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An interview with the team captain, ace and "mountain detective": "This year's team is different"

The three, who usually call each other by their first names, talked about how they see each other and the team, and about their enthusiasm for the upcoming race, with the sections they will run in the Hakone Ekiden yet to be decided.

Captain of the Ekiden team, Taishi Ito, 4th year student School of Sport Sciences graduated from Saku Chosei High School
Tomonori Yamaguchi, 3rd year student School of Sport Sciences, from Ishikawa High School
Shinsaku Kudo, 2nd year student School of Sport Sciences, graduated from Yachiyo Shoin High School

(From left) Kudo, Ito, and Yamaguchi

-How do you view each other's performance and growth this season?

Captain Ito

Ito: Tomonori (Yamaguchi)  has also been active on the track, winning the Japan Cross Country Championships in February this year and participating in the World Cross Country Championships. I think he is an athlete who has impressed us with the momentum of Waseda.

While Tomonori is on the track, Shinsaku (Kudo) showed that Waseda is also strong on the road, coming in third in the Japan Student Half Marathon Championships in March and second in the sixth section of the Izumo Ekiden in October, after achieving good results in the mountain climbing section of the fifth section of the last Hakone Ekiden.

Kudo will run the mountain climbing section 5 of the 2024 Hakone Ekiden. He ran in place of Ito, who was absent due to poor health, and ran well, coming in 6th place in his section despite being a first-year student. ©M.Okazaki

Yamaguchi:Taishi (Ito) made an impact in April by setting a good record of 13 minutes 28.67 seconds in the 5000m, the fourth best time in Waseda's history. Taishi always leads the team's practice, so Shinsaku and I were allowed to practice as we wanted.

During his first year, Shinsaku took time to get used to the new environment and was frustrated that he was not able to improve his condition, but since becoming a second-year, he has been practicing at his own pace and has achieved good results, such as the Izumo Ekiden in October (2nd place in the 6th section) and the All Japan University Ekiden in November (3rd place in the 8th section). Athletes from other universities often tell him, "Kudo is strong," so I think he is working hard as a strong point for Waseda.

Kudo: I personally think that I have grown quite a bit this year. The two of them have been consistently performing well since the first half of the season, which I think has helped the team gain momentum. They showed their presence during summer training camp, leading practice, and are definitely the core members of the team.

--In what ways do you feel this year's team is different from previous years?

Ito: I want to hear the opinions of my juniors!

Kudo: Last year, we were a team that was able to pursue individual results, but on the other hand, there were times when the team's performance was not consistent when it should have been practicing together. In that respect, I feel that this year we are focusing on fighting as a team.

Yamaguchi: In recent years, Waseda has had the impression of being a flashy team, but this year they are a more down-to-earth team that can tackle things in a down-to-earth way. I think the fourth-year students are the grade that can tackle things like that, so the lower grades can also do things in a down-to-earth way.

Ace player Yamaguchi

Ito: Last year, the year before, and the year before that, each fourth-year student had star quality, and I think that was the color of Waseda's team. This year, for better or worse, the fourth-year students' personalities were not that strong, and they were able to form a more cohesive team. I think that is one of the reasons why the team color has changed.

--Captain, ace, key player...How do you see your role in the Hakone Ekiden?

Ito: In a Ekiden race, the most important thing is the team's results. I've had that stance for four years now, and it hasn't changed. If I can contribute to the team, I'll go to any section. There are two players with more or less set roles: the ace section player and the key player in the fifth section, but I think it's my role to be flexible and respond to any section. I want to run in a way that gives the team a boost.

Kudo: Personally, I'd like to say I won the section, but the reality is not so sweet. But I'd like to secure about third place in the section and improve my ranking on the outbound leg as much as possible. What I want from the two of you is...

Mountain detective Kudo

Ito: Something like, "Hand over the sash (similar to a baton in a relay) to me at an oportune moment!"!? (laughs)

Kudo: That's true (laughs). I want to be in a position where I can see the leaders, or at least build up enough time so that I won't be caught by the "mountain stars" from other universities.

Ito: Shinsaku is going to become a “mountain star”!

Kudo: Of course, I would be happy if I could receive the sash at the front. That way I wouldn't feel any pressure. Being able to run alone is my strength. Also, being at the front has the advantage of being able to use the broadcast vehicle as a windbreak, so I believe I will be able to take the lead!

