It's interesting precisely because 'you never know who will run.' Professional viewing tips to nurture your child's 'competitive brain' and 'self-esteem' through the Hakone Ekiden

It's finally here, the Hakone Ekiden. This year, 2026, is a 'new warring states period' where the talent is evenly matched.
Honestly, it's a situation where it wouldn't be surprising if anyone won.

How will Teikyo and Waseda get involved with the 'Big Three' of Kokugakuin, Komazawa, and Aoyama Gakuin? And above all, the fun of the Hakone Ekiden lies in the 'same-day changes.'

'Will that ace come to the 2nd leg? Or are they being saved?'
'Could there be a secret weapon for the 5th leg mountain climb?'

The high-level psychological warfare waged by the coaches of each university. Actually, this thrill of not knowing who will run is the perfect chance to nurture your child's 'imagination' and 'preparedness.'

Hello. I am Yasuyuki Sugimura, a mental coach.

Today, while mixing in some predictions, I will explain some viewing points where
'if you look here, your child's mental strength will grow!'

These are just my 'predictions,' so I don't know who will run on the day. But, discussing with your child, 'If you were the coach, what would you do?' or 'If you were the athlete, what would you do?' is the best kind of athlete education.

I would like to enjoy this intense drama together with you parents.

1. Learning about the 'diverse leadership styles' of aces through 'Flower 2nd Leg' predictions

The 'Flower 2nd Leg' where the strongest runners from each school gather. Who will come here?

Will Aoyama Gakuin University's absolute ace, Asahi Kuroda (4th year), run again? Will Kokugakuin University throw in Rui Aoki (4th year), who ran well last time? Or will Komazawa University's monster, Keita Sato (4th year), finally make his appearance?

We won't know until the day, but what I want to focus on here is the difference in 'types.'

Kuroda, who runs calmly like a craftsman. Aoki and Sato, who put their fighting spirit on full display to inspire their team.

If they run (or even if it's someone else), please try talking to your child like this.

'Even among aces, there are many different types. What kind of style would you (child's name) like to be?'

There is no 'correct leadership style' in the world of sports. There are quiet aces, and there are passionate aces.

By showing the 'differences in personality' of top athletes, you can naturally nurture the self-esteem that says,
'I can just be myself and become strong.'

2. The 5th leg, challenging the Mountain God, a dialogue with 'solitude'

The 5th leg, the mountain climb, which holds the key to victory. This is also a leg where you can't predict who will run until the day of.

As for strong candidates, there is Takuma Yamakawa (4th year) of Komazawa University, who ran a powerful race last time, but each school might bring out a 'new Mountain God' candidate they have been hiding.

No matter who runs, the mountain climb is 'lonely.' All you can rely on are your own legs and heart.

Here is a question you can ask your child:

“What do you think that runner is thinking about in their head on the toughest hill where no one can help them?”

“Maybe they're thinking, 'What should I eat when I'm done?'”
“Maybe they're thinking, 'I must deliver the sash no matter what?'”

Any answer is fine. The important thing is to have them imagine “what kind of words they say to themselves when things get tough (self-talk).”

No matter which athlete competes, their expression on the mountain is bound to be one of pain.
By talking while watching them face that pain, it becomes an opportunity for your child to find their own 'magic words.'

3. What if it happens...? The potential seen in the 'Akamon Relay'

And this year, the one I personally can't help but look forward to is the 'Kanto University Select Team.' This time, University of Tokyo athletes (such as fourth-year student Akiyoshi and graduate student Honda) are among the entry candidates.

If they are selected for the final roster and pass the sash, the first-ever “Akamon Relay” by Todai students might become a reality.

Of course, whether they are selected or not depends on their performance. But the mere fact that they are 'there,' with times in the 28-minute range for 10,000 meters—times comparable to the aces of powerhouse schools—is a powerful message in itself.

If you get to see them running, please tell your child this:

“You don't have to give up on either studies or sports. Maybe you're the only one setting your own limits.”

“Academic and athletic excellence”—their pursuit of both should serve as the ultimate textbook for your child, who is dedicated to sports, on 'not arbitrarily narrowing their own possibilities.'

4. The beauty of a never-give-up spirit seen in the 'seed rights battle'

The battle for the championship is exciting, but the most human drama is found in the 'seed rights battle' for the top 10.

Teams that crawled their way up from the qualifying rounds, such as Teikyo University and Chuo Gakuin University, will run with desperate expressions to shave off every single second.

There may even be teams that fail to pass the sash due to a mass start.

When that happens, seeing the athletes shed tears, please tell your child this:

“The result might have been disappointing. But that doesn't mean the four years that athlete has built up until today disappear.”

Sports tend to be judged solely by 'results.' But what is truly precious is the “process” leading up to standing on that starting line.

Regardless of the ranking, parents acknowledging that the sight of their child running to the very end is 'cool' plants the 'courage to take on challenges without fearing the results' within them.

Who will run in this year's Hakone, and what kind of drama will unfold? The excitement won't stop until the member change announcement on the morning of the race.

But no matter who runs, there is 'the sight of young people living with all their might' there.

Their breathing, sweat, and tears transmitted through the TV screen—all of these are the best teaching materials for your child.

Instead of just saying 'You're fast!' or 'That's amazing!', try saying things like, 'I like that expression' or 'That tenacity gives me courage.'

Please try enjoying conversations focused on the athletes' 'hearts' while sitting under the kotatsu.
If parent-child conversation flourishes, your child's mental state will grow warm and strong just from that.

Thank you for reading until the end.

Mental Coach Yasuyuki Sugimura

＼ Changing the future of parent and child while eating mandarin oranges under the kotatsu ／
[Free] Become the 'best cheering squad' next year. 7-day email course on 'how parents can get involved' to raise children who are strong under pressure
'I want to cheer with more smiles next year.' While wishing for that, aren't you carrying your anxiety and impatience over into next year?

There is something I want to tell those serious parents. The best New Year's gift for your child is not money or equipment, but 'the relieved smile of their parent' who is closest to them.

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Just read one email a day during the quiet time of the New Year holidays. By the time you finish reading, you should feel your heart lighten and notice that your gaze toward your child has changed to be warmer.

🎍 A special gift for a New Year's start dash! As a newsletter registration bonus, I am giving away 'Magic Encouragement Pocket Cards (PDF)' that you can use in the car on the day of the match or immediately after. Please use them as a 'lucky charm' for parent and child for the first match of the New Year.

With the '7 days of careful learning' and the 'ready-to-use lucky charm cards,' why not go see a new landscape for your child together next year?

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◯ This is the Hakone Ekiden basic edition.

◯ High school rugby is also exciting during the New Year.

◯ Please also check this out during the New Year.