Susumu Takano
Representative Director, Japan Beach Sprint Association
Representative Director, Japan Beach Sprint Association
Hello, everyone. Thank you very much for inviting me to the BLUE FLAG Asia Summit.
Since this is the Asia Summit, here we have the participants from various Asian countries, including India,
South Korea, and Taiwan. Looking back on my career as an athlete, my first appearance for the Japanese
national team in the 400-meter race was at the Asian Games, and I have a vivid memory of competing against an Indian athlete at that time. I also have many connections with Asia, having competed at the 1984 Asian Championships and the 1988 Seoul Olympics in South Korea, and having trained in Taiwan.
Currently, I am working to promote a new sport called “Beach Sprint.” This involves conducting full-scale track and field events on the beach, and I believe there is great significance in holding them on beautiful Blue Flag certified beaches. Through this initiative, I hope to establish “Blue Flag beaches” as a new brand for Japan and to expand the appeal of track and field from the stadium to the natural stage of the ocean.
I have competed in stadiums for a long time, but I believe equally serious competition is possible right by the sea. The experience of running barefoot on the sand, feeling the sound of the waves and the breeze, is a
unique charm of Beach Sprint. Another major feature is that anyone can participate, from children to senior
people.
Furthermore, this initiative goes beyond mere sports. I believe it is also an effort to reclaim the innate human
qualities of “play” and “freedom,” linked to environmental awareness and beach cleanups. I hope that by
exercising by the sea, people will feel the joy of living in harmony with nature.
Additionally, this activity aligns with SDG 3: “Good Health and Well-being.” Exercising on sand is gentle on
the joints and effective for improving muscle strength and preventing falls, while the sound of the waves, the
wind, and the sunlight have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. Its use is expanding in
environmental education for children, health promotion for senior people, and rehabilitation.
We are currently working to promote Beach Sprint nationwide, and this year we aim to host the Japanese
Championships in Hiratsuka. As we advance, we plan to collaborate with partners across Asia to host
international competitions, with the ultimate goal of making it an Olympic sport for the future.
Playing by the sea, competing by the sea, and aiming for the world by the sea. We hope to cultivate this new
culture through Beach Sprint. Thank you very much for your attention today.
