TOKYO FORWARD 2025 for WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPSOfficial Event Report
From September 13 (Sat) to 21 (Sun), TOKYO FORWARD 2025 for WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS brought energy and excitement to the areas around the National Stadium and Tokyo Metropolitan Meiji Park.The event featured stage appearances by athletes and artists, hands-on sports activities, booths supporting recovery efforts, and showcases of Tokyo’s unique charm—offering a variety of fun experiences for visitors.Here’s a look back at the highlights from those nine vibrant days.
GALLERY
TOKYO FORWARD 2025 for WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Kick off!
Visitors from all over the world attended! and the venue is buzzing with excitement!
As the World Athletics Championships returned to Tokyo for the first time in 34 years, the area around the National Stadium was filled with excitement and energy, bustling with visitors from both Japan and abroad.
Some stopped to enjoy live performances and talk events on the special stage, while others—families in particular—took part in hands-on sports activities in Meiji Park. Many also indulged in a variety of gourmet offerings from food trucks. Everyone was enjoying the moment in their own way, fully immersed in the spirit of "TOKYO FORWARD 2025 for WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS."
Suguru Osako and Harry Sugiyama appear on the Athlete Talk Show!
At the talk show, Harry Sugiyama asked Suguru Osako—who has competed in the World Athletics Championships—about key points to watch during the event. Osako commented, “Compared to when I first competed at the World Championships in 2013, the level of Japanese track and field has really improved. Now, there are many athletes who can aim for medals or top-eight finishes. That’s truly impressive.” He also offered advice to marathon runners, saying, “No matter what happens, don’t panic. For example, even if you drop your water bottle, it’s important to have the strength to let go and stay calm. I think that kind of ‘power to accept and move on’ is essential.”
Bisen Aoyagi delivers a breathtaking calligraphy performance!
Calligrapher Bisen Aoyagi, who also contributed to the official poster for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, took to the special stage to create a powerful live calligraphy piece. With bold, dynamic strokes, she wrote the word “Shunkan” (meaning “Moment”).
The audience was captivated by the energy and expressiveness of her performance.
Explaining her choice of the word, Aoyagi said:
“The World Athletics Championships are filled with incredible moments — moments where athletes compete over even one-tenth of a second, moments so intense you can’t even blink. I chose ‘Shunkan’ because I wanted people to feel that energy and intensity through this piece.”
Kiyou Shimizu gives “tsuki” (thrusting technique) lessons to Yuki Kawauchi and the audience!
Professional runner Yuki Kawauchi and Karateka Kiyou Shimizu made an appearance on the sponsored stage hosted by Morinaga & Co. They shared memorable experiences from past world championships and discussed the events and athletes they're keeping an eye on at this year's World Athletics Championships.
Kawauchi commented, “I'm looking forward to seeing Kana Kobayashi in the marathon. She comes from a university club background, is still young, and has tremendous potential.”
To close the event on a high note, Shimizu gave the audience a brief demonstration of a karate thrust technique, energizing the crowd and creating a lively atmosphere.
Day 2 also features a steady stream of diverse performers!
Chisato Fukushima shares the secrets to getting started during her talk show with Harry Sugiyama!
Harry Sugiyama interviewed Chisato Fukushima, a four-time World Athletics Championships participant and holder of the Japanese women's 100m record, about the highlights of the competition and how athletes prepare. Furthermore, Fukushima demonstrated and explained the key points of sprint starts for the audience. “When assuming the starting position, it's crucial to fully bend the lower leg of the forward foot and shift your weight onto that leg. Achieving this posture allows for a smooth start,” she shared.
Internationally acclaimed artist Hidekichi Shigemoto’s creates sumi-e paintings live!
Sumie artist Hidekichi Shigemoto’s, active both domestically and internationally, delivered a powerful live performance. His work, which he described as “imbued with support for the athletes competing in the World Athletics Championships,” depicted long jumpers, javelin throwers, and sprinters. True to Shigemoto’s statement that he “values momentum,” it was completed with powerful, swift brushstrokes. As it was finished, loud applause and shouts of “Amazing!” erupted from the audience.
The children's dance from Yotsuya Gladdori heated up the venue!
