan's holiday season. Taking place on public roads, Ekiden stands out as a unique long-distance relay where endurance and team spirit are paramount. As we celebrate this year’s race, which takes place on January 2nd and 3rd, let’s explore the origins and evolution of this beloved national event.

Origins of the Term "Ekiden"

The term “Ekiden” (駅伝) combines two kanji characters: 駅 (“eki”), meaning "station," and 伝 (“den”), meaning "transmission." These words have historical roots in Japan’s ancient communication and postal system from the 7th century, where relay stations, or “ekis,” enabled the quick transfer of messages and goods. Couriers or travelers would carry important messages from one station to the next, passing them along to continue their journey. This system of relay messaging was the basis for what we know today as Ekiden, a race that honors this spirit of continuity and cooperation.

The First Ekiden Race: Tokaido Ekiden in 1917

Modern Ekiden racing began on April 27, 1917, with the Tokaido Ekiden, the first official long-distance relay race. Organized by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper to commemorate its 50th anniversary, this race covered a staggering 508 kilometers from Kyoto to Tokyo. The two-day event involved multiple runners relaying a message, symbolizing unity between different parts of Japan. The Tokaido Ekiden laid the groundwork for future races and marked the beginning of Ekiden’s popularity, establishing a tradition that would become a national sport.

Ekiden and Olympic Aspirations

Ekiden became a focal point for Japanese athletics when the Hakone Ekiden was created in 1920. Originally intended to train Japanese athletes for the Antwerp Olympics, the Hakone Ekiden featured a 200-kilometer race from Tokyo to Hakone and back. It remains one of the most famous Ekiden races today, with top universities competing and thousands of fans gathering along the route to cheer on their favorite teams. By hosting this race on January 2nd and 3rd each year, the Hakone Ekiden has become one of the most-watched sports events in Japan, capturing the New Year's holiday viewership.

The New Year Tradition: Ekiden as a Family Event

Over time, Ekiden became more than just a race—it transformed into a New Year's tradition for millions of Japanese families. The New Year’s Ekiden, an annual corporate relay held on January 1st, and the Hakone Ekiden on January 2nd and 3rd mark the season, with viewers tuning in from all over Japan. Watching these races has become a New Year's staple, gathering families around the television as they root for their favorite teams. With each runner donning their team’s colors and passing the symbolic “tasuki” sash, the race celebrates teamwork and unity—a fitting way to start the year.

Ekiden Races Today: National and International Growth

Ekiden races are now held across Japan, from school competitions to corporate and university events. Some of the most notable races include the All Japan Corporate Ekiden Championship (the New Year’s Ekiden) and the National High School Ekiden Championships. The Hakone Ekiden, however, is by far the most popular, reaching millions of television viewers and serving as a major showcase for university teams. Participating universities often gain significant recognition, and winning can enhance their athletic programs.

The Ekiden tradition has also expanded internationally, with races held in cities like Paris, Strasbourg, and even locations in Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Singapore. While these events have adapted the format to fit local cultures, the central concept of a team-based relay remains, demonstrating Ekiden’s global appeal.

The Unique Structure and Rules of Ekiden

Unlike conventional relays that use batons, Ekiden races feature a sash called the “tasuki.” The tasuki, worn over one shoulder and under the opposite arm, is passed from runner to runner, symbolizing the team’s unity and continuous effort. The handoff of the tasuki is a carefully executed moment, as it symbolizes trust and teamwork.

Ekiden also includes unique regulations to keep the race on schedule. For example, if a team falls too far behind, the following runner may have to start early with a substitute tasuki to maintain the race flow. This rule encourages teams to keep a competitive pace, ensuring that each stage maintains momentum.

Media Coverage and Ekiden’s Popularity Boom

Ekiden’s national popularity grew rapidly with radio broadcasts of the Hakone Ekiden beginning in 1953, followed by full television broadcasts starting in 1979. By the mid-1980s, technological advancements made it possible to broadcast the entire route, including mountainous sections previously difficult to cover. Today, the Hakone Ekiden has a nationwide audience, drawing millions of viewers each January 2nd and 3rd, with families making it part of their New Year's holiday traditions.

Ekiden’s Legacy and Modern Challenges

While Ekiden enjoys widespread popularity, it also faces contemporary challenges. The intense competitiveness, especially among university teams, has raised concerns about the pressures placed on young athletes. Some critics also question the practice of recruiting international athletes solely for competition purposes, arguing that it can shift the focus away from local development.

Nevertheless, Ekiden remains a powerful tradition. It symbolizes resilience, teamwork, and a sense of continuity from the past to the future, connecting the modern age to Japan's historical values. Each January, as the New Year begins, Ekiden races like the Hakone Ekiden remind the nation of these values, making Ekiden not only a sport but also a timeless cultural event.