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This year, we are shining a light on Ishikawa Prefecture, a hidden gem on Japan’s western coast known for its rich traditions, beautiful landscapes and incredible craftsmanship.
Famous for its deep-rooted artisanal heritage, Ishikawa Prefecture is home to generations of makers whose skills have been carefully preserved and passed down over centuries. From fine woodwork to intricate decorative arts, craftsmanship here is not just a practice, it’s a way of life.
We are honoured that the wood used for this year’s Runners’ (corporate and community sponsored teams) trophy comes from Ishikawa Prefecture, continuing a meaningful tradition following last year’s Racers’ (university teams) trophy, which used wood sourced from Kagoshima. These choices are not accidental, but they reflect the stories and places we want to celebrate through the UK Ekiden.
True to the spirit of ekiden, this has been a team effort far beyond race day. With the support of Klein Dytham Architecture, we were able to source the wood and bring it to Tokyo, a process that reflects what the UK Ekiden is all about.
It’s not just a team race; everything behind the event is built on teamwork.
In January 2024, Ishikawa Prefecture was struck by a devastating earthquake that caused widespread damage. Recovery has been long and complex, and many artisan communities are still rebuilding.
The day after the earthquake, the difficult decision was made to go ahead with the 100th Hakone Ekiden. For many, these two moments became deeply intertwined.
At the UK Ekiden, we felt that connection strongly. We know this was a life-changing event for so many, and that recovery takes time. Following our inaugural race in June 2024, we made a donation to support recovery efforts in the Noto Peninsula.
Continuing that commitment for the 2026 race, we are proud to support Ishikawa Prefecture by sourcing both the Runners’ (corporate and community teams) trophy wood and winners’ prizes directly from local artisans, helping sustain the craft communities still rebuilding after the earthquake.
We are also incredibly grateful to Mayumi Tachikawa of Wajoy, who is originally from Ishikawa.
Mayumi has played a key role in helping us connect with the region — from sourcing the much-loved local snack, the famous Beaver rice crackers, to facilitating our initial donation supporting craftspeople affected by the earthquake.
This year’s event is not only about competition — it is about standing alongside communities, celebrating craftsmanship, and supporting recovery from afar. From the UK, we are cheering on Ishikawa Prefecture every step of the way.