Interview Relay

Two leaders who have supported and connected the Tokyo Marathon. 
Mr. Tadaaki Hayano, Chairman/CEO of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation had built the foundation of the event as Race Director and passed on the role to the next generation.  The person he approached then was our current Race Director, Mr. Yasuhiro Oshima. 

Why did Chairman Hayano appoint Race Director Oshima as his successor? And having taken those sentiments to heart, how does Race Director Oshima environ evolving the Tokyo Marathon from here on out?

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

This time, we introduce a story of the two leaders who have supported the Tokyo Marathon and their encounter, trust and vision for the future.

Our Paths First Crossed in a Business Environment

―― Please tell us how you met each other.

Hayano: We used to work in the same company. 

Oshima: Mr. Hayano used to be Head of Corporate Planning Department and was my direct boss. He is my mentor in business. We used to also engage in marketing, working on strategies to build a brand identity that truly resonated with young track and field athletes, especially high schoolers. Frankly speaking, the budget was tight for that department, but Mr. Hayano always had new ideas up his sleeve, and thanks to him, I had the pleasure of experiencing so many interesting things with him.

――Are there any initiatives from that idea that stand out in your memory?

Oshima: As expected, the initiativestargeting the younger generation have left the strongest impression on me. Winning the Inter-High School Championships is a great honor for high school students, and you become a hero or heroine and someone to look up to, even among your fellow high school athletes. It feels like having a superstar right by your side. We felt that we should honor these athletes more, and we invited the winners to the booth of the sports manufacturer I used to work for at the venue and presented them with assorted product gift sets. What’s more, we named it “Project Golden Bag” – giving the product in a golden paper bag (laugh). 
This naturally brought smiles to the athletes’ faces, and many other high school students flocked to the booth. It turned into a real celebration, with everyone taking Instax photos with the athletes. I was so impressed by Mr. Hayano. He came up with ideas that truly resonated with the high school students and led us so well. 

Hayano: In short, it’s about how to create opportunities for communication within a limited budget. Where can we showcase the athletes’ pride in track and field and put them in the spotlight? Also, where can we create a meeting point to meet the athletes we admire? In a way, the lack of budget is exactly what allowed us to create a more relatable and engaging campaign. I learnt a lot from him.

――Is there anything from your experience at that time that translates into how you approach the Tokyo Marathon today?

Hayano: Yes, of course there is. While the Tokyo Marathon is an event where 39,000 runners run, it is also a day for everyone to be in the spotlight with the theme of “SHOW YOUR STORY.” In terms of wanting to create a day where each and every person can think, “What a wonderful day it was,” I believe my approach to coming up with ideas remains the same as it was back then.

Taking His Global Experience to the Next Level

――Please tell us why you decided to appoint Mr. Oshima as Race Director?

Hayano: Race Director is a person who basically creates a race, and in other words a person responsible for the Tokyo Marathon. It is a position to oversee the entire event, including both the elite race and the general entry categories. 

That said, I knew I couldn’t remain the  Race Director forever, and upon assuming the role of Chairman and CEO, I realized that my mission—and that of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation—must be to promote running culture globally and ensure that sports play a more central role in people’s everyday lifestyles. 

Since the Tokyo Marathon itself was nearing its complete form, I had thought of leaving it to the next Race Director to take it to the next level. At the same time, I had felt that I had other priorities to attend to. The Tokyo Marathon Foundation also organizes the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon, and I also felt a calling to pursue the ways in which running culture would contribute to a more peaceful and healthy society in my own way.  

When I started thinking about who the successor should be, I realized a Race Director needs to have a wide range of skills, including language proficiency and marketing. However, finding someone who meets all these criteria in Japan was quite a challenge. Under these circumstances, I considered inviting someone from overseas, but I felt it would be better to have someone who understands Japanese culture and communication, and Mr. Oshima immediately came to mind as a candidate.

――How did you actually approach him?

Hayano: I think it was when the second Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon was held. Actually, I had been thinking of appointing Mr. Oshima even a year before that, but at that time, I could not make up my mind, and I took a whole year to think it over. A successor would need to be able to navigate complex relationships within  the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) members and meet rigorous  global standards. Moreover, I could not decide easily because accepting the role of Race Director meant he would have to give up his teaching position at the university.  So, a year later, I invited Mr. Oshima to the Italian restaurant in the hotel where I was staying at the time (laugh).  

