January 3rd is still a special day in Japan for celebrating the New Year, with the following events and customs:
Hakone Ekiden: Continuing from January 2nd, the return leg of the Hakone Ekiden from Hakone to Tokyo takes place. University athletes compete fiercely, inspiring many people.
Hatsuuri (First Sale): Similar to January 2nd, many stores and department stores hold sales on this day. Fukubukuro (lucky bags) and discount sales continue to be popular.
Nenshi-mawari (New Year's Visits): It's customary to visit relatives, friends, and business partners to exchange New Year's greetings.
New Year's Decorations: Kadomatsu, shimekazari, and osechi cuisine continue to be displayed and enjoyed, maintaining the festive atmosphere.
Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit): Many people visit shrines or temples to make their first New Year's prayers if they haven't done so already.
What is the Hakone Ekiden?The Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip University Ekiden Race, commonly known as the Hakone Ekiden, is a university relay race held over two days on January 2nd and 3rd. It covers 217.1 km, running between Tokyo and Hakone and back, involving universities from the Kanto region.
Why is it Popular?Dramatic Developments: Each section has its own drama, keeping viewers engaged until the end.
Tradition and History: Established in 1920, it has a long history filled with memorable moments.
University Rivalry: The competition between universities excites not only students but also alumni and fans.
New Year's Event: It has become a staple New Year's event, with many families watching it together on TV.
Rules of the Hakone EkidenSections: The race is divided into 10 sections, with 5 sections each for the outbound and return routes.
Teams: 21 teams from universities affiliated with the Kanto Student Athletic Federation compete, including the top 10 teams from the previous year's race and 10 teams that qualified through preliminary rounds, plus one combined team.
Runners: Each section has 2 runners from each team, making a total of 20 runners per team.
Section Records: Prizes are awarded for setting new section records.
Overall Victory: The team with the shortest combined time for the outbound and return routes wins the overall race.
Highlights of the Hakone EkidenOutbound Route: University team orders, influenced by results from the Izumo Ekiden and All-Japan University Ekiden, are a major point of interest.
Return Route: Strategies for the return leg, based on outbound results, draw attention.
Section Records: Achieving new section records is a significant highlight.
Seeded Team Battle: The fierce competition for seeded positions is captivating until the end.
How to Enjoy the Hakone EkidenCheering: Supporting your favorite university or runners, both in person and along the route, adds to the excitement.
Strategies: Analyzing team strategies and lineups enhances the viewing experience.
Drama: Watching the drama unfold in each section and interviews with runners is highly enjoyable.
History: Reflecting on the history of the Hakone Ekiden and revisiting memorable moments is also great.
History of the Hakone EkidenThe Hakone Ekiden was inspired by Shiso Kanakuri's experience in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. After struggling in the marathon, Kanakuri sought to improve Japan's long-distance running, leading to the creation of the Hakone Ekiden. The first race was held on February 14, 1920, with four universities participating. Since then, it has grown in scale and popularity, becoming a national event with television broadcasts starting in 1958.