Komazawa University Conquers the Legendary Hakone Ekiden! A New Era of Athletics and the Allure of a 'Knowledge' Hub

The first week of April saw the start of the new track season at a stadium in Tokyo. And all eyes were on the athletes of Komazawa University, dressed in their deep green uniforms. Carrying the motivation of last year's second-place finish at the Hakone Ekiden, they immediately posted top-tier times in the spring speed battles. From the stands, you could hear chants of "Komazawa, you've got this!" They are, without a doubt, one of the teams that best represents the current pulse of university athletics.

But hold on. The secret to their strength isn't just about training volume or scouting networks. In my ten years covering university sports, I've come to realise the unique depth and character of Komazawa University itself. Take this year's squad, for instance – several runners are graduates of Komazawa University Tomakomai High School. Having weathered Hokkaido's harsh winters and been forged through dormitory life, these athletes embody the 'Komazawa spirit' even before they enrol. That strong connection with its affiliated high school is exactly what fuels this incredible talent pool.

What I found fascinating in the post-race interview zone was how many athletes mentioned that classes at the Faculty of Global Media Studies had been a real asset. Surprised? Running and media studies? Actually, this faculty goes beyond basic information literacy. It teaches you how to express yourself and how to tell your team's story to the outside world. In today's social media-driven world, an athlete's mental management and communication skills are inseparable. Standing there on the ground, I could really feel that the reason Komazawa's runners can so calmly articulate their race strategies is because of this unique environment.

And when talking about campus life, you can't miss the Komazawa University Library. Many student-athletes use their breaks between training sessions to study here or dive into the latest sports science papers. With a collection of around 800,000 volumes – from priceless Buddhist classics to cutting-edge sports biomechanics – it's like a 'gym for the mind.' One long-distance runner told me with a laugh, "On restless nights before a race, I find peace in the library's silence and read a book as if I were meditating." Mental stability boosts performance – a perfect example of that principle in action.

But above all, at the very foundation of this university are the teachings of the Faculty of Buddhism. 'Gyōgaku Ichinyo' – the oneness of action and learning. That has become the motto of the track and field team as well. How to face yourself when the race gets tough, how to see adversity as a form of training. Honestly, ten years ago, I never would have imagined that traditional Buddhist philosophy could fit so perfectly with modern sports.

In 2026, Komazawa University has truly entered a stage where it's more than just 'strong'. The big goals ahead? Of course, the Mount Fuji Women's Ekiden in December, and then a complete victory at the Hakone Ekiden after the new year. I highly encourage you to see for yourself the balance of 'knowledge' and 'spirit' that powers their running.

• Upcoming Key Race Schedule (Spring 2026)
  • April 19: Record Meet (also serving as Izumo Selection) – scheduled
  • May 3-4: Kanto Intercollegiate Championships (Nissan Stadium)
  • Mid-June: All-Japan University Ekiden Kanto Qualifiers
• 3 Reasons Komazawa University is on Fire Right Now
  • Seamless coaching with affiliated Tomakomai High School allows athletes to learn university-level tactics from their high school days.
  • The 'Student Media Team' from the Faculty of Global Media Studies gives real-time behind-the-scenes coverage of matches.
  • The 'Sports Buddhism Corner' inside the library holds workshops where you can learn meditation and stretching together.

Finally, a word from a local. After practice, you'll often see Komazawa's players grabbing some takoyaki at the nearby shopping street. Despite their tough on-track image, they're polite and well-liked by the aunties in the neighbourhood. To me, that 'grounded strength' is the real charm of this team. This season, they're definitely one to watch.