Oshima: It came out of the blue! I was truly astonished. Actually, a long time ago, he told me half-jokingly, “You should come work for the Tokyo Marathon Foundation” (laugh). But, I had never imagined that I would actually be offered the opportunity to succeed as Race Director. However, having worked for the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) for 16 years and being in charge of various events like the Japan Championships, Golden Grand Prix and Marathon Grand Championship (MGC), I have always felt that being out in the field is where my heart truly is.  On the other hand, since moving to university, I have had almost no opportunities to be involved on the “organization side” of competitions. 

Hayano: I was once invited as a guest speaker to one of his classes. At the end of the lesson, seeing Prof. Oshima said “Everyone, please submit your report,” I remember having an indescribable feeling (bitter smile). 

Having previously worked as an educator myself, I believe that sharing our experiences with the younger generation – the future of our society – is a vital and deeply rewarding role. 

At the same time, given his background and track record, I felt he could make a bigger impact on the Japanese track and field community. That’s why I reached out to him with this offer. 

Oshima: Even before then, Mr. Hayano had been checking in on me whenever I was struggling with work. It really made me realize what a great teacher he is. 

I was truly delighted to receive this offer. I felt a strong desire to make the most of my past experience and a deep commitment to meeting his expectations. Of course, there were things to organize and I had to talk it over with my family, but personally, I did not hesitate to say, “Yes, I’d love to.” 

Well, though, since it was my first time being involved in a marathon of this scale, I also felt a sense of bracing responsibility (laugh).

An Event Where Everyone Involved Feels “It Was Worth It”

――Upon Mr. Oshima succeeding the position as Race Director, is there any part of the Tokyo Marathon you definitely don’t want changed?

Hayano: Focusing too heavily on Japanese participants just because the event is held in Japan, and as a result, deviating from global standards. I would really like to avoid that. The true value of the Tokyo Marathon, especially as an elite race, lies in its status as a world-class stage where Japanese athletes prepare thoroughly and earn their selection for the Olympics or World Championships. I hope the Tokyo Marathon keeps that attitude and continues sending messages to Japanese athletes.

――Mr. Oshima, since you assumed the position as Race Director in 2024, how do you envision the future of the Tokyo Marathon?

Oshima: Upon my appointment, the Tokyo Marathon had already emerged as a race for the world’s top runners, and the elite field had established itself as one of the fastest courses in the world. I am convinced that we must pass on this legacy to the next generation. 

Meanwhile, although I personally handled the invitation of athletes for internal track and field competitions while at the JAAF, marathons are an entirely different discipline. It is not just a matter of gathering athletes with good records. I think we still have a lot to learn about how athletes can deliver the best performance in Tokyo and consistently maintain it at a high level.  

In addition, we also believe that safety is extremely important. At the Tokyo Marathon which is a mass race, there have been no fatalities caused by sudden cardiac arrest during races. This aspect is highly valued by the AbbotWMM, so we remain committed to upholding these standards and ensuring that the most comprehensive measures are in place moving forward. 

――So, including what Mr. Oshima just shared, it sounds like you are carrying on the “Hayano-ism” in the Tokyo Marathon, right?

Oshima: Yes, that’s correct. It is often said that every single runner is the star of the Tokyo Marathon, but they are not the only stars. As Mr. Hayano always says, the event only exists thanks to the many people who support it. So many people – the Foundation staff, volunteers, those cheering along the course, and the police and fire departments – have come together to make this day possible. With the support of such people, “The Day We Unite.” is realized, so I want to make this an event where everyone involved feels it was all worth it in the end. I will cherish these feelings and carry them on for the future.

My Dream: A New World Record on the Streets of Tokyo

――Looking ahead, is there anything you would like to try or achieve at the Tokyo Marathon?

Oshima: The worldwide running boom continues, and more and more people are taking up the sport. Just the other day, there was news that the TCS London Marathon is aiming for 100,000 participants by holding the event over two days. With the TCS New York City Marathon’s participation numbers approaching 60,000, I believe all AbbottWMM races are now aiming for the 50,000 mark. I want the Tokyo Marathon to be an event where as many people as possible feel glad they ran. To that end, I would like to consider ways to increase the number of participants. 

Furthermore, no world records have been set in the elite race yet. It is also my strong hope that, in the future, the Tokyo Marathon will become a stage for new world records. 

Hayano: That is something I could not do, so I would like Mr. I want Oshima to absolutely achieve it.

――What do you believe is necessary to achieve a world record?

