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I was able to strongly feel the importance of leadership and the power of teamwork.

Shiyu Enomoto, 4th year student School of Human Sciences

The 61st Honjo-Waseda 100km Hike (hereafter referred to as 100-Hike) was held on May 25th and 26th, 2024. It is an event in which participants walk about 100km from Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture, via the Tokorozawa Campus of Waseda University, to Waseda Campus over two days, and is organized by the Waseda Seishin Kouyoukai (an officially recognized student club).

This year, approximately 500 people participated, more than 100 more than last year, with a wide range of ages participating, from the youngest person at 15 to the oldest at 75. It was a large-scale event that was attended not only by current Waseda students but also Alumnus (graduates) and their children.

I was appointed as the executive committee chairman for the event and was involved in managing its opening for about six months.

When the 61st Executive Committee was formed in January 2024, I was worried about whether I could fulfill my duties as Executive Committee Chair. Despite being in a position of responsibility, I lacked knowledge about event management, and I was hesitant to make decisions on my own, always checking with those around me about everything I did.

In the midst of all this, when we held an information session for participants, many people encouraged me, saying, "We're looking forward to 100 High!" and "Good luck!" At that time, I realized that no matter how hard my fellow executive committee members were working, if I, as the center of the event, didn't put in my all, it would have a big impact on 100 High.

From then on, I reviewed my attitude towards daily management tasks, and tried to run the event smoothly by asking for help from my colleagues when I couldn't do it myself. By doing so, I think I developed a sense of trust and responsibility in my colleagues. I became convinced that by demonstrating leadership and working hard to make 100 High a success, I could inspire my colleagues and deepen unity.

On the day of the event, we had a wide range of tasks, from the opening ceremony speeches to setting up rest areas, but the most difficult part was dealing with those who dropped out. As soon as we received notice of a dropout, we arranged for a special car to pick them up, but there were more dropouts on the first day than last year, so we were unable to respond smoothly and got a bit flustered. However, with the help of the senior members of the Waseda Spirit Promotion Association who participated, we were able to finish the event safely without any injuries.

Left: At the opening ceremony, the executive chairman gave a speech and provided participants with important information to keep in mind.
Right: A signboard kindly installed by the Honjo Kodama Tomonkai. They support us every year and distribute drinks.

Another important part of the executive committee's job is to encourage the participants. When I offered words of encouragement to the participants as they walked, I saw the smiles on their faces as they walked with all their might, despite their discomfort. I felt that our efforts had paid off.

The 61st Honjo-Waseda 100km Hike was a great success and left a wonderful memory for all the participants, including the organizing committee. Through this experience, I was able to feel the importance of leadership, the power of teamwork, and the joy of self-growth.

A commemorative photo taken with staff members after the closing ceremony in front of the main gate Waseda Campus