A Charity Run Event to Connect with the Disaster-Stricken Tohoku Region

On March 15, 2015, the charity running event "Run for Children Tohoku in adidas RUNBASE 2015" was held at "adidas RUNBASE," a running facility located in Hirakawacho, Chiyoda Ward.

This project was initiated by DJ Toshio Matsuura to support the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. With the cooperation of adidas Japan, participants were recruited from OPENERS readers, and the event's participation fees were donated to the "Hataichi Foundation," a public interest incorporated foundation that provides multifaceted support until the children in the affected areas reach the age of 20.


This year marked the fourth anniversary of the event, and the number of participants reached an all-time high of 40. Amidst voices suggesting that the memory of the earthquake is fading, people gathered who believed that support should continue precisely because time has passed. Participants prayed for the swift recovery of Tohoku and contributed to the donation box with their participation fees. The total amount collected was 121,150 yen, which was later presented to the Hataichi Foundation by Mr. Matsuura.


While support is still needed in Tohoku, the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, it is true that fewer media outlets are reporting on the disaster-stricken regions. In this context, symposia examining the current situation in the affected areas are held annually around March 11. Before the charity run event, our editorial team attended a symposium organized by the Hataichi Foundation with project initiator Mr. Matsuura.





Is the opportunity to think about the disaster-stricken regions diminishing? Is it difficult for us to maintain our awareness of support? Hiroki Komazaki, the representative director of the Hataichi Foundation, states, "It's true that the memory of the earthquake is fading, and the amount of support is decreasing. While the challenges may seem resolved after four years, they have manifested in different forms. For instance, the educational and economic levels have declined on a household basis compared to before the earthquake. Children are sensitive to such environments, are affected by them, and this can lead to disadvantages and disparities in the future."



Through her studies and encounters at Collabo School, Ms. Kimura was able to organize her thoughts and discover what she wanted to do moving forward. Starting in April, she will attend university to study early childhood care and education, driven by a desire to provide a warm environment for children. Finally, she expressed her gratitude to the Hataichi Foundation and left the stage to warm applause.

Read Akari Kimura's full message here
http://www.hatachikikin.com/koe

Uniting Through Running Together

On the day of the charity run, Mr. Matsuura shared his feelings after hearing Ms. Kimura's message during the opening ceremony. Following a moment of silence for the disaster-stricken areas, all participants began the 10km run.



Participants in the charity run wore these T-shirts. For those who do not usually run, 10km is by no means an easy distance. Some participants mentioned running with the intention of challenging themselves. Midway through the run, Mr. Matsuura, who was running with the leading group, waited for the runners falling behind and ran alongside them. Participants felt a sense of unity through sports, connecting their hearts. After the finish line, a bond was formed among those who had completed the same distance, leading to natural conversations.

Following this year's charity run, a comment was received from Mr. Matsuura.

"Four years have passed since the great earthquake, and this year too, it was a wonderful event where we felt the joy of running together with everyone, while thinking of the children working hard every day in the affected areas. Thank you to all who participated. Shortly before the event, I attended a forum by the Hataichi Foundation and heard from NPOs working for children about their activities and challenges. By sharing this information with everyone before the run, I believe it strengthened their sense of participation and sparked their interest in future support. We hope to continue introducing the activities of the Hataichi Foundation through OPENERS."

"Many participants, including those challenging the 10km run for the first time, were able to complete the race, perhaps motivated by their thoughts for the disaster-stricken areas. What was wonderful was that after finishing, everyone cheered on those still running towards the goal. It was truly a 'Beautiful Sunday.' Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude once again to Taiga Toyama and his family, who drew the illustration for the T-shirt, and to adidas Japan for their continuous support of this event. Thank you very much. I look forward to next year."

What we must cherish is not letting our thoughts for the disaster-stricken areas fade, and continuing our support. OPENERS will continue to support the reconstruction of Tohoku, including this charity project "Run for Children Tohoku."

Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Hataichi Foundation
http://www.hatachikikin.com

adidas RUNBASE
1F Hirakawacho Mori Tower, 2-16-1 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3261-9980
http://adidas.jp/running/runbase/
Opening Hours | Weekdays 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM / Weekends & Holidays 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fees | Visitor: 700 yen
Ticket Book: 5,000 yen (10 tickets / valid for 6 months)
Shoe Rental: 100 yen
Wear Rental: Full set 500 yen / Single item 300 yen
Towel Rental: Small 100 yen / Large 200 yen