Oshima: Well, the participation of top-level athletes would be a must, in my opinion. On top of that, the role of the pacemaker will also become important. At a world-record level, athletes need to maintain a pace of about 2 minutes 51 seconds per kilometer, which is physically demanding. While I believe Race Directors around the world have their own diverse perspectives, we may need to consider making proposals to World Athletics – such as requesting rule changes that would allow pacemakers to be swapped mid-race. 

But, one point Mr. Hayano feels very strongly about, which I absolutely intend to uphold, is the belief that after the 30km mark, the athletes must rely solely on their own power to finish. Records achieved with pacemakers leading until 40km or the final stretch feel a bit too artificial. It is tricky to determine the exact difference because the Tokyo Marathon also uses pacemakers until the 30km mark. However, I believe it is extremely important for runners to push through the final stage after 30km – the most crucial part of a marathon – on their own. 

Hayano: My biggest concern is that a race would become overly artificial. If we are to make it this artificial, we might as well just hold a time trial. After all, the real thrill of a marathon begins after the 30km mark. I would like to see runners overcome the true hurdles using their own strength. In fact, in the last race I served as Race Director, the pace was on track for a world record until about the 37km mark. Just 5km to go. But I believe that we just need to build up those kinds of races. Naturally, we are aiming for the Japanese national record at the Tokyo Marathon, too, and you can look forward to some surprises for the 2027 event!

“What Are the Value of the Tokyo Marathon” as Seen by Two Leaders?

――Could you share your thoughts once more on the value of the Tokyo Marathon from your perspectives?

Hayano: After all, I believe it is the participants who create the drama. Our role is to continue providing the Tokyo Marathon as a safe and secure stage that everyone aspires to be a part of. And, there are messages we have been sharing at each event. For instance, such include “The Day We Unite. Once Again” at the 2021 event held post-COVID, “ONE STEP AHEAD” at the 2023 event which implies what lies beyond running and “TOKYO, My favorite place…” at the 2024 event. We want to continue conveying our message of creating social value through our slogan, “The Day We Unite.”

Oshima: The greatest value I see is in “people.”  Everyone involved – the organizers, volunteers and supporters – shares a deep commitment and passion. I believe this is a strength that stands up to any event in the world. I often hear that people keep coming back to the Tokyo Marathon because the people there are so wonderful. I believe it is because the passion we have poured into building this event over the past 20 years has truly resonated with everyone involved. That’s a value we must certainly continue to uphold and pass on.

――Mr. Oshima just mentioned that the value of the Tokyo Marathon is “people.”  What are your views on “Connections Between People” born through the Tokyo Marathon?

Hayano: This is the very essence of the Tokyo Marathon’s concept. Even when we redesigned the logo, we expressed this through the colors, line angles and widths. The overall color of human connection is woven from the individual colors of our unique stories. And, I have a strong desire to continue holding a race in a way that makes me proud to be  part of it, now and always. Everyone has their own unique way of experiencing human connection. As the collective embodiment of the Tokyo Marathon’s theme – The Day We Unite. – we are committed to carrying this theme forward through the management of the event.  The logo depicts people crossing paths.  Even with different colors, we come together to think and create as one. By building on these moments and carrying them into the future, we realize the Tokyo Marathon’s vision of “Connections Between People.” 

Oshima: Adding to Mr. Hayano’s point, I believe it would be truly remarkable if this expanded beyond Japan and spread to the rest of the world. Around 39,000 runners participated in this year’s Tokyo Marathon, and nearly half of them were from overseas. Moreover, many of them came here with their families and friends. At the same time, many others who could not make it to the venue were watching the event through various media, including the web and television. Those people hope to run in Tokyo someday. It shows just how many people, both in Japan and abroad, are deeply passionate about the Tokyo Marathon. It’s truly exciting to think that the human connections and relationships formed through this one-day event, the Tokyo Marathon, will continue to grow and expand even further in the future.

――Do you have a message for the 2027 event?

Hayano: We are planning various events, including a Blue Impulse flight demonstration, to mark this milestone event. While there may be different ways of thinking about each specific period – such as the past ten years versus or the next ten years – what the Tokyo Marathon fundamentally does will remain unchanged. We will continue to strive for a safe, secure, exciting and welcoming event. 

Oshima: I can’t go into specifics yet, but we are aiming to create an event that captures everyone’s interest. And I hope to make this event one that offers a glimpse into the future, paving the way for the next decade and beyond.