Interview Relay

Interview Relay 2nd Run: Stories of Human Connections Born Through Tokyo Marathon.

In this interview, we introduce the stories of human connections from Mastercard, the Official Payment Partner　supporting Tokyo Marathon since the 2025 race. We interviewed Mr. Kengo Maehara, Sponsorship Manager in the Marketing team, and Ms. Anna Yamazaki of the Advisor Client Services team about the new connections and changes both inside and outside the company that arose from supporting Tokyo Marathon as an Official Partner, as well as the power of support, and their hopes for the 2027 event, which will be 20th anniversary of Tokyo Marathon.

Cheering on Every Supporter

— Could you tell us about your personal involvement with Tokyo Marathon?

Yamazaki: I work in Mastercard’s Advisors & Consulting Services team. My primary role is to assist clients by analyzing data to determine the best marketing campaigns, initiatives, and card offerings for their needs. I participated in Tokyo Marathon for the first time in 2025 as a volunteer.

Maehara: I’m in charge of sponsorships within the Marketing team. Mastercard’s sponsorship portfolio includes various sporting initiatives, ranging from MLB to McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, and, of course, Tokyo Marathon. I’ve always been a sports enthusiast, and I pursued my current career because I wanted to do something meaningful for the people who support sports. Tokyo Marathon was the first project I took on in this role. In my role, I have been able to develop cheer zones and other supporter activities to contribute to the race day excitement.

— Mr. Maehara, we heard you also participated in Tokyo Marathon 2025 as a runner?

Maehara: Yes—though I mixed running and walking along the way (lol). I had run full marathons before, but this was my first time running the Tokyo Marathon. Since Mastercard became an Official Partner from the 2025 event, I wanted to experience firsthand the pre-race emotions and the excitement on a race day from a runner’s perspective. I wanted to use those insights to improve future events.

Actually running the course made me realize just how many people are involved—from the start to the finish line – including volunteers, staff, and the crowds cheering along the sidewalk. The sheer number of runners is overwhelming; you rarely see such a massive crowd running through the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by supporters. Being a part of that was truly exhilarating. But for you, Anna, as a volunteer, I’m sure the perspective and the view were quite different, weren’t they?

Yamazaki: Definitely. I was part of the team that guided charity runners to the rest area at the Tokyo International Forum after they finished. I usually volunteer in educational support programs, so this was my first time volunteering at a sporting event. The energy and heat of the moment were on a completely different level. It was such a fun and rewarding experience.

Employee Volunteering: What We Gained Through the Experience

Ms. Yamazaki volunteering at Tokyo Marathon 2026

— Mastercard has been actively involved in volunteer activities since becoming an Official Partner. What ‌new internal connections have emerged as a result of this?

Maehara: We wanted to get the entire company involved in Tokyo Marathon, which led to the opportunity to participate as volunteers. When we opened recruitment across all departments—not just Marketing—the response was incredible, with many employees stepping up. Yamazaki-san was one of the first to take the lead. It was great that this created diagonal connections among employees from consulting, sales, technology, and support teams who rarely interact in their daily work. Some employees even participated with their families and friends, which allowed us to better understand them beyond their roles.

Yamazaki: We don’t usually get the chance to meet our colleagues’ families or friends, so seeing someone interact with their daughter, for example, revealed a new side to them that was really heartwarming. Having more opportunities to talk through volunteering truly bridged the distance between us.

Maehara: For Tokyo Marathon 2026, the number of employees who have signed up to volunteer was about 1.5 times more than last year. 

Yamazaki: In terms of new connections, I’ve noticed that everyone who volunteered last year now talks to each other much more. Even at the office coffee station where we used to just exchange quick greetings, we now have conversations like, “Are you volunteering again this year?” or “How is your child who joined us last time doing?” I feel that we have become closer now. Through the shared experience of working side by side at Tokyo Marathon, we’ve built lasting memories. Now, even when we collaborate on completely different business projects, we feel comfortable speaking openly with one another.

— It seems that being an Official Partner of Tokyo Marathon is not just about supporting the event; it’s created a real synergy within the company as well.

Maehara: Becoming an Official Partner of Tokyo Marathon definitely brought positive change, making our internal running community much more active. It’s no longer just about entering races together; now, people go for runs at Yoyogi Park and grab drinks afterward. That energy has shifted beyond running and is spreading to other sports, such as tennis and futsal. Tokyo Marathon was the spark that started these new sports-based communities within the company. Personally, I’m an active member of both the running and tennis groups.

Yamazaki: It’s true—the number of sports communities has really grown. By the way, my involvement in the futsal group is strictly as a spectator! (Laughs). I love cheering people on, so I specialize in watching and providing moral support from the sidelines.

Communities Expanding Through Tokyo Marathon

— What are some connections made through Tokyo Marathon that were made possible by Mastercard?

Maehara: We created several cheering items to help fans express their support more visibly. For instance, we introduced “BIG HEAD”—customized supersized photo cutouts featuring runners’ faces—and “Thunder Sticks” to create an energetic atmosphere. We also distributed cheer cards at our Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2025 booth and the “Cheer Zone Café by Mastercard” located along the course on race day. At the cafe, we witnessed supporters interacting with one another, forming brand-new connections on the spot.

Yamazaki: Tokyo Marathon has also become a frequent topic of conversation with our clients and colleagues in our global offices, hasn’t it?

