Huawei Japan Partners with Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club to Support Their Quest for Victory in the Three Major Ekiden Races with Smartwatches and PR Collaboration

Huawei Technologies Japan K.K. (Huawei Japan) has begun providing its smartwatch series, the "HUAWEI WATCH," to the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club, and has also initiated a public relations collaboration with the club.

Through this initiative, we aim to support the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club's pursuit of becoming the number one team in Japan in the three major ekiden races: the Izumo Ekiden, the All Japan University Ekiden, and the Hakone Ekiden. We also aim to contribute to the development of running culture in Japan and the realization of healthier lifestyles for more people.

HUAWEI has been strengthening its focus on the running domain as one of its key strategies in recent years. In March 2026, the company released the running-specific smartwatch "HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2," and in May, it launched the "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5" series, which features a large display and long battery life suitable for all sports scenes. These products offer professional and comprehensive training support for a wide range of users, from top athletes to general runners.

This collaboration, through its partnership with the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club, a powerhouse in Japanese long-distance running, further deepens HUAWEI's commitment to the Japanese running scene and the sports industry as a whole.

Background of This Initiative and HUAWEI's Vision: "Now Is Yours" - Supporting Everyone's Challenge

HUAWEI is currently promoting a new philosophy, "Now Is Yours," in addition to its traditional "Make It Possible." The important thing is to challenge yourself in your own way and take a step towards your goals. And then, to build upon each of those steps.

HUAWEI has provided cutting-edge technology and seamless experiences to enable people worldwide to explore their potential and seize their own special moments.

Running is also a sport where one faces oneself and continues to move forward step by step.

The athletes of the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club, by accumulating their daily efforts and continuously challenging their limits, truly embody the "Now Is Yours" philosophy.

Through this initiative, we will support their moments of challenge and cheer for the growth and success of the athletes.

HUAWEI "Now Is Yours #Make It Possible" Image Movie

https://youtu.be/biQY9gz74eg?si=VejGwKmLdysq0yWL

The Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club, Carrying the Future of Japanese Long-Distance Running

The Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club is one of Japan's leading strong teams, consistently competing for victory in the three major university ekiden races: the Izumo Ekiden, the All Japan University Ekiden, and the Hakone Ekiden.

In recent years, the team has maintained stable results and produced many talented runners, attracting significant attention as a leader in Japanese long-distance running.

Victories in the three major ekiden races are expected in the 2026 season, and their challenge delivers courage and inspiration to runners and sports fans across the country.

HUAWEI believes that collaboration with top-level competitive scenes is crucial for further invigorating the Japanese running market.

Through our initiative with the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club, which supports the unique Japanese sports culture of university ekiden, we will provide new value not only to competitors but also to all runners, including citizen runners.

At the Huawei Japan new product launch event held in May 2026, Yasuhiro Maeda, coach of the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club, stated, "Going forward, the 'HUAWEI WATCH' will support our athletes as they challenge our long-cherished goal of 'winning the Hakone Ekiden,' following our victories in the Izumo and All Japan Ekiden. We want to contribute to product development and improvement through the real feedback of top athletes. And by leveraging this stamina and high-precision data analysis capabilities, we want to achieve the challenge of having 10 athletes wear the watch and win the Hakone Ekiden together with Huawei."

Supporting the Japanese Running Scene with World-Class Running Technology

HUAWEI has supported runners worldwide through continuous investment in research and development in the health and sports fields.

In recent years, the company has further strengthened its efforts in the running domain, launching "HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2," HUAWEI's most professional smart running watch to date, in 2026. By integrating knowledge gained from co-development with top athletes and cutting-edge technology, HUAWEI promotes product development that supports each runner's goal achievement.

This product features a high-precision positioning system with an innovative 3D floating antenna and an optimized smart marathon mode for runners. It provides a more scientific running experience by supporting accurate tracking of distance, pace, and routes, as well as race strategy and training plan formulation.

