On September 14, 2026, the online university "ZEN University" announced the establishment of the "ZEN University Track and Field Club" as part of its sports education initiative. It also revealed that Susumu Hara, who led Aoyama Gakuin University to nine overall victories in the Hakone Ekiden, has been appointed as "Special Advisor to the President and Sports Education Advisor" of ZEN University.
On the same day, a press conference was held at the Nippon Foundation in Minato Ward, Tokyo. In addition to Mr. Hara, Vice President Tadataka Watanabe of ZEN University, Director Junpei Sasakawa of the Nippon Foundation, and Advisor Nobuo Kawakami of Dwango took the stage to explain the unique approach to sports education offered by online universities and the vision for the track and field club.
ZEN University (opening in April 2025) is an online university established by the Nippon Foundation and Kadokawa Dwango Gakuen. It features an educational environment that utilizes the internet, allowing students to learn regardless of time or location. As of 2026, approximately 7,000 students are enrolled. The newly established track and field club aims to leverage the characteristics of an online university in sports education.
Traditional university sports typically involved students balancing academics and athletic activities, based on the university campus and training facilities. However, ZEN University has no traditional campus. It aims to explore a new form of university sports by creating an environment where students can receive university education online while participating in athletic activities according to their location.
Track and field, in particular, is well-suited to online universities because many of its events allow for individual training. The goal is to create a location-independent competitive environment where students can train in various parts of the country while taking online classes, and gather together as needed.
The track and field club envisions participation not only as athletes but also as managers. They plan to welcome a wide range of students, including beginners and working adults. Going forward, they will gradually begin activities such as providing training opportunities and participating in competitions across the country.
Reference: [ZEN University] ZEN University Track and Field Club