Yamaguchi: Yes, I want Kudo to take the lead. Whatever position I get, I want to make sure I can run in the top spots, but I also want to compete for the section prize in the first half of the outward leg. The top three teams (Aoyama Gakuin University, Komazawa University, and Kokugakuin University) have very strong aces, but I want to give them a good fight!

Both of them are tough and can drive well in any situation or condition. I look forward to seeing them save the team and lead us to victory.

--What is the unique running style of Ekiden that is different from individual races?

Ito will run the second section of the Izumo Ekiden in October 2024. ©M.Okazaki

Ito: At first, I was worried about that difference. I can accept my own race results, whether good or bad, but in an Ekiden, my running results affect the team's ranking, so I felt pressured by that. However, after gaining various experiences at university, I came to realize that instead of getting too worked up about it being an Ekiden, I should simply focus on my own running.

However, from the beginning, my mindset when I became the ekiden captain was, "Let's build a team where everyone fights together and wants to win," and that's what I've been talking about. This will be my last time running in the Waseda uniform, so I want to focus on my own running and finish with a smile on my face.

Yamaguchi: I guess what's important in a Ekiden race is to be smart. The starting position is different from other university athletes, and the pace and strength of the runners are different. If I can't judge the situation myself and run calmly, my time will change significantly. I think it's important to have my own sense of self so as not to be confused by my opponents.

Kudo: I think toughness is more important than smartness. Unlike baseball, we can't make substitutions in a Ekiden race, so no matter how much I slow down, I can't give up until the end, and I can't drop out halfway through. You're expected to be tough and persevere until the very end.

--What kind of support would you like to receive from the people along the route?

Ito: For some reason, I'm often called by my full name. So, I'd be happy if you would support me by my full name, "Ito Taishi"! Just hearing the voice saying "Waseda!" or seeing the crimson flag makes me go "Oh!"

Yamaguchi will run the first leg of the Izumo Ekiden in October 2024. ©M.Okazaki

Yamaguchi: Yes, I do. The second section of the Hakone Ekiden is 23km long, so I can't concentrate from start to finish. I run more than half the distance just to enjoy the cheers from the sidelines. So I hope people will wear crimson and cheer me on.

Ito: Shinsaku has a great hashtag (※), "#MountainDetective."

Kudo: I'd be happy if people knew they were supporting me, whether it was a hashtag, the name of the university, or my name. In the 5th section, there's a big difference between places with people and places without, so I'd like people to come and support me in places where there aren't many people!

(From left) Yamaguchi, Ito, and Kudo

What kind of life do they lead? A day in the life of a Ekiden runner

When we conducted a survey of Waseda University student reader monitors for Waseda Weekly, we received many questions such as, "What does a day in the life of a Ekiden runner look like?" The Track and Field Club has many athletes, from sprinters to long-distance runners, as well as long-jump and other jumping athletes and javelin throwers, but Manager Shiraishi will be introducing a day in the life of a long-distance runner who lives in the Track and Field Club's training camp (dormitory)!

Manager:Shiraishi Kosei, 3rd year School of Human Sciences, graduated from Ehime Prefectural Yawatahama High School

Wake up ~ Morning practice ~ Breakfast

The day for the long-distance ekiden team members begins early in the morning. The track and field team dormitory is about a 10-minute walk from Tokorozawa Campus, and morning practice begins at 6:00 a.m., so they wake up around 5:30 a.m. However, those who have a first period class outside Tokorozawa Campus practice an hour earlier.

Morning practice consists of group runs and individual jogging days. Group runs are about 10km in 40 minutes, and individual jogging is about 12-15km, depending on the person. Practice usually ends at 7:30, and after taking a bath, breakfast starts around 8:00.

Left: Exercising after gathering at 6am. As winter approaches, the mornings get darker.
Photo on the right: The person on duty drains and cleans the dormitory's baths from around 5:40 a.m., and fills them with hot water just in time for the end of morning practice.

1st period - Meeting and afternoon practice

After breakfast, each student heads to campus according to their class time. During their free time, they sleep in the dorms to rest, work on assignments for class, or go to a clinic to take care of themselves. The meeting time for afternoon practice is 3:20 p.m. Not only long-distance runners but also athletes from other blocks such as short-distance runners will gather at the Tokorozawa campus ground together as a whole.

After gathering, we do reinforcement training to increase the necessary muscle strength and flexibility, and take care of our bodies before running practice. When practicing on our own, some people go to Lake Sayama or Lake Tama in the mountains behind the campus to run, while others run on the grounds, and those who run longer distances run more than 20km. Practice usually ends around 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

After practice, they take good care of their bodies. Some do so when they return to the dorms, while others have a trainer check them on the ground.