The elementary school students of the Yotsuya Gladdori Kids Dance Team energetically performed cheer dance and hip-hop dance routines. Dressed in colorful costumes, they danced lightly to the rhythm with such vitality that spontaneous applause broke out from the audience. Members commented, “It was fun to dance our hearts out in front of so many people.” The audience couldn't help but smile at their performance, enveloping the entire venue in a warm atmosphere.
Shinji Takahira and Naoki Matsuyama discuss the theme “Let’s think about the future of club activities”!
At the Kinki Nippon Tourist sponsored stage, Olympian Shinji Takahira and Tokyo Gakugei University lecturer Naoki Matsuyama held a talk show about the company's “Online Club Activity Support Service.” Matsuyama introduced his research activities providing online track and field coaching to junior high and high school students in mountainous areas and remote islands where club activity instructors are scarce. Takahira remarked, “It's wonderful that online coaching expands the options available to children.” Matsuyama shared his dream: “I envision athletes one day standing on the world stage saying, ‘My start in track and field began with an online club activity.’”
Live performances by artists and kids' dance routines will liven up the venue!
Little Glee Monster will fill the air with their voices at a special live performance!
Little Glee Monster, the female vocal group renowned for their overwhelming vocal prowess, performed a special live show on a packed special stage. The venue erupted in fervor as their powerful, resonant voices filled the air with an electrifying stage presence. The special live concluded with the members calling out, “Let's keep the excitement going for WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS together until the 21st,” as the venue was enveloped in applause and cheers.
Approximately 80 participants! Kids Dance by “Ciel Star Cheer Dance School”
The children of Ciel Star Cheer Dance School performed their dance on a special stage. Audience members clapped along to cheer on the children's professional cheer dance routines, which they learned from instructors with world championship experience. True to the children's greeting, “We aim for dances that aren't just cute, but cool and full of energy,” the entire venue was captivated by their dynamic performance.
Visitors are experiencing it one after another! Sports that everyone can enjoy, regardless of disability.
The park area of Tokyo Metropolitan Meiji Park featured a “Urban Para Spot” where visitors could casually try parasports, along with booths offering experiences in Deaf sports for those with hearing impairments. Many attendees showed interest, with children taking the lead in actively participating. Visitors who tried the activities remarked, “It's harder than I thought,” and “Wheelchair racing really requires arm strength,” revealing their surprise and newfound insights.
Experience a cycling race through virtual cycling!
The park area also featured booths offering virtual cycling experiences. The course was set around Meiji Park, with the finish line at the National Stadium. Participants who crossed the finish line were filled with a sense of accomplishment, and the surrounding crowd erupted in applause, creating a lively atmosphere. Additionally, participants had the chance to win entry to the “Rainbow Ride 2025” event on Sunday, December 7th through a lottery draw.
Day 4 of the tournament was colored by passionate discussions and the beautiful sound of the saxophone!
A passionate message from So Takei, former Japanese decathlon champion!
In So Takei's talk show, he shared insights into track and field only a former Japanese decathlon champion could offer. Reflecting on memories from his Japan Championship victory, he stated, “The World Athletics Championships are where athletes who have trained relentlessly, staking everything in life, gather to set new records once thought impossible. I urge you to burn those battles into your memory.” Finally, he cheered on the audience, saying, “Let's enjoy the rest of our lives together, fueled by the excitement of the World Athletics Championships.”
That famous piece too! Seras Saxophone Quartet's saxophone quartet
Formed in 2023 yet already garnering attention and numerous music awards, the Seras Saxophone Quartet took the special stage. They performed beloved classics familiar to many, including “Playing Love” from The Legend of 1900 and “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music. The audience was captivated by the rich resonance and expressive power unique to classical saxophones.
Numerous booths to “Learn & Discover” about Tokyo's appeal and initiatives!
At the park area of Tokyo Metropolitan Meiji Park, booths lined up where visitors could learn about Tokyo's nature and environment, including its greenery, wildlife, and the Tama region and islands. Also featured were the hugely popular “Tokyo Kids Typing Race” and booths promoting the charms of the disaster-stricken areas. Both children and adults enjoyed learning and making discoveries while having fun. Many families were seen experiencing activities together and taking commemorative photos, fostering warm interactions throughout the venue.
