japan running news

https://www.wwdjapan.com/business/2016/03/03/00019811.html

translated by Brett Larner

Asics has formed a comprehensive partnership with Waseda University, a five-year agreement beginning March 2, 2016.  The three main objectives of the collaboration include research and development in sports products and sports medicine, sports-related human resources development and international exchange, and social contribution actions including volunteer activities and event organization.  The views and opinions of students on Waseda's 44 sports teams including its track and field and rugby programs will be incorporated in designing and developing the training gear and uniforms that they will actually use.

Asics CEO Motoi Oyama enthusiastically commented, "Although we have given partial support in the past, this is the first time that we have formed a partnership with a university as a whole.  Partnering with a school like Waseda University with high name recognition value and organization …

translated and edited by Brett Larner
source article links at bottom

On Nov. 10 it was learned that Japanese citizens are unable to register for the Nov. 25 Beijing Marathon.  The reason for this is unclear, but according to Japanese government officials it is likely a retaliatory move by the Chinese government in response to Japan's recent purchase of the Senkaku Islands, known in China as the Diaoyu Islands, from a private Japanese owner.

The Beijing Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label event and is a member of AIMS.  It is unprecedented for a major race of this stature to exclude participants based on their nationality.

In registering for the Beijing Marathon on the official race website it is necessary to identify the entrant's nationality from a drop-down menu.  The option for "Japan" has been removed.  The organizing committee appears to be sending the message to any Japanese people interested in running that "Japanese citizens are not entitled to enter."

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http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/etc/news/20120418-OHT1T00279.htm

translated by Brett Larner

On April 18 sports maker Adidas announced that it has signed an official partnership deal with Aoyama Gakuin University's middle and long-distance track and field team.  Adidas will supply uniforms and other gear to the team, which is targeting an improvement on this year's best-ever 5th-place Hakone Ekiden.  Team captain Takehiro Deki, who ran the all-time #3 collegiate marathon time of 2:10:02 at March's Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon, commented, "Our goal for this year is to win the Hakone Ekiden.  In our new uniform Aoyama Gakuin is going to tear things up."

Translator's note: Although Adidas has come on strong with sponsorship in the corporate league, as far as I know Aoyama Gakuin is the only university team they sponsor.

http://www.kobe-np.co.jp/news/sports/0002639286.shtml
http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=ind_30&k=2010011300822

translated and edited by Mika Tokairin and Brett Larner

L-R: Yakult Swallows outfielder Norichika Aoki, Adidas Japan president Pascal Martin, shoe master Hitoshi Mimura, and 1991 World Championships gold medalist Hiromi Taniguchi in Tokyo on Nov. 13. Click photo for full-sized image.

Sports maker Adidas Japan held a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 13 to announce the signing of Hitoshi Mimura, the master craftsman known for the handmade shoes he has long produced for the world's top athletes, to an exclusive advisor position with the company. Mimura, 61, will continue to develop his shoes at his 'M. Lab' workshop in Takasago, but said, "I want to make shoes that will set a world record."

Beginning in April, Mimura's shoes will be an Adidas-branded product. Focusing on running and baseball, he will supervise product development for elite athletes, the design…