Komazawa University Dominates the Legendary Hakone Ekiden! A New Era of Athletics and the Allure of a “Knowledge” Hub

The first week of April marked the start of the track season at a stadium in Tokyo. All eyes were on the athletes in deep green uniforms—Komazawa University's squad. Carrying the weight of last year's second-place finish at the Hakone Ekiden, they immediately laid down top-tier times in the spring speed showdown. From the stands, you could hear the roar: "Komazawa's got this!" They’re arguably the team that best embodies the current state of college track and field in Japan.

But hold on. The secret to their strength isn’t just about training volume or recruiting networks. Over a decade of covering college sports, I’ve come to appreciate the unique depth of character that defines Komazawa. Take this year's roster: it includes several runners from Komazawa University Tomakomai High School. Having endured Hokkaido’s brutal winters and been forged in the dormitory system, these athletes absorb the “Komazawa spirit” long before they even enroll. That rock-solid connection with its affiliated high school is what fuels this seemingly endless talent pool.

What really caught my ear in the post-race interview zone was how several athletes mentioned that classes in the Faculty of Global Media Studies have been a real game-changer. Huh? Track and media studies? Actually, this program goes beyond basic media literacy—it teaches you how to express yourself and how to broadcast your team’s story to the outside world. In today’s social media-driven era, an athlete’s mental game is inseparable from their ability to communicate. Watching Komazawa runners calmly break down their race strategy after a grueling event, I can tell you firsthand: this is exactly why that environment matters.

And you can’t talk about campus life without mentioning the Komazawa University Library. Between practices, many student-athletes hit the stacks here to study and dig into the latest sports science papers. With around 800,000 volumes, it’s a true “knowledge gym”—ranging from priceless Buddhist classics to cutting-edge sports biomechanics texts. One distance runner laughed and told me, “On restless nights before a race, I come to the library’s silence and read like I’m meditating.” Mental stability boosting performance? That’s a perfect example.

Above all, the university’s foundation rests on the teachings of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies. “Gyōgaku Ichinyo” — action and learning as one. That phrase has become a mantra for the track team. How to face yourself when the race gets brutal; how to treat 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 phase where it’s more than just dominant. The next big targets? Of course, the Mt. Fuji Women’s Ekiden in December, and then the ultimate goal: a complete Hakone Ekiden championship in the new year. See for yourself the balance of “knowledge” and “spirit” that drives their performance.

• Key Upcoming Races to Watch (Spring 2026)
  • April 19: Record meet doubling as Izumo Selection (tentative)
  • May 3-4: Kanto Intercollegiate Track and Field 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-level tactics before they even graduate high school.
  • A “Student Media Team” from the Faculty of Global Media Studies gives real-time behind-the-scenes coverage of meets.
  • The library’s “Sports Buddhism Corner” hosts workshops where you learn meditation and stretching at the same time.

One last thing from someone who’s local. After practice, you often spot Komazawa athletes grabbing takoyaki at the nearby shopping arcade. Contrary to their tough-on-track image, they’re polite and well-loved by the neighborhood ladies. That down-to-earth strength is what I think makes this team truly special. Keep your eyes on them this season—you won’t want to miss a second.