The venue erupted in excitement for Japan's renowned dance and sword-fighting performances!
CyberAgent Legit, the first team ever to achieve a perfect season in the D.LEAGUE, captivates with their dance moves!
CyberAgent Legit, a professional dance team drawing attention with members who excel in global dance contests and battles, delivered a breathtaking performance. Riding the momentum from achieving the D.LEAGUE's first-ever undefeated championship, they filled the venue with excitement. At the end, they shared, “Just as we gain inspiration and courage from athletes, we want to deliver inspiration to the world through dance,” and left a powerful message: “Let's get excited for WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS together!”
KATANAYA ICHI expresses the spirit of the samurai through sword-fighting performance!
KATANAYA ICHI, renowned for its samurai and ninja-style swordplay performances, presents “Princess Senhime,” an original show based on a true story. The show depicted the tragic fate of Senhime, granddaughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu and wife of Toyotomi Hideyori, as she was tossed about in the turbulent warring era. This was portrayed through modern swordplay action, skillfully utilizing background music and sound effects. The dynamic and tense stage performance captivated the audience, with many visitors from both Japan and abroad enthusiastically taking photos and videos.
Riku One arrives at Meiji Park!
At the park area of Tokyo Metropolitan Meiji Park, Riku One, the mascot of World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, made an appearance, enjoying sports activities and festival games. He also visited booths throughout the park area, helping to promote the appeal of Tokyo.
A huge cheer erupted for the groundbreaking performance that pioneered new frontiers in traditional Japanese instruments and rhythmic gymnastics!
AUN J CLASSIC ORCHESTRA performs Western classics with Japanese traditional instruments!
The AUN J CLASSIC ORCHESTRA takes the stage, performing unique ensembles with traditional Japanese instruments like the wadaiko drum, shamisen, koto, shakuhachi, and shinobue flute. They regularly tour World Heritage sites such as San Marino, Mont Saint-Michel, and Angkor Wat. They performed beloved classics familiar to international audiences, including “From the New World” and “TAKE ME HOME COUNTRY ROADS ” For the finale, the audience joined in with a single clap to the performance of “A Thousand Lights” filling the entire venue with a sense of unity and fervor.
BLUE TOKYO's show blending rhythmic gymnastics and street dance!
BLUE TOKYO, a performance group formed by former male rhythmic gymnasts and highly acclaimed internationally, took the stage at the special venue. Leveraging their highly trained physical abilities and flexibility, they delivered a show that was both acrobatic and graceful. The choreography featuring towels had the audience dancing along, energizing the entire venue. As they executed consecutive backflips and powerful jumps, cheers erupted from the crowd.
Food trucks serving delicacies from all over Japan gather at Meiji Park!
During the event, a diverse array of food gathered, featuring hot dogs, chiffon sandwiches, and minced cutlet burgers, alongside sweets like shaved ice and taiyaki parfait, and even dishes perfect with drinks like beef skewers—all made with ingredients from Tokyo, Tohoku, and Hokuriku. Visitors happily chose their favorite food trucks, enjoying freshly made treats with smiles. Each food truck drew long lines, creating a bustling atmosphere that energized the venue with the appeal of great food.
Spreading the charm of Japanese culture through Yosakoi dance and traditional Japanese instruments!
Tokyo Yosakoi Team Sun dances Yosakoi with the audience!
Tokyo Yosakoi Team Sun, boasting two consecutive victories at Tokyo Yosakoi, took the stage and performed four songs, including original compositions. Their dynamic dance and uniquely expressive costumes transformed the venue into a festive atmosphere. Furthermore, members taught the choreography, and during “Seichō Yosakoi” and “Uraja Ondo,” the audience joined in, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Visitors from overseas were also seen smiling and enjoying the Yosakoi, making it a place for cross-border exchange.
MAHORA performs songs from that popular anime and that show!
MAHORA, a Japanese traditional instrument unit blending tradition and innovation that has gained global attention through video social media, took the special stage. Using traditional Japanese instruments like the shakuhachi, koto, and shamisen, they performed popular songs beloved by many, such as “Gurenge” and “Jounetsu Tairiku.” The delicate yet powerful resonance of the traditional instruments filled the venue, delighting the audience with performances that radiated a unique charm distinct from the original compositions.
