New Year Ekiden 2025: A Journey of Determination and Growth

All Athletes, Including the Coach, Hold Full-Time Jobs and Received Support through an In-House Crowdfunding Campaign

After a three-year hiatus, the Hikari Manufacturing Site’s Track & Field Team, based in Hikari City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, completed the 69th All-Japan Corporate Team Ekiden Championships held on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in Gunma Prefecture. Our team represented the Chugoku region^*, and we are deeply grateful for the warm support we received from everyone.

group-photo
From left: Rikimaru Sanechika (section 1), Kotaro Motonaga (section 2), Masashi Hashimoto (section 3), Daiki Nakayama (section 4), Koki Goto (section 5), Yuki Asano (section 6), Tetsufumi Katta (section 7), Gaku Hirose, Shimpei Kobayashi, Shun Kimura, and Hitoshi Matsufuji (coach)

A Tough Finish, But Heads Held High

Out of 37 teams, we placed 37th. After the third section, we had to start running before the previous runner reached the end of their section due to time constraints, but the team showed resilience and completed the 100 km relay across seven sections with steady determination.

Let’s take a closer look at the athletes’ performances and the hopes for the future.

Section Highlights:

Section 1 (12.3 km): Rikimaru Sanechika (39:35)

Despite performing well during track practices, Rikimaru battled the road terrain. He showed promise for the upcoming spring track season.

Section 2 (21.9 km): Kotaro Motonaga (1:07:26)

As captain, Kotaro demonstrated his strength in a tough race, signaling a strong push toward further improvement next season to compete against top-ranking national Ekiden runners.

Section 3 (15.3 km): Masashi Hashimoto (47:37)

The team’s eldest member and a three-time Ekiden championship race participant, Masashi ran this key section with stability, emphasizing the need for team balance.

Section 4 (7.6 km): Daiki Nakayama (23:10)

Despite a busy work schedule that impacted training, Daiki showcased his high potential. It’s expected that he will beat his personal best in other races this year.

Section 5 (15.9 km): Koki Goto (55:20)

Facing steep terrain and headwinds, Koki’s performance hinted at his future as the team’s ace.

Section 6 (11.4 km): Yuki Asano (38:05)

Despite a knee injury in December, Yuki pushed through, suggesting a strong comeback next season.

Section 7 (15.6 km): Tetsufumi Katta (51:57)

Known for his endurance and steady runs, Tetsufumi ran in both the Chugoku Corporate Ekiden Championship and the New Year Ekiden. This was his last race as a member of the team.

Setting a New Team Record

Reflecting on the race, the team’s captain, Kotaro said, “Thank you for cheering us on this New Year’s Day! Although the result wasn’t what we had hoped for, we achieved our fastest overall time in our four appearances at the New Year Ekiden. The team is growing, and we aim to return next year. Please continue to support us.”

All Athletes Earned Their Spot Through Merit

From left: Masashi Hashimoto (section 3), Kotaro Motonaga (section 2), Rikimaru Sanechika (section 1), and Hitoshi Matsufuji (coach)

Hitoshi Matsufuji, the team’s coach, who ran the 7th section in the 66th New Year Ekiden on January 1, 2022, reflected on this year’s event, stating, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone inside and outside the company who supported our team. While every section faced an unexpectedly high pace that proved challenging, and the results were disappointing, the athletes did their absolute best. Personally, I am pleased that all the team members earned their places – through their own abilities – in either the 2022 and 2025 New Year Ekiden events, where I served as coach. We have another opportunity to aim for qualification next season. I will give my all over the next year, so I ask for your continued support.”

Providing Courage

An in-house crowdfunding campaign was conducted for employees working in Japan to support the team, and donations exceeded the goal. Comments received by the team included, “We appreciate you taking part in the Ekiden and providing our employees and their families with such confidence!,” “We are so proud of you for participating in the New Year Ekiden. I know it is very difficult to balance this with your full time work. No matter what the outcome, you can remember this experience for the rest of your lives,” “I am encouraged by your continuous efforts through the ups and downs,” “Thank you for inspiring us,” and many others (partially edited).

A Unified Team Balancing Work and Competition

Our athletes are full-time employees involved in manufacturing pharmaceuticals and vaccines. They train during mornings and nights around demanding work schedules, including shift rotations. Remarkably, their achievements stem from sheer dedication, as none were recruited explicitly for their athleticism.

During a pre-race interview, Gaku Hirose shared, “I’ve always wanted to excel in both work and athletics. I’m truly grateful for this environment.”

Looking Ahead

The team is already preparing for upcoming events, including the All-Japan Corporate Half Marathon (February 9, Yamaguchi City) and the Osaka Marathon (February 24). Please continue supporting the Hikari Site Track & Field Team as they strive for excellence.

All-Japan Corporate Half Marathon (February 9, Yamaguchi City)

Half-marathon: Masashi Hashimoto, Kotaro Motonaga, Koki Goto
10 km: Gaku Hirose, Yuki Asano, Shun Kimura, Shimpei Kobayashi, Rikimaru Sanechika, Daiki Nakayama, Hitoshi Matsufuji

Osaka Marathon (February 24, Osaka City)

Full marathon: Daiki Nakayama, Kotaro Motonaga

^※To qualify for the New Year Ekiden, a competition that determines the best corporate team in Japan, teams must secure a top position in the qualifying events held in each regional block. The Hikari Manufacturing Site’s Track & Field Team placed 5th in the 63rd Chugoku Corporate Ekiden Championship held in November 2024, earning them a spot in the New Year Ekiden for the fourth time, after a three-year hiatus.