Maehara: Absolutely. Many Mastercard employees worldwide have run the Tokyo Marathon. I truly feel that our partnership has forged links with colleagues I might never have met otherwise. For example, when I participated in the New York City Marathon, I made a point of visiting a fellow employee there who had previously run in Tokyo.

Yamazaki: I also believe we’re making a meaningful impact through collaborations like our cardholder campaigns for Tokyo Marathon bibs. For the 2026 event, we collaborated with companies in many countries. Many of these relationships wouldn’t have existed for Mastercard Japan if it wasn’t for Tokyo Marathon. It’s incredible to feel these new connections expanding across the globe.

Putting the Spotlight on Each Runner during their Hero Moment in Tokyo

— “Cheering/Support” seems to be a key theme for Mastercard as an Official Partner. Was there a specific moment when you truly felt the value of this?

Yamazaki: For me, it was when so many runners—who must have been exhausted after finishing—said “Thank you” to us volunteers. Even international runners said it in Japanese. We don’t volunteer expecting gratitude, so being acknowledged like that was incredibly moving. It made me very grateful for the experience and want to work harder.”

Maehara: I took part in the Tokyo Marathon 2025 as a runner, while alternating between running and walking, managed to make it safely to the finish after five and a half hours (lol). I truly believe I was able to keep going until the end thanks to incredible support from everyone lining the course. Being cheered on continuously for more than five hours is an experience you rarely have. Since then, I have also run the London and New York City Marathons, and what I strongly felt in all of them was that encouragement from the crowed gives you the unique feeling of being the star for that day – truly special experience.
Entering Tokyo Marathon has such low odds that just being on the course is a precious opportunity. That’s why I want to further amplify those moments where runners feel like they are the main characters of the city. I’m constantly thinking about what more we can do to elevate that experience for the 20th anniversary in 2027.

— What do you see as the significance of supporting Tokyo Marathon as an Official Partner, and what insights have you gained?

Yamazaki: The volunteer experience from 2025 gave me something I’d never felt before: the pure joy of “cheering for a complete stranger.” Having colleagues who shared that experience means we can continue to reflect on it together back at the office. More employees have joined as volunteers for the 2026 event, and I think it’s wonderful that the value of supporting others is spreading throughout our company.

Maehara: At Mastercard, our mission is to “connect people to their passions,” which is why we support various fields like sports, music, and art. Tokyo Marathon’s slogan, “The Day We Unite.” perfectly aligns with our vision. This event embodies the ultimate connection through passion. Through our campaigns, we provide value to our business partners and cardholders. By creating cheer items and through our other initiatives, I hope we are playing a part in making the Tokyo Marathon “The most exciting race in the world.”

Yamazaki: Mastercard is not only involved in financial services, but   also provides consulting services such as data analytics. In my professional role, I’ve noticed more clients saying things like, “You’re a sponsor of Tokyo Marathon, right?” or “I saw Mastercard logo.” Partnering with such a major event has allowed people who weren’t previously familiar with Mastercard to recognize us. Even in my personal social circles and conversations with friends, Tokyo Marathon often comes up. Recognizing the strength of this global payment network brand recognition makes me feel truly proud to be part of this partnership.

Aiming for a Grand Celebration at the 20th Anniversary in 2027

— Next year marks the 20th anniversary. What are your expectations for the 2027 race?

Maehara: I believe that Tokyo Marathon a day where “every runner becomes a star.” At Mastercard, we tried to make that day special through our cheer items and Tokyo Marathon EXPO activations, ensuring the atmosphere is more energetic than in 2025.

Yamazaki: As a repeat volunteer, I hope to act as a “seasoned veteran” and give advice to the new volunteers! (Laughs). I’d love to share the great memories and experiences from my volunteer experiences within the company to inspire others.

Maehara: I agree. I hope to see even more interaction within the office—between employees who ran, those who volunteered, and our colleagues visiting Japan from overseas.

— The following year will mark the 20th anniversary. What are your hopes for the 2027 event?

Maehara: First, the 2026 event was a challenge for us to see how much we could improve on our 2025 experience. Taking what we have earned, I want 2027 to be a “grand finale” of our efforts—a true celebration of the 20th anniversary. Tokyo Marathon aims to be “The most exciting race in the world,” which perfectly aligns with our goals. We will continue to push forward with initiatives that bring that excitement to life.

Yamazaki: Personally, I feel that Mastercard is a brand that values improving human connections and experiences through our services. Tokyo Marathon is exactly that—an event where you gain incredible connections and experiences. Last year, I enjoyed chatting and connecting with people in the city while waiting for runners to reach the finish line. Since it’s a day when you can truly feel those bonds, I want to help make that experience even deeper.

— Finally, do you have a message for the runners, supporters, volunteers, and everyone involved?

Maehara: Whether you are running, cheering from the sidelines, or participating as a volunteer, Mastercard has planned something special for everyone to enjoy. Please look forward to the 20th anniversary event in 2027!

Yamazaki: The look on a runner’s face after they finish is truly wonderful—they have these smiles where the sense of accomplishment completely outweighs the fatigue. Those of us cheering can feel that energy and feel inspired to do our best, too. It’s a very precious place to be, so I hope everyone enjoys the atmosphere and the connections on race day.