marathon
Heat and humidity in the capital judged risks to athletes’ safety and performance, so another Japanese city with an Olympic past will play host.
Remember when your mom told you to, “Shut the door! Are you trying to cool the outdoors?!” That’s the premise behind Cool Share.
Normally feel a bit peckish during an ultra-marathon? Then stop for some udon noodles, six times!
If we were this dog’s owner, we would be sure to keep our pet pooch securely on a leash during the upcoming Tokyo Olympics…
It seems we just can’t ring in the new year anymore without this cheering squad of Friezas! Is the Dragon Ball Z overlord actually…benevolent!?
When running a full marathon, you want to make sure you’re outfitted with the proper equipment, like supportive, well-cushioned athletic shoes, sunglasses to keep the glare out of your eyes, and, of course, a frilly anime magical girl skirt so you can cosplay as you run.
If you’ve been to any recreational running events in your lifetime, you know that they’re a great place to show off your personal style, whether it’s tutus, turkey hats, crazy tights, or Santa outfits. For those who love KanColle, it can also be a good place to channel your inner Shimakaze.
This year’s Maizuru Kanko Half Marathon faced some bad weather, but it certainly didn’t deter one man from trying to set a personal best as his favorite destroyer. Known as Micchan, he frequently participates in running events and triathlons in cosplay.
Here are some photos and videos of Micchan as Shimakaze:
Some sports are just better watched on television. Although it’s always great to see athletes perform in person, for many events you just can’t get the right vantage point to see all the action.
Take the Hakone Ekiden relay marathon held every year on the second and third of January. One of the most popular running events in Japan, 20 universities from the Kanto region of east Japan enter teams of ten to race a grueling two day relay totaling over 200km.
It’s a physically intense race over mountainous terrain in the cold of mid-winter. And it’s truly inspiring to see these athletes show such high levels of endurance… from your home watching TV under a blanket and sipping hot cocoa.
For those brave souls who ventured out into the cold to support the runners, a surprise in the form of four inter-planetary warlords stop by yearly to deliver some holiday cheer.
MOST POPULAR
Now
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japan now has sweet onigiri cakes and they’re absolutely delicious
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Fried sandwiches arrive in Tokyo, become hot topic on social media
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Why Do Foreigners Like Japan so Much? We Head to Comiket 82 to Find Out!
Weekly
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japan now has sweet onigiri cakes and they’re absolutely delicious
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Fried sandwiches arrive in Tokyo, become hot topic on social media
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Why Do Foreigners Like Japan so Much? We Head to Comiket 82 to Find Out!
This gachapon capsule machine dispenses real Akoya pearls, with certificates of authenticity
Shiba Inu bring the cute and cuddly, leave us all wanting a snuggle
Bandai to release super-mega-retro-robot made up of Doraemon and friends
We visit a Japanese cafe famous for John Lennon and epic pancakes
Let’s make sashimi with…whatever in God’s name this thing is【SoraKitchen】
Arashi members Sho Sakurai and Masaki Aiba get married… Wait, that didn’t come out right
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Undead train station in Yokohama is beautifully nostalgic, poignantly desolate
-