Left: Long-distance runners have important, high-intensity training sessions (point training) on Wednesdays, so they adjust their schedules to attend as many sessions as possible.
Photo on the right: Those who can't make it in time for the general assembly gather at the end of the fourth period and do "late practice." Those who can't make it in time for that either practice alone after dark.

Return to dormitory - dinner - lights out

After returning to the dorms, students take a bath and eat dinner at 6:30 p.m. After dinner, students have free time. Some students take care of themselves by going into oxygen capsules, using ultrasound, or giving each other massages, while others gather in someone's room to play games. Recently, the Pokemon card game seems to be popular. Of course, many students also use this time to work on their class assignments.

Left: Dinner time. A nutritionally balanced meal is provided by the live-in dormitory supervisor.
Photo on the right: The seminar room next to the cafeteria. In addition to the oxygen capsule, conditioning equipment and recovery equipment are also provided.

Lights are turned off at 10 p.m., but during exam periods, students can use the dining hall with the dorm supervisor's permission, so some students stay in the dining hall until late at night to write reports or study for tests.

weekend

On Saturdays, we gather at 10:30 to do some practice, and in the afternoon, we do lighter practice such as weight training and jogging from around 4:00 pm. We also gather at 10:30 am on Sundays, but after morning practice, we have free time in the afternoon. Curfew is usually 11:00 pm, but from December before the Hakone Ekiden, it will be earlier, at 10:00 pm. By the way, Mondays are off, so there is no morning practice, but everyone still seems to run about 10km.

Photo: The entrance to the athletics club's dormitory, located about a 10-minute walk from Tokorozawa Campus

Interview and text: Satoshi Wada (School of Letters, Arts and Sciences I)
Photo by Kota Nunokawa

A great companion for watching the match! List of entered players

The 16 entrants were announced on December 10th. The Track and Field Club Manager, who supports them on a daily basis, has created a unique profile introduction for the 16 members. If you watch the race with this in hand, you will feel closer to the Ekiden!

(*) Entries for the 10 sections will be announced on December 29th.

Taishi Ito, 4th year student School of Sport Sciences
Graduated from Saku Chosei High School, Nagano Prefecture

Our ekiden captain has led the team with both his running and words. Since he missed the 2024 event due to poor health just before the event, this time he will be pouring out two years' worth of feelings. On his days off, he enjoys visiting art museums and window shopping. #強し速し伊藤大志

School of Education 4th year Haruto Ishizuka
Graduated from  Waseda Jitsugyo High School in Tokyo

He had a bad season, but he's finally back on track! He trains hard in the morning and does research in the lab in the afternoon, leading a hard life. He learned soft tennis in junior high school, and even now he is the best tennis player in the video game club. #はればれ陽士

Yota Ifuku, 4th year student, School of Political Science and Economics
Graduated from Rakunan High School, Kyoto Prefecture

He won the Nobeoka Marathon in February 2024 with a good record of 2 hours and 9 minutes! During the summer training camp, he ran longer than anyone else, steadily running the distance until the end. He is said to be a beloved mascot in the seminar. During breaks, he never misses replenishing his nutrients with Japanese sweets. #笑う門には伊福来たる

Yuta Kanno, 4th year student School of Education
Graduated from Seibu Gakuen Bunri High School, Saitama Prefecture

He has been the anchor for two consecutive years at Hakone. But even so, people along the route still cheer her on, saying, "Go Sugano!" His piano skills are also top-notch. When he plays on the street piano at the station, crowds gather one after another. The jack-of-all-trades "Kanno" will once again show us a spectacular run. #圧巻の走り

Kosei Kusano, 4th year, School of Commerce
Graduated from Saitama Prefectural Urawa High School

In 2024, he will compete in the 3000m hurdles at the Japan Intercollegiate Championships for the first time. Some juniors were moved to tears by the determined running of this fourth-year student. If he runs Hakone with his handsome face and cool personality, he will surely make waves in the world. In addition, he is a genius at singing. Aim to be the Kim Taehyung of Waseda! #それいけ草パンマン

Yuto Wada, 4th year student School of Advanced Science and Engineering
Graduated from Waseda Jitsugyo High School in Tokyo

