Global 'Run for Reforestation Challenge 2026' Concludes: 113,506 Finishers Worldwide, 19,119 in Japan, Exceeding Last Year's Tree Planting

ASICS Japan hosted an event linked to the global program 'Run for Reforestation Challenge 2026' (hereinafter referred to as 'the program'), organized by ASICS from April 1 (Tue) to April 30 (Thu), 2026. The event achieved 19,119 finishers in Japan.

In Japan, a total of 23,648 participants joined, ranging from regular runners to health-conscious beginners. The tangible sense that 'my own running directly contributes to tree planting' served as strong motivation to complete the challenge, resulting in significantly more participants than the previous year.

The program, launched globally since 2023, is rooted in ASICS' founding philosophy of 'Anima Sana in Corpore Sano' (A Sound Mind in a Sound Body). It aims to inspire people not only to improve their physical and mental health through exercise but also to reflect on the health of the planet that supports such activities.

Through ASICS' fitness tracking app 'ASICS Runkeeper,' one tree is planted via the international NPO 'One Tree Planted' for every 5km completed—whether by running, walking, trail running, wheelchair use, hiking, or 'progging' (jogging while picking up litter).

In 2026, participants from countries including the United States, France, Italy, South Korea, and Japan contributed to a total of 169,890 participants (a 11.5% increase from the previous year) and 113,506 finishers (a 10.5% increase). This global initiative, which raises environmental awareness through physical activity, demonstrated even greater reach than the previous year.

〇 Global Participation Growth: Japan Ranks 2nd Worldwide with 80% Completion Rate

This year’s program saw broad participation from countries such as the U.S., France, Italy, and South Korea, all surpassing last year’s results. This reflects a growing global awareness of environmental conservation.

Japan ranked second globally in participation, behind only the U.S. The number of finishers reached 19,119, a 34% increase from the previous year. With an approximately 80% completion rate—the highest among participating countries—Japan demonstrated exceptionally high engagement.

〇 Unique Domestic Initiative: 'Beach Progging' in Ishigaki Island

As a unique domestic action, a 'Beach Progging' event to protect Ishigaki Island’s natural environment was held on April 11, 2026 (Sat) in Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture.

A total of 23 participants joined, including para-triathletes Ueda Hideoki and Yasuda Asami, and former Japanese women’s triathlon national team member Niwata Kiyomi. They challenged a 5km 'Beach Progging' course along the island’s coastline, combining jogging with litter collection. They collected approximately 40 bags of trash, and since all participants completed the course, 23 trees were planted under the program’s rules.

While Ishigaki’s coastline appears beautiful, the activity revealed the reality of significant marine debris when observed up close during the run. Participants expressed sentiments such as, 'I’m happy to contribute to Ishigaki’s environmental beautification,' and 'I’d like to enjoy jogging while picking up trash in my daily life.' Additionally, the distribution of custom keychains made from collected ocean plastic provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of a circular society.

At the event, top athletes and general participants stood together on equal footing to address environmental issues, embodying ASICS’ vision of an 'inclusive society' where sports unite people across abilities and skill levels with nature.

Athletes shared their joy in 'collecting trash together in the heat,' the 'sense that ongoing efforts are reducing litter,' and 'a sense of fulfillment and gratitude toward the local community for being able to give back through environmental beautification, as we participate annually in Ishigaki’s triathlon events.'

〇 Climate Action Through Sports: ASICS’ Sustainable Vision Extends Internally

ASICS upholds the founding philosophy of 'Anima Sana in Corpore Sano,' aiming to realize a world where everyone can engage in sports throughout their lives, maintaining physical and mental health.

This philosophy extends beyond external initiatives into the company itself. Employees actively participate in running and walking events and engage in environmental conservation and sustainability actions. In fact, ASICS employees also joined this program, fostering organization-wide activities that promote coexistence between health and the environment.

Comments from ASICS Japan employees:

'I felt proud that my usual jogging for personal refreshment now benefits the planet. After participating in Run for Reforestation, I’ve started considering the Earth even in my daily actions.'

'We ran as a team. Not only did we contribute to the planet, but we also strengthened our team bonds, enabling us to approach work more positively.'

Additionally, the company aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and is promoting circular manufacturing. We believe that continuing to provide opportunities for individuals to reflect on their environmental impact through initiatives like this program is the first step toward a sustainable society. Moving forward, we will continue to leverage the power of sports to contribute to climate action and environmental conservation, striving to realize a future where human health and planetary well-being coexist.

〇 Comment from Kazuya Kano, Director and Head of Marketing, ASICS Japan Co., Ltd.

We are delighted by the widespread participation from people across Japan in this program.

Since its founding, ASICS has pursued the realization of 'Sound Mind, Sound Body'—essential for living healthily. This physical and mental well-being depends on a rich and sustainable Earth. Through this program, by offering the experience that 'your own running leads to tree planting,' we believe we’ve provided an opportunity for people to view environmental issues as personal matters.

In Japan, in particular, recording participation and completion rates significantly exceeding last year reflects a high level of awareness—people’s desire to connect their daily sports habits with social contribution.

We intend to continue these initiatives to maintain physical and mental well-being through sports while passing on a sustainable future to the next generation.

〇 About ASICS

ASICS was founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, aiming to nurture youth through sports.