Interview Relay

Interview Relay 2nd Run: Stories of “Connections Between People” Born Through the Tokyo Marathon

This time, we introduce a story of the bond between ASICS and Junata (Ms. Jyuna Kosakada) who is active as an influencer. With the support of ASICS, Junata took on her first full marathon challenge at the Tokyo Marathon 2025 and completed the race in an impressive time of 4 hours, 30 minutes and 29 seconds. She continues to enjoy running and racing, and her life has changed significantly through new opportunities and connections found through marathons. 

We spoke with Junata and [Ms. Yuri Ishikawa of the Marketing Division of ASICS Japan Corporation (“ASICS”)] about the very first step toward the Tokyo Marathon, subsequent changes to life and impacts on those around and the significance of supporting people who take on challenges.

Junata, Perfect Person to Reach Out to Young Women

——To Junata, please tell us what inspired you to run your first full marathon at the Tokyo Marathon 2025.

Ishikawa: I have been in charge of PR in the running category since 2023. I focus on brand awareness of ASICS and share information and stories, while building partnerships with media and influencers like Junata. We have collaborated with many influencers to promote the appeal of the Tokyo Marathon, in particular, with a hope to encourage more young women to participate in marathons.  At that time, an influencer whom we had been acquainted with introduced me to Junata, saying, ‘I know a suitable person.’ As we can see, she is a very refreshing and active person. I thought she was a perfect fit for the type of person we, ASICS, were looking for.

Junata: It all started when my fellow influencer asked me ‘Do you want to try running a full marathon?’ I’ve always wanted to run a full marathon, so I said ‘Yes’ right away! From there, I was connected to ASICS. I’ve been playing basketball since elementary school, so I’ve done a lot of long-distance running in practice. I also used to run 10km every day to lose weight, so I was quite confident in my stamina. I’ve wanted to run a full marathon for a long time, and the Tokyo Marathon was the one I wanted to participate in the most.

——I was at a Level where I Didn’t Even Know My Own Shoe Size

Ishikawa: The first time we met was in January 2025. At that point, we were told that Junata had not done any serious running, so we were like, let’s start by picking out some shoes together, and we had her come to the ASICS RUN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI. I remember we measured her feet and had our running coach suggest the best shoes for her.

Junata: Until then, I didn’t own proper running shoes, and I didn’t even really know my own shoe size. I used to run in basketball shoes or regular sports shoes, so I was feeling ‘my feet get tired’ or ‘If it’s 24cm, I get blisters.’ I never realized how much wearing the right shoe size matters, so I was impressed! Continuing to receive advice from ASICS and my fellow influencer, I started training in January, running over 10km every 2-3 days at a comfortable pace, and finally welcomed the day of the Tokyo Marathon.

shikawa: For us, the important thing was ensuring Junata could stand at the starting line with peace of mind, so in addition to shoes, we discussed and advised what to wear on the day of the race. ASICS has an apparel collection called ‘NAGINO’ (which means the serene state of water in Japanese) designed specifically for women. I’ve sent over a few items that might look good on her, including T-shirts, long tights, and shorts. On race day, Junata coordinated her outfits well and looked cute.

Junata: The cushioning on these shoes was so supportive that I could run to the end with confidence. All the clothes Ms. Ishikawa sent to me were so cute, and in terms of functionality, I felt comfortable while running.

I Don’t Want to Lose to My Old Self! Marathon is to “Challenge Myself”

——To Junata, what were your thoughts when you participated in the Tokyo Marathon?

Junata: I was determined to run as an influencer to support the promotion of ASICS, and was also feeling a strong sense of “challenging myself.” The longest distance I’ve ever run is about 15km, but that was back when I was a teenager. I was in my late 20s, and I was taking on a full marathon—I honestly wondered if I could really do this. But I did not want to lose to my old self. I took on the Tokyo Marathon with those feelings in my heart. If Ms. Ishikawa had not reached out to me, I might not have taken that first step toward this challenge, or I would not know when running a full marathon could happen.

——Were you nervous during your challenge?

Junata: I had thought about running about 30km for training, but I received advice, ‘Running long distances excessively can lead to injuries,’ so I only ran 15km at most. Therefore, I had some concerns about my physical strength. Plus, I also often heard ‘You should carry energy gels to avoid running out of steam’ but I was like ‘What does running out of steam mean?’ ‘What are gels?,’ there were so many things I did not know! The unknown part was what worried me the most.

Ishikawa: On race day, we met at the space we rented before the start and told you to ‘Do your best!’ But, you seemed a bit confused about how to attach the athlete bib and timing chip, didn’t you? It was a relief to see so many other influencers participating in the race, all supporting one another and offering advice.

Junata: If I had joined by myself without knowing anything, I would have been very anxious. It really kept me going to receive advice and hear everyone saying, ‘You’ve got this.’

“I Ran All the Way from Shinjuku to Asakusa!”

——While running through your first 42.195km, were there any impressive things happening?

Junata: What moved me the most was the feeling that we runners had those wide Tokyo streets all to ourselves. I felt like I became part of the scenery I usually look at, and it was incredibly pleasant. 

I also thought, “I ran all the way from Shinjuku to Asakusa!” (laugh) I felt a constant rush of adrenaline. Even after I finished running, I felt a little proud of myself walking through the city, thinking, ‘Hey, I ran through here!’

Ishikawa: After I sent you off at the starting point, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, saying ‘Have a great trip!’ I cheered you on in Shinjuku, then moved to the finishing point, cheering around the last bend leading into the final straight. 

I was following you, Junata, through Ouen navi (real-time tracking app) , since it was your first full marathon, so I had assumed you would finish in under 6 hours, but you ran at a pace of about four and a half hours.  Ending it with such a big smile really surprised me and I could not believe it was your first marathon!