He is a multi-faceted runner who can run uphill, downhill, and on flat ground. This is his seventh year carrying the double jersey from Waseda Jitsugyo High School. He has strong feelings about the crimson sash. Recently, he has been staying at home on his days off. He is addicted to Netflix, and says he has watched almost all of the movies, from Japanese to foreign. #ワセダのゆうとうせい

Shinjiro Fujimoto, 3rd year, School of Education
Graduated from Seifu High School, Osaka Prefecture

He will be running in the Izumo Ekiden and the All Japan University Ekiden for the first time, and 2024 will be his big break. His dynamic running will make anyone who sees it fall in love with him. His source of power is a hamburger bento lunch that he buys from a bento shop near his dorm. On Mondays, when there is no dinner at the dorm, he also eats "hamburger bento x 2" for dinner. #俺を進次郎

Junpei Maseda, 3rd year student School of Sport Sciences
Graduated from Tosu Technical High School, Saga Prefecture

He is a specialist in the first section. During the summer training camp, he pushed himself harder than usual in terms of both quantity and quality. This time, he hopes to grab the section prize with the Mase Dash. He graduated from Tosu Technical High School and is qualified as a hazardous materials handler and gas welder. He even once built an elevator. #間瀬ダッシュ

Rinta Miyaoka, 3rd year, School of Commerce
Graduated from Kamakura Gakuen High School, Kanagawa Prefecture

His best half marathon time is finally 62 minutes! I ran the longest distance in the summer training camp in our club. He wants to get over the disappointment of being an alternate for two consecutive years and run Section 3 or Section 8, which is in front of his parents' house, with a bang. By the way, his socks for the race are maroon. #リンタリンタ

Tomonori Yamaguchi, 3rd year student School of Sport Sciences
Graduated from Ishikawa High School, Fukushima Prefecture

Waseda's absolute ace. He broke the 27 minute mark in the 10,000m. He's not only fast but also strong, and will take on the top runners from each school. He only listens to BUMP OF CHICKEN. His favorite song and phrase is "Only Lonely Glory." #ノリノリ智規

Shinsaku Kudo, 2nd year student School of Sport Sciences
Graduated from Yachiyo Shoin High School, Chiba Prefecture

He made a brilliant debut as the "Mountain Detective" at the last tournament. In 2024, he will be the anchor for both the Izumo Ekiden and the All Japan University Ekiden. In junior high school, he was thinking of joining the table tennis club, but he didn't know where to play, so he joined the track and field club, where his homeroom teacher happened to be the advisor. #山の名探偵

Masaki Nagaya, 2nd year student School of Sport Sciences
Graduated from Saku Chosei High School, Nagano Prefecture

He struggled in the first half of the season, but made it in time for the Ekiden race. He has been in top form since the summer training camp. He showed a spirited run that pushed the team up in the rankings in both the Izumo Ekiden and the All Japan University Ekiden. Lately, his heart has been filled with romance. His favorite view is the night view of Yokohama Minato Mirai. #真っ先に走れ

Ibuki Yamazaki, 2nd year student School of Sport Sciences
Graduated from Ishikawa High School, Fukushima Prefecture

In addition to being a top-class runner since high school, he has become able to run long distances through continuous practice. On Halloween night, he dressed up as Eren, the main character of "Attack on Titan," and ran around the dormitory. In his second year, he is ready to give his all! #いきいきいぶき

Gensuke Sema, 1st year student School of Sport Sciences
Graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Second High School, Gunma Prefecture

A Waseda ekiden man. Since his high school days, he has been stronger in road races and ekiden compared to track races. Recently, he has started going to an eyebrow salon, perhaps because his sense of beauty has become more pronounced. I hope he will show off his sharp eyebrows and a sharp run on the Hakone course. #いつかは早稲田の駅伝漢

Shunpei Yamaguchi, 1st year student School of Sport Sciences
Graduated from Saku Chosei High School, Nagano Prefecture

A promising rookie from the prestigious Saku Chosei High School. He has the ability to be the first high school student to win the MVP award in the history of the Prefectural Ekiden. He is a junior character who is loved by everyone and is loved by everyone. He sleeps proudly in his senior's room. #山口いまが竣ですよ

Naoki Yoshikura, 1st year student School of Sport Sciences
Graduated from Waseda Jitsugyo High School in Tokyo

Even Coach Hanada admits defeat with this high-level style. Since entering university, he has steadily improved his strength. There is no doubt that he will use his speed, which he excels at, to show us the most physical and primitive running in Hakone. #スピードナヤビューン