EN_GB 
JA UK Ekiden has opened its first office in Henley-on-Thames. Guests at last Tuesday’s opening included Julia Longbottom, former UK Ambassador to Japan, and Henley Town Mayor Ian Reissmann. The new office gives the team a base in one of the communities at the heart of the race.
Founded in 2024, the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden is a fast-growing sports platform at the intersection of university sport, global business and international culture. Its vision is to make university sport as exciting, visible and culturally relevant in Britain as college sport is in the US and university ekiden is in Japan—and to connect universities, businesses and the next generation.
Henley is a familiar landmark on the route, and local schools and community groups have become part of the UK Ekiden community too. Trinity School and Rupert House are among the schools that have taken part in Mini Ekiden races, while Henley Rowing Club competed in the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden’s first year.
And there is a further connection with Henley: the ASICS CEO used to row at Leander Club, where the UK Ekiden Marketing Manager, Muryn, now rows.
Henley also features in the UK–Japan story. In The Thames and I, his memoir of studying at Oxford, Emperor Naruhito recalls visiting Henley and describes the riverside scenery and a wooden bridge.
From its new Henley base, the team will continue working with university teams, business partners and communities along the route as it prepares for Year 4.
