MAEMUKI Goal Event

On July 25th, MAEMUKI Ekiden, a special road relay race around Japan, started from Tokyo. Over 1000 runners that have suffered from cancer as well as their friends and family, participated in the race. On November 30th, the runners reached their goal with a total of 6,000 kilometres completed and 1,104 runners that handed their sash to the next runner.

Keiichi Miyako, the keyboardist of rock band SOPHIA, has suffered from cancer. At the goal event, he made an appearance where he was interviewed about his battle with the disease and the cheering song he created for the runners. Also present was Hazama Kanpei, a comedian who suffered from cancer and held an ‘earth marathon’ for the victims of the Tohoku earthquake.


Why did you join this project?

Miyako: When I struggled with cancer, I was encouraged to see Kanpei’s earth marathon. I thought about what I could do myself, and saw the CM of MAEMUKI gathering runners and raising money. When I saw this I thought,"This is what I want to do!" I just applied in the general way through the website.

So he created the tie-up cheering song with Kubou Ruriko, his wife and a singer-songwriter, and appeared in the CM.

Miyako: I really wanted to see you, Kanpei. You have given me courage.
Kanpei: I’m very happy to see you, too.

The two hit it off greatly, having experienced the same disease, even though they only met each other for the first time today. Then they performed the tie-up song Ashita e, for which Kubou wrote the lyrics and Miyako composed the music.

Miyako: I was moved when I saw the sash I received from the previous runner become dirty. I felt the positive thoughts of the people. I don’t say it’s good to have suffered from cancer, but I think facing cancer has made me more positive.
Kanpei: It’s so soon since we started. I'd be happy if more and more people could be positive.
Miyako: I ran twice at Niigata and Hyougo Itami. I rode on a wagon with other runners and staff and we became friends. When I ran at Hyougo Itami the second time, we greeted each other with "Long time no see!" and I felt nostalgic seeing them. It seems strange, but I became positive after I got the disease. I started to think, "Right now I'll do what I want to do."

How is your condition now?

Kanpei: I'm in top shape! I’ll have an examination in December, but I'm not taking any medication anymore since I am healthy.
Miyako: I have examinations, take medicine regularly and am healthy!