Komazawa University Conquers the Legendary Hakone Ekiden! The Track and Field Team's New Era and Its Appeal as a Hub of 'Knowledge'

The first week of April saw the start of the track season here in Tokyo, and all eyes were on the athletes from Komazawa University in their deep green uniforms. Carrying the sting of last year's second-place finish in the Hakone Ekiden, they’ve come out swinging this spring, posting top-tier times right from the gun. From the stands, you could hear the roar: “Go Komazawa!” They’re without doubt one of the teams that truly defines the current state of university athletics.

But hang on a second. The secret to their strength isn’t just about training volume or recruitment networks. Having followed university sports for the past decade, what really strikes me is the unique depth and character of Komazawa as a place. Take this year’s squad: several of the runners come from Komazawa University Tomakomai High School. These guys have weathered Hokkaido’s brutal winters and been forged in the dormitory system – they arrive on campus with the “Komazawa spirit” already in their blood. That rock-solid connection with their affiliated high school is what fuels such a deep talent pool.

One of the most interesting things I heard in the post-race interview zone was how many athletes said the classes in the Faculty of Global Media Studies had been a real help. Surprised? Athletics and media studies? But this faculty isn’t just about digital literacy – it’s about learning how to express yourself and tell your team’s story to the outside world. In today’s social-media-driven world, an athlete’s mental game and communication skills go hand in hand. Standing there on the sidelines, I could really feel how Komazawa’s environment helps their runners calmly articulate their race strategies in post-race comments.

And you can’t talk about campus life without mentioning the Komazawa University Library. Plenty of student athletes hit the library between training sessions to study or dig through the latest sports science papers. With around 800,000 volumes, it’s like a “gym for the mind” – from priceless classical texts befitting a Buddhist university to cutting-edge sports biomechanics. One long-distance runner joked, “On those nervous nights before a race, I find peace in the library’s quiet and read as if I’m meditating.” A perfect example of how mental calm can boost performance.

And underpinning it all is the teaching of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies: “Gyōgaku Ichinyo” – the unity of action and learning. That’s become a motto for the track and field team, too. The way they face up to the tough moments in a race, the mindset that sees adversity as a form of training. Honestly, ten years ago I never would have imagined that traditional Buddhist philosophy could fit so seamlessly with modern sport.

In 2026, Komazawa University has entered a phase where they’re so much more than just strong. Their next big goals are, of course, the Mount Fuji Women’s Ekiden in December, and then a clean sweep at the Hakone Ekiden in the new year. I’d encourage you to see for yourself the balance of “knowledge” and “spirit” that drives their running.

• Key Upcoming Races (Spring 2026)
  • April 19: Record meet (also serving as Izumo selection event)
  • May 3-4: Kanto Intercollegiate Championships (Nissan Stadium)
  • Mid-June: All-Japan University Ekiden Kanto Qualifier
• 3 Reasons Komazawa University Is on Fire Right Now
  • Seamless coaching from affiliated Tomakomai High School means athletes learn university tactics while still in high school.
  • The “Student Media Team” from the Faculty of Global Media Studies delivers real-time behind-the-scenes coverage of races.
  • The library’s “Sports Buddhism Corner” runs workshops where you can learn meditation and stretching at the same time.

Finally, a local’s perspective. After training, you often see Komazawa’s runners grabbing takoyaki at the nearby shopping arcade. Contrary to any tough-guy image, they’re polite and well-liked by the local shop ladies. That down-to-earth strength is, to me, the real charm of this team. I’ll be watching them closely this season.