So that children working hard every day in the disaster-stricken areas can dream of the future

A charity running project organized by Toshio Matsuura. In cooperation with adidas Japan, OPENERS has supported this initiative since its inception in 2012. A message has arrived from Matsuura-san for the fifth annual “Run for Children Tohoku at adidas RUNBASE 2016.”

《A Message from Toshio Matsuura》

It has been nearly five years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. An unprecedented earthquake disaster that instantly took countless precious lives and people's livelihoods. It also mercilessly robbed children of their “everyday lives.” At the same time, it forced those not directly affected to re-examine our lifestyles, families, communities, and ourselves. For several months after the earthquake, most of my work in music, which can be considered a form of entertainment, was canceled or postponed. I continued to live my days, worrying about the future based on news reports and online information.

To clear that vague feeling, I resumed running, which I had put on hold, and with the help of friends in Tohoku, I was able to visit the affected areas. Running refreshed my mind and body, and the trip reminded me of the scale of the devastation and the deep love the people of Tohoku have for their region. Through this, I arrived at the simple answer: “I will act in my own way, doing what I can.”

Around that time, I learned about organizations working to restore the ability to “play” and “learn” for children in the disaster-stricken areas, focusing on their psychological care. These were activities by the HATSACHI Foundation (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation), which aims to support children until they turn 20, starting from infancy at the time of the earthquake. As a parent of two sons, I felt compelled to support this organization that strives to improve the situation for children in the affected areas. Thus, I launched the project “Run for Children Tohoku” with the slogan “Let’s support children in Tohoku with the running I love!” We have held marathons and created products with fashion brands to raise donations.

Since 2012, the web magazine “OPENERS” has taken on the production, and with the cooperation of “adidas,” we have held an annual charity run at the Tokyo-based running facility “adidas RUNBASE” and around the Imperial Palace. We have collected donations through participation fees and have run together with like-minded individuals to ensure the fading memory of the earthquake does not disappear.

For this fifth event, I want to renew my commitment to Tohoku and run together with everyone with a shared spirit. You can enter whether it’s your first time or you’re running alone, so please apply. We look forward to seeing you there.

Applications are now closed.

Toshio MATSUURA
In 1990, he formed United Future Organization (U.F.O.), laying the foundation for Japan's early club culture. Over 12 years, they released five full albums in 32 countries worldwide, earning critical acclaim. After going solo, he continued to DJ energetically at clubs and festivals both domestically and internationally. He also produced events and handled music supervision for fashion brands. In 2013, he launched the project “HEX” with four talented musicians, transmitting contemporary jazz from Tokyo to the world. Their album was released worldwide by Blue Note Records. His show “TOKYO MOON” on InterFM (Wednesdays 11:00 PM) is currently on air.
http://www.toshiomatsuura.com
http://www.hex-music.com