Every day, laughter fills the air from the sports experience corner!
At the park area of Tokyo Metropolitan Meiji Park, a new section has opened where visitors can experience a variety of sports, including soft javelin throwing, Mölkky, virtual cycling, and pickleball. The activities were designed to be easily accessible for all ages, from children to seniors, and enjoyable even for those who aren't naturally athletic. Despite being a weekday, the event was a huge success. Scenes of families and friends trying new sports together and smiling, or getting absorbed in activities they were experiencing for the first time, could be seen everywhere. The entire venue was filled with a warm and lively atmosphere.
This day also featured a diverse lineup of stage programs!
Yukifumi Murakami ✕ Kenshi Sugiya Talk Show Reveals Shocking Truth!?
Yukifumi Murakami, who won the bronze medal in javelin at the 2009 Berlin World Championships, and former professional baseball player Kenshi Sugiya engaged in a lively and well-matched conversation. After discussing javelin rules and body mechanics, Murakami gave Sugiya a throwing lesson. When Murakami revealed, “I can throw a baseball 140 meters,” Sugiya exclaimed in surprise, “That's incredible! That would reach from the batter's box to the back screen!”
Everyone naturally smiles at the Odaiba Kids Dance MEGJAM performance!
Odaiba Kids Dance MEGJAM operates under the motto of “Achievement,” “Fun,” and “Excitement.” On this day, children of all ages took the special stage. They performed dance routines one after another to a variety of songs, culminating in a grand finale where all performers gathered on stage. Furthermore, Riku One, the mascot of World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, joined as a special guest. Together, they danced to PORNOGRAFFITTI “Music Hour,” greatly energizing the venue.
Promoting Japan's Traditional Performing Arts! “Edo no Sato Kagura” by the Matsumoto Gennosuke Shachu
The Matsumoto Gennosuke Shachu, inheritors of the Edo no Sato Kagura tradition long performed at shrine celebrations and prayers, and winners of the Grand Prize in the Folk Performing Arts category at the Art Festival. On the special stage, they performed the auspicious “Kotobukishishimai” which drives away evil spirits and celebrates the world. The audience watched in quiet fascination as the dancers performed with dignity and rhythm. When a paper banner reading “Kotobuki! Congratulations!” was raised at the end, the venue erupted in loud applause and an atmosphere of celebration.
Finally, the last day of the meet! TOKYO FORWARD 2025 for WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS is also drawing to a close.
Olympic medalists Naoki Tsukahara & Kosuke Hagino at a talk show
Ahead of the day's 4x100m relay final, two athletes who won medals in Olympic track and field and swimming relays appeared to discuss the mindset of competing athletes and the unique appeal of relay events. Furthermore, Naoki Tsukahara provided a clear explanation of the baton-passing technique for the 4×100m relay and the strengths of the Japanese team. Kosuke Hagino sent a message to the audience: “The performances of athletes who have put in relentless effort are beautiful and impressive. Seeing them should give you the courage to take a new step forward. Please continue to love sports.”
The sound of traditional Japanese instruments touches the heart! IYASAKA PROJECT Festival Performance
The IYASAKA PROJECT is a performing arts initiative that carries on Japanese traditions while continually challenging itself with new forms of expression. On this day's stage, the mystical tones woven by the shinobue flute, Japanese drums, and shamisen resonated powerfully, instantly transforming the venue into an atmosphere both solemn and splendid. Drawn by its intensity, overseas guests began moving toward the special stage mid-performance to listen intently. It was truly a moment where the power of music transcended language and borders, connecting people.
The venue was bustling right up to the final day! Nine days filled with countless new encounters.
TOKYO FORWARD 2025 for WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS has finally reached its final day. Throughout the event, visitors enjoyed athlete talk shows and artist performances, while also discovering the joy of sports and the appeal of Tokyo and Japanese culture. The venue bustled daily with activity. Over the nine days, countless encounters unfolded with attendees from Japan and abroad, and the venue remained filled with excitement and smiles right until the very end.
