Today I am excited and honored to announce that I will be running the 2027 Osaka Marathon as a charity runner representing Nishinari Childcare Network in Our Town. 

I moved to Japan at the very beginning of 2020 to teach English to small children. It has been a wonderful experience for me, and I have learned a lot about early childhood development, interpersonal communication, as well as human connection. Although I chose Yokohama as the place I wanted to live the most (and it is indeed a very special place to me), I gained an enthusiastic interest with the city of Osaka after visiting there many times. For those that weren’t aware, Osaka is a massive cultural hub with a history even older than that of Tokyo. It even served as the capital of Japan in the mid 7th century – at that time it was known as “Naniwa-kyo”. Today Osaka is primarily known around the world for its signature dishes such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki, Japanese Manzai Comedy, the colossus Universal Studios Japan amusement park, and a breathtaking cascade of old castles, temples, and shrines against the backdrop of high-rise apartment complexes and neon-lit streets. In early 2026, I made my decision: I wanted to finally run a marathon in Japan, and it would have to be Osaka. I also decided that I wanted to run with a charity that helps people in the local community.

Nishinari Childcare Network in Our Town connects childcare circles, volunteer groups, nursery schools, kindergartens, government entities, hospitals, and other community organizations around the goal of supporting children and families in the district of Osaka known as Nishinari. Their stated vision is to prevent isolation among families raising children, make children’s voices heard in society, and realize children’s rights. To this end, their activities include:

• Providing children with safe places to play and simply “be kids”.

• Organizing the annual “Children’s Genki Festival”, approaching its 23rd anniversary next year. 

• Supporting moms and dads as well as helping parents connect with one another. 

• Supporting families with twins and triplets. 

• Developmental support for families, as well as abuse and crisis early prevention efforts. 

• Supporting children in the process of taking on substantial responsibilities and burdens in support of their families.  

• Giving children voices and opportunities to express their ideas and opinions. 

• Distributing school supplies to children in need. 

• Organizing community gardening, outdoor activities, and sporting events. 

When I personally visited Nishinari, I felt that it had a warm atmosphere. However, in Japan, the name “Nishinari” unfortunately has a negative stigma associated with it. Disregarded as a “slum” by many in the country, Japanese people often react to the mention of Osaka’s most infamous neighborhood with discomfort and aversion. But what of the children who grow up there, and their families working hard to provide and care for them? Shouldn’t they too have pride in their community, where their roots and fond memories from adolescence are? My dream for Nishinari is one in which the mention of its name evokes feelings of understanding and respect. Through its selfless care and love for children, Nishinari Childcare Network shows us what a strong community can look like—one whose efforts others can aspire to emulate.

To the Network, I would like to express my gratitude to you all for supporting the Osaka Marathon, and in doing so, giving me an opportunity to do what I love. Although I am an outsider, I hope to help you foster human connection and support the kids.

To my friends and family, I hope you will consider supporting this incredible cause.