“Relay For Life Japan 2026 Ashiya,” a charity event supporting cancer patients and the fight against cancer, will reportedly be held at Shinko Sports Ground (Kawanishi Athletic Field) and Shinko Sports Youth Center/Gymnasium (Ashiya Youth Center) in Kawanishi-cho, near Hanshin Ashiya Station, from Saturday, September 5 until the morning of Sunday, September 6.
Quoted from the official Relay For Life Japan Ashiya website
Cancer patients, their families, and supporters walk through the night in this charity event, carrying a message of hope forward. This year marks its 20th edition.
Relay For Life Japan 2026 Ashiya
When is it?
Saturday, September 5–Sunday, September 6, 2026
Venue opens at 14:45 / Registration begins at 15:00 / Opening ceremony at 16:00 / Closing ceremony at around 8:45 the following morning
Where will it be held?
Shinko Sports Ground (Ashiya Municipal Kawanishi Athletic Field) and Shinko Sports Gymnasium/Youth Center
Here it is on the map ↓
The addresses are 15-21 Kawanishi-cho, Ashiya, Hyogo (athletic field) and 15-3 Kawanishi-cho (gymnasium).
What will there be?
Quoted from the official Relay For Life Japan Ashiya website
- A Relay Walk, with participants walking around the track throughout the night 👟
- The Candle Run, where participants run amid glowing lights, begins at 20:30 🕯️
- A Candlelight Ceremony from 18:30, featuring a message song by singer KOZ and more 🎤
- At the Youth Center, the “Kataritei” lecture series and discussion sessions on food, nutrition, and exercise 📖
- A hair donation program is scheduled from 16:00 to 21:00 ✂️
Charity goods and food stalls 🍙
Various other activities and events are also planned
How much does it cost?
Admission is free (donations and charity sales will be available at the venue)
How to register
Advance registration for the Relay Walk, Candle Run, volunteering, and other activities is now open through the official website. Some programs also accept same-day participation.
For event details, see here.
In Closing
This will be the event’s 20th edition—its 20th anniversary. Events that continue overnight until morning are pretty rare, and the track surrounded by candlelight looks absolutely beautiful every year. If this sounds interesting, be sure to check it out.
