Feature | DJ Toshio Matsuura's First Challenge in the "Tokyo Marathon 2012": A 42.195km Charity Run for Children in Tohoku

Supporting the future of children in disaster-stricken areas through running

Challenging the "Tokyo Marathon 2012"!

Toshio Matsuura, a top DJ representing Japan active worldwide, will participate in the "Tokyo Marathon 2012." Could this first-ever full marathon challenge be turned into something more? Thus, he launched a project titled "Run for Children Tohoku," aiming to raise donations for the "Hatachi Fund (The Nippon Foundation)" through the charity platform "Just Giving." Here, we report on his journey up to the race day, incorporating helpful advice from professionals. To all runners who love running, let's support his challenge together!

Text by FUJITA Mayu(OPENERS)

Experience Report: "Adidas Running Dock"

To aim for completing 42.195 kilometers, it's necessary to first get the body in condition. So, at "Runbase," an Adidas running facility located right next to the Imperial Palace, a popular running spot, I experienced the personal physical check service "Adidas Running Dock." I checked my current condition and sought advice from a professional trainer on future training menus!

Ordering Personalized Custom Shoes "mi adidas"!

As this is his first full marathon challenge, it's crucial to approach it in perfect condition. Therefore, I visited the "Adidas Performance Center Shibuya" in search of the best pair of shoes to support me through the 42.195 kilometers. Here, I ordered the personalized custom shoes "mi adidas" proposed by Adidas. Toshio Matsuura's customization – what will the result be?

Intensive Training Menu Guidance by a Running Coach!

Pre-Race Training & Advice!

The "Tokyo Marathon 2012" is just three weeks away. DJ Toshio Matsuura admits to growing anxiety with each passing day, especially as it's his first full marathon. So, he met with coach Taro Agui, representative of the member-only running team "Harriers," to receive advice. With only a short time left until the race, what final adjustments should runners make?

Charity Run Event Held!

Toshio Matsuura's charity project "Run for Children Tohoku" will hold a charity run on Sunday, March 11th. On the day, participants will run around the Imperial Palace together! Registration fees will be collected and the entire amount donated to the "Hatachi Fund." This event, bringing together people with the commonality of "running," promises to be enjoyable not only for its charitable purpose but also as an opportunity to expand one's network of fellow runners. Let's participate in charity through our beloved running!

Daily Running Records Uploaded on the OPENERS Blog!

Along with interesting topics and event information, daily training records, including distance, time, condition, and impressions, are being uploaded on the OPENERS Blog!

We support the children of Tohoku through running!

I, Toshio Matsuura, through JustGiving Japan,the Great East Japan Earthquakelaunched the project "Run For Children Tohoku" to raise donations for the "Hatachi Fund (The Nippon Foundation)," which provides ongoing psychological care, living, and educational support for children orphaned or affected by the disaster, enabling them to overcome hardships and thrive in society. I made my first full marathon challenge at the "Tokyo Marathon 2012" held on Sunday, February 26th.

Thanks to your support, I was able to complete the marathon in 4 hours and 25 minutes. Thank you for your cheers. The precious funds you have entrusted to us will be properly delivered to be of use for the future of the children in Tohoku. Although the Tokyo Marathon has concluded, the project will continue.

We ask for your continued support.

Toshio Matsuura

What is JustGiving?
Established in the UK in 2001, JustGiving launched in Japan in March 2010, offering an internet-based fundraising tool. It provides an online donation platform, allowing users to raise funds for organizations they wish to support by undertaking challenges. Users can decide on the nature of the challenge as well as the beneficiary organization. Since its launch, over 12 million people worldwide have used the service, raising 98 billion yen in donations.
http://justgiving.jp/

What is the Hatachi Fund?
http://www.hatachikikin.com/index.html

Established as a fund to provide continuous opportunities for learning and independence, alongside psychological care for children orphaned or affected by the disaster. It is a time-limited fund to support children until they reach the age of 20, starting from those who were 0 years old at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. It also supports people living in disaster-stricken areas to continue supporting children by delivering aid from afar, tailored to local needs and circumstances.
http://www.hatachikikin.com/index.html