Junata: I couldn’t find you, Ms. Ishikawa at the first cheering point… I was a little nervous.  But at the finish line, I was looking for you thinking, ‘Is it almost time?’, and then I was like ‘Oh, there you are!’ and waved as hard as I could.  It was a moment that reminded me just how reassuring and comforting it feels to know someone is watching over me and cheering me on.

Ishikawa: Exactly! You were looking right at the camera (laugh).

——After crossing the finish line, what was your first thought?

Junata: It was a sense of accomplishment after all. I thought I was going to break four hours for a while, so I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t make it, but crossing the finish line brought me such a great sense of accomplishment. At the same time, my legs hurt so much I thought I couldn’t walk anymore.

Ishikawa: You finished with a smile, so I thought it was a breeze for you, but seeing you grip the handrail and take it one step at a time, I could tell “you truly gave it your all.” It’s truly amazing that you gave it your all in your very first marathon. You seemed to be having a blast, feeling fulfilled and I also saw your anxious state before the start, so it made me so happy to see that “you truly enjoyed your first Tokyo Marathon.”

Junata: Yes, as it was so much fun, and that motivated me to “tackle another full marathon.” Even after the Tokyo Marathon, it’s a short distance, but I keep running, making more running friends.  In August, I participated in my hometown’s 30km “Kushiro Shitsugen Marathon” as a guest runner. I actually serve as a tourism ambassador for the area. Participating in the Tokyo Marathon was a turning point that opened up my world to various marathon-related activities.

Ishikawa: You also participated in “Tokyo: Speed: Race” held in May. I know you just finished the Tokyo Marathon, so you might not be in the mood for a run at that time, but I wanted to reach out anyway, and you kindly said you would “love to be in it!” I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed that race. Knowing that the Tokyo Marathon inspired you to keep running—even joining events like the Kushiro Shitsugen Marathon—really makes me glad.

Next Goal: Sub-4 – Someday Try for 100km!?

——Inspired by the Tokyo Marathon, is there anything you want to try in the future?

Junata: I want to keep running and take on another full marathon. Plus, I would like to try a 100km marathon someday!

Ishikawa: Really? Wow! Amazing! In addition to its products, ASICS offers a range of support services and initiatives for running and race participation. Also for the Tokyo Marathon 2026, we support runners who are to take on a marathon through “ASICS Running Program Road to the Tokyo Marathon 2026” operated by ASICS. In this program, we offer a variety of courses tailored to every goal and level, from those aiming to finish the race to those looking to break their personal bests. We support a 100-day running challenge to help them stay consistent with their daily runs. 

During the period, in addition to supporting their daily training through weekly virtual races, streaming advice from coaches and video contents, we host offline events where participants working toward the same goals can connect with one another. ASICS provide the spark for people to start and sustain a positive “running” habit while they feel connected to each other through these initiatives, in addition to our shoes and apparel. 

It would be wonderful if we could provide support when Junata tries for a 100km marathon in the future!

——The Tokyo Marathon 2027 will mark its milestone 20th edition.  What are your expectations?

Ishikawa: The Tokyo Marathon is so famous in Japan that everyone knows it, and more and more people are visiting from abroad just to take part in the race. What it has built up so far, the Tokyo Marathon has also created its own unique culture, and I think it would be great if we could launch an initiative to encourage more interaction between Japanese and overseas runners. I’d love to give shape to projects centered on the theme of “Connection,” both for myself and for an ASICS member.

and “Go for it!” appear when you pointed a camera at them, that would be so exciting, right? Recording a video with those messages would be a great way to show the Tokyo Marathon to everyone worldwide. Personally, if I can run the 20th race, I want to aim for a sub-4 hour marathon next.

To be a Little Push for “Those who Want to Try a Marathon”

——By seeing Junata who met ASICS and has been enjoying running, inspired by the Tokyo Marathon, what are your thoughts as “someone who supports”?

Ishikawa: Like Junata, I think there are many people who “wish to try for a marathon, but do not know where to begin.” As ASICS, we hope to give a little push to such people. For those who think “I can’t do it yet,” like Junata who enjoys the Tokyo Marathon and keeps running afterwards, they may be able to think “It’s ok to take marathons more casually.” We hope to continue being a part of creating opportunities for people to take those first steps.

Junata: There are quite a few people around me who want to run a full marathon or run for weight loss. But many people quit because “they don’t have a clear goal”. I tell my fans and friends who ask me for advice, “Just go for it and enter a race!” If you schedule the race first, that becomes your goal. I want as many people as possible to know “If you enter a race, the world will change.”

——For ASICS, what is the Tokyo Marathon?

Ishikawa: Personally, I am very proud that ASICS is involved as a partner in the large-scale and iconic event in Japan. My mission is to convey the unique appeal and value of the Tokyo Marathon, while sharing the pure joy of running through the voices of media and influencers. I hope to spread its value even further with people like Junata.

Junata: I’m really proud to have participated in such a special event and to have finished it. After finishing it, I received a lot of feedback such as “I want to try for a full marathon,” “I got courage by seeing Junata.” I can really feel the significant impact of the Tokyo Marathon, and I am truly delighted to receive such feedback.

——Finally, please give a message to future runners.

Junata: I want those who have never run a full marathon—just like I hadn’t until last year—to set it as a goal and find joy in their daily runs. I highly recommend scheduling your races in advance. Please give it a try.

Ishikawa: I believe that running a marathon will open up new worlds and paths for you. You don’t have to obsess over records or finishing; just “wanting to see something new” is reason enough. And we, ASICS, offer a lineup of shoes and apparel that fits all as well as training programs tailored for major races. We would be happy if you could enjoy running by using our support services.