Furthermore, HUAWEI reflects feedback from the world's top competitive scenes into its product development through collaborations with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and the dsm-firmenich running team. At the Tokyo Marathon, Daniel Mateiko, a member of the team, wore the "HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2" and recorded a personal best of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds.

Additionally, the "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5" series, which supports a wide range of activities from daily health management to serious sports scenes, is also suitable for running. The "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Pro" supports serious sports functions such as running, hiking, cycling, and golf, while the "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5" combines advanced health monitoring functions with sports functions to support users' challenges from multiple angles.

In this initiative, HUAWEI will provide the "HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2" and the "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5" series to support the daily training and condition management of the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club athletes. By leveraging the insights gained from the forefront of the unique Japanese competitive culture of university ekiden, HUAWEI aims to connect this to future product development and value provision to the running community.

About the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club

The Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club was founded in 1950. In recent years, it has been known as a strong team that consistently competes for victory in the three major university ekiden races: the Izumo Ekiden, the All Japan University Ekiden, and the Hakone Ekiden.

Under the guidance of Coach Yasuhiro Maeda, the team has achieved numerous successes, including winning the All Japan University Ekiden and the Izumo Ekiden, growing into a team that represents Japanese long-distance running.

With a focus on fostering "human potential," the team has produced many top runners.

Hua Lei, President of Huawei Devices Japan and Korea Region, and Yasuhiro Maeda, Coach of the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club

About HUAWEI

HUAWEI is a global technology company operating in over 170 countries and regions. In the wearables sector, HUAWEI leverages its continuous investment in research and development in the health and fitness domains to provide innovative products and services to users worldwide.

According to IDC's "Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker," HUAWEI shipped 9.5 million units of wrist-worn devices (smartwatches, smart bands, etc.) in Q1 2026, capturing a 20.2% global market share and ranking first in global shipments. The company has also maintained its top position in the Chinese market based on shipment volume since 2021.

In recent years, HUAWEI has launched a wide range of products catering to diverse needs, such as running, golf, and health management, including the "HUAWEI WATCH GT" series, "HUAWEI WATCH FIT" series, and "HUAWEI Band" series. Furthermore, through its HUAWEI Health Labs located in several locations worldwide, HUAWEI conducts research and development, achieving the measurement of over 70 health indicators, including ECG, blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep, and stress, through its proprietary health monitoring system "HUAWEI TruSense" (features vary by smartwatch model).

HUAWEI is currently strengthening its global efforts in the running domain, promoting collaboration with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and various running communities worldwide. Moving forward, under the philosophy of "Now Is Yours," HUAWEI will continue to provide products and experiences that support individual challenges and expand the possibilities for more runners.

About the Latest Smartwatch "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5" Series Provided to the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club

This is the fifth generation of the "HUAWEI WATCH FIT" series, a stylish smartwatch that offers a large, easy-to-read display and a variety of functions at an affordable price. The "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Pro" also supports golf, while the "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5" is suitable for various sports scenes such as running, hiking, and cycling. With a wide range of color variations, you are sure to find a model that suits your preference.

Estimated Market Price (Tax Included) for "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Pro"

- White/Black (Fluoroelastomer strap) ... ¥39,380

- Orange (Nylon strap) ... ¥42,680

Estimated Market Price (Tax Included) for "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5"

- Black, White, Purple, Green (Fluoroelastomer strap) ... ¥27,280

- Silver (Nylon strap) ... ¥30,580

About the Runner's Watch "HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2" Provided to the Kokugakuin University Track and Field Club

The "HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2" is HUAWEI's most professional smart running watch, featuring an ultra-slim design that supports an exceptional running experience, advanced positioning performance, and scientifically based training support functions. Developed in collaboration with Eliud Kipchoge, the first person to break the 2-hour barrier in a full marathon, and his running team, it incorporates the expertise of professional athletes into its feature development. It supports the challenges of all runners, from daily training to race day.

Estimated Market Price (Tax Included) for "HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2"

- Orange, Blue, Black (Includes AirDry woven strap and fluoroelastomer strap) ... ¥54,780