January 2016 - Word of the Month
January: 駅伝 (Ekiden)
This month’s word is Ekiden.
Ekiden is a
long-distance relay running race, typically on roads. The distance and the
number of runners differ in each race, but in many races, including the annual Hakone
Ekiden, each runner covers about 20 kilometers, roughly the distance of a
half-marathon. In ekiden, instead of
a baton, a tasuki (sash) is handed from
one runner to the next. Among many university/collegiate ekiden races held in
Japan, Hakone Ekiden, which is held on January 2 and 3 in Japan, is undoubtedly
the most well-known. This two-day race from Otemachi to Hakone (1st
day) and back (2nd day) is divided into five sections on each day.
Due to slight variations in the courses, the distance is 108.0 kilometers (67.1
miles) for the first day, and 109.9 kilometers (68.2 miles) for the second day.
Hakone Ekiden embodies many values that are important to Japanese people, such
as perseverance, the importance of teamwork, and a sense of responsibility in
“passing on the sash.” When runners collapse in tears for having failed to
accomplish the latter, either by not making the “cutoff” time or by dropping
out, it tugs at the heartstrings of all. Hakone Ekiden was first held in 1920,
and except for a few years, it has taken place during the New Year holidays
ever since. The 2016 race will be the 92nd.
References:
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