japan running news

http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20150109-00000066-dal-spo translated by Brett Larner Marathoner Arata Fujiwara , 33, appeared at a year-opening party put on by his sponsor Miki House in Osaka on Jan. 9.  With regard to his plans to run the Feb. 22 Tokyo Marathon Fujiwara said, "I will run the fastest Japanese time."  Last year Fujiwara spent two months training in Kenya, experiencing the magic of training with local runners.  "I think I've put together a strong body," he said with confidence.  Three years ago in Tokyo Fujiwara ran a PB of 2:07:48.  "I want to break that one more time," he said decisively.

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2012/05/09/kiji/K20120509003210830.html translated and edited by Brett Larner It's time to start stitching up that special new outfit.  London Olympics marathon team member Arata Fujiwara  (30, Tokyo T&F Assoc.) returned to Japan's Narita Airport May 8 from training in California.   "My base training is done," he said of his time overseas. The former "independent runner" has signed a sponsorship contract with children's clothing manufacturer Miki House, and, according to an involved party, "The new uniform has to be put together as quickly as possible."  At the Olympics Fujiwara will wear the national team uniform, but in other races he must wear his new uniform sporting the Miki House logo.  It's a rush job, but he hopes to debut his new outfit at the May 13 Sendai International Half Marathon.  On May 9 he will officially sign a contract, with Miki House president Koichi Kimura  (67) schedul...