JA 
EN_GB On Tuesday, the 2nd of June 2026, we revealed the Kanakuri Cup – a brand new trophy for the FT Nikkei UK Ekiden Corporate and Community team category – created to celebrate teamwork, connection and the enduring spirit of the ekiden.
Named in honour of Shiso Kanakuri, the ‘Father of Ekiden’, a pioneer of Japanese long-distance running, and one of the key figures behind the creation of the Hakone Ekiden, the Kanakuri Cup will be awarded for the first time on the 12th of June.
The base of the trophy is crafted from a beam recovered from the house of Oumi-san, which was damaged in the Noto Peninsula earthquake, giving new life to materials marked by loss and transforming them into a symbol of resilience, hope, and renewal.
Designed and handcrafted by Britain’s luxury maker LINLEY, the trophy brings together Japanese and British heritage through exceptional craftsmanship.
The Kanakuri Cup is more than a trophy. It is a symbol of legacy, recovery, and the power of connection.
"We are deeply honoured to receive this wonderful proposal through the City of Tamana. We understand that he greatly enjoyed seeing young people participate in sport and was actively involved in local marathon and ekiden events throughout his life. As members of his family, we are truly amazed to see the seeds planted by our grandfather and his generation more than 100 years ago cross the seas and blossom here in the United Kingdom. We are truly amazed to see the seeds planted by our grandfather and his generation more than 100 years ago cross the seas and blossom here in the United Kingdom."