What is the name and significance of the event returning to Osaka in 2026?

The event is called 'STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage,' a world-class race for young riders returning to Osaka's Festival Plaza at Expo '70 Commemorative Park after a one-year absence.

Where and when will the STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage take place?

The STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage will take place on Saturday and Sunday in 2026 at Festival Plaza in Expo '70 Commemorative Park, Osaka, beneath the Tower of the Sun.

How many children are expected to participate in the STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage, and what are their age groups?

A total of 792 children aged 2 to 6 are expected to compete in four categories: 2-year-old, 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and 14x Open classes at STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage.

What company organizes the Strider Cup, and when was the first event held in Japan?

Strider Japan organizes the Strider Cup, with the first event held in Japan in 2010, establishing it as an official international race for young children.

What are the dates and details for secondary entry to the STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage?

Secondary entry for STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage runs from Monday, March 16, 2026, at 12:00 to Sunday, April 5, 2026, at 23:59, via a lottery system.

The original youngest-ever race event with over 10,000 attendees returns to Osaka! "STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage" confirmed

Published Mar 31, 2026 12:00 AM ・ Updated Jun 17, 2026 9:49 AM ・ 9 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

The Strider Cup, the world's original race for the youngest riders, is returning to Osaka's Expo '70 Commemorative Park in May 2026. The event will feature races for children aged 2 to 6, focusing on personal growth and the "power of children."

■ What is the Strider Cup?

The Strider Cup is the original world-class race for the youngest riders.

Since Strider Japan held the first event in Japan in 2010, it has become an official race held in countries all around the world. The venue offers not only races but also a wide variety of experiential content and Strider-related activities, providing plenty of opportunities for children to go on adventures. It is a festival where children are the stars, bringing together Strider kids from all over the country.

■ "Taiyo no Stage" returns to Osaka after one year

In 2026, the Strider Cup returns to Osaka for the first time in a year.

The venue is the "Festival Plaza" at the Expo '70 Commemorative Park, a major leisure spot representing Osaka and home to the iconic Tower of the Sun.

Strider kids from across the country will gather at this location, watched over by the Tower of the Sun. Children will stand at their respective starting lines and move forward by kicking the ground with their own feet.

This is a place where the "power of children" within each individual takes shape and comes to life. Under the blue sky and beneath the Tower of the Sun, the scene will be a two-day event that remains in the memories of attendees as a "stage for children's growth" that transcends a mere race.

■ Approximately 800 children aged 2 to 6 will compete! Entries now open!

"STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage" will be held in four categories: 2-year-old class, 3-year-old class, 4-year-old class, and 14x Open class. A total of 792 participants are expected over the two days, with many Strider kids gathering from all over the country.

Secondary entry (lottery) is currently being accepted.

□ Secondary entry (lottery) period Monday, March 16, 2026, 12:00 – Sunday, April 5, 2026, 23:59

*Primary entry (first-come, first-served) has closed.

■ The theme of the Strider Cup is "The Power of Children"

Moving forward by kicking the ground with your own feet. Getting back up even after falling down. Standing at the starting line on your own, even if you are a little scared.

Crying with all your might, laughing with all your might—all of it.

The Strider Cup is a place where such straightforward power within children overflows throughout the venue. The biggest highlight of this event is not just the speed of the race, but the spirit of taking on a challenge and the moments of growth themselves.

■ STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage Event Overview

Event Name: STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage Venue: Expo '70 Commemorative Park "Festival Plaza" (1-1 Senri Banpaku Koen, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture) Dates: May 30 (Sat) and May 31 (Sun), 2026 Opening Time: 9:30 (Central Gate / Japanese Garden Gate)

Categories: May 30 (Sat) - 2-year-old class (12-inch) - 4-year-old class (12-inch)

May 31 (Sun) - 3-year-old class (12-inch) - 14x Open class (4–6 years old / 14x)

*Event dates vary by participation class. *Age is determined as of the first day of the race (May 30, 2026).

Capacity: 2-year-old class: 192 participants (Primary: 80 / Secondary: 112) 3-year-old class: 288 participants (Primary: 100 / Secondary: 188) 4-year-old class: 192 participants (Primary: 100 / Secondary: 92) 14x Open class: 120 participants (Primary: 60 / Secondary: 60) Total: 792 participants

*Double entry for the 12-inch 4-year-old class and the 14x Open class is not permitted.

Organizer: Strider Cup Executive Committee Co-organizer: Expo '70 Commemorative Park Management Partners Support: Osaka Prefecture, Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, Suita City

[View Details](https://strider.jp/pages/cup_taiyo)

■ About STRIDER

STRIDER® is the only running bike loved by over 3 million children in 25 countries around the world. Unlike tricycles or bicycles with training wheels, the Strider is a vehicle that children control by intuitively balancing themselves. Because of this, it naturally builds a sense of balance and strengthens the core, satisfying children's curiosity during the ages of 1.5 to 5, a period when their hearts and bodies grow significantly.

Official Website: https://www.strider.jp/

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: event

The original youngest-ever race event with over 10,000 attendees returns to Osaka! "STRIDER CUP 2026 Taiyo no Stage" confirmed

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