Exploring the future of trail running that preserves and coexists with nature.
As a new initiative, the Daisetsuzan Trail Journey aims to…
serve as a “learning environment for the natural surroundings of the trail,” where trail running contributes positively to the conservation of the environment and the trails.
Our goal is to establish this trail running event as a hub for such activities.
Of course, it is not enough for only the participating runners to learn. Meaningful activities are only possible when the staff, including volunteers involved in event operations, have a thorough understanding of these issues.
By running through this rich yet harsh natural environment, we hope to help participants deepen their understanding of preserving this unique environment, which has been maintained to this day, and the trails that make experiencing it possible. We also aim to encourage trail runners to actively participate in maintaining these environments.
The newly revamped “Daisetsuzan Trail Journey” is about more than just enjoying trail running. It also encourages participants to consider the environment and take the first step toward action. We look forward to your active participation and cooperation.
Kokajigumi Co., Ltd. strongly supports this vision. As a “Sustainable Partner” of this event, we will jointly promote various environmental initiatives under the banner “Supported by Kokajigumi.”
Education
To empower trail runners to take the lead in protecting trails
Through this event, we aim to raise awareness among participants about conserving trails and hiking paths, as well as protecting the natural environment.
As someone who enjoys the mountains, we believe that trail runners should take the lead in creating learning opportunities.
Pledge of Learning and Commitment:
This online learning program is for all runners participating in the event. Participants will watch a special video summarizing the natural environment of the Daisetsuzan Mountains and the importance of its conservation.
- How it works:
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We have implemented a system where only those who watch the video in its entirety can download the “Race Pledge/Waiver.”
- Action:
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After watching the video, runners will be asked to write down their personal commitment to the environment. This program allows participants to reflect on their commitment after the race concludes.
Sustainability and Research
We hope that by continuing this event, we will contribute to the sustainable management and maintenance of the trails.
This event is more than just a trail running race where participants compete for rankings.
It will also lead to the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the hiking trail environment.
(before and after the event, as well as long-term changes)
Leaving a Visible Record of the Event’s Impact
We will conduct a monitoring survey of the race course before the event. Additionally, we will revisit the trails after the race to observe any environmental changes that occurred before and after the event. This initiative is part of a vegetation survey conducted in accordance with the Ministry of the Environment’s guidelines.
Starting in 2026, we will collaborate with the Hayakawa Laboratory at Hokkaido University’s Graduate School of Environmental Science to collect more objective and comparable data. We will also continue to investigate the trails’ long-term condition.
- Objectives
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Our objectives are to observe the condition of the trails and surrounding vegetation in the Special Protection Zones of the Daisetsuzan National Park along the course and document our findings. By observing changes over time, we can determine whether trail running events have a negative impact on the trails and vegetation based on objective data.
- Benefits for volunteers
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All participating volunteers will receive an original QUO card courtesy of Kokajigumi.
Maintenance of Trails and Nature
To ensure that the hiking trails in the Northern Daisetsuzan are not damaged and that the scenery is preserved
To maintain a proper relationship between humans and nature in areas where they coexist
Our goal is to create an event that improves the environment as more people participate.
On race day, runners voluntarily clean up trash generated during the race or found along the course and carry it back to the finish line.
Trash brought up by hikers from their living areas not only spoils the scenery, but it can also inadvertently bring humans and wildlife closer together if it serves as food for wild animals, such as brown bears.
- Eco-Action Reward: Even a single piece of trash counts. You can pick up trash you generated yourself, of course, but we would greatly appreciate it if you could also pick up any trash you find. As a token of our appreciation for protecting nature, Kotajigumi will give a QUO Card to every runner who picks up trash and brings it back.
It’s not just about running; it’s also an event designed to help participants explore and enjoy the area.
Increase Local Advocates
We hope those who attend the event will become local fans.
This area used to be Shirataki Village. As part of the “Great Merger in the Heisei Era,” it was incorporated into Engaru Town in 2005 and transformed from a village into a district of Engaru. In 2005, the population was just under 1,200. Today, however, the population of the Shirataki District has fallen to fewer than 500 people. Although the population has decreased by several hundred people, the implications are different from those in densely populated urban areas. In just 20 years, the population has more than halved. The area is far from urban centers, the local economy is small, and ordinary travelers rarely visit.
Still, even in this small place, there are unique gems that truly shine.
©2023 atelier tanemaki
This is “Ishinotakara-kun,” a character made from obsidian that has become a symbol of Engaru.
Tens of thousands of years ago, humans crafted stone tools from obsidian and used them in their daily lives. Shirataki is actually one of Japan’s largest sources of obsidian, and a large number of Paleolithic artifacts centered around these stones have reportedly been unearthed there. In order to preserve the history of stone toolmaking and the techniques used, these artifacts were designated a National Treasure on June 27, 2023. They are known as the “Artifacts Excavated from the Hokkaido Shirataki Site Group.” These materials are available for viewing at the Engaru Archaeological Center in the Shirataki General Branch Office.
Engaru may not be a famous, glittering tourist destination, but there are many other shining gems, delicious agricultural products, and interesting spots to discover. This is especially true when considering the entire Engaru area. We are working to shine a light on these treasures and encourage visitors to the tournament to become fans of Engaru and Shirataki.
