A Historical Study of Ekiden in the Taisho Period （1917−1926）

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the overall picture and specific aspects of Ekiden held during the Taisho period （1917–1926）. Based on magazine and newspaper articles containing information on Ekiden at that time, the results of our research are as follows. 1） 56 Ekiden were held during the Taisho period and continued to be held since 1917. 2） Ekidens were sponsored by newspaper companies, schools, and local governments, and the courses were held on well–developed roads such as national and prefectural highways. 3） Newspaper companies held the Ekidens to attract new subscribers, schools to train students for longdistance running, and local governments to improve the physical fitness of residents. 4） The Ekiden was managed by the organizers, the police, the medical association, and the residents, and there was no unified rule for the Ekiden.