Tokyo International News Agency

At the 38th Izumo All-Japan University Ekiden Championship on October 12, Nihon University's ace runner Shadrack Kipkemei delivered an out-of-this-world performance in Stage 3 (8.5 km). Overtaking eight runners along the course, he propelled his team straight to the front and shattered the previous stage record by an astonishing 40 seconds, establishing a staggering new benchmark of 22 minutes and 56 seconds. Marking their return to the Izumo course for the first time in 16 years, Nihon University kept themselves in contention thanks to gritty runs by Amano in Stage 1 and Yamaguchi in Stage 2. Kipkemei then took the sash, determined to signal the resurgence of the inaugural Izumo champions. Charging forward at a furious pace, he reeled in his rivals one after another and seized the lead in the blink of an eye. Stage 3 turned into an exceptionally fast-paced, high-level contest with records tumbling across the board. Teikyo University's Yoshihiro Kusuoka clocked 23:29 and Waseda...

Japanese idol group Nogizaka46 made a surprise appearance at Nihon University's entrance ceremony, held on April 8, 2026, at the Nippon Budokan, captivating approximately 18,000 new students. This unusual performance was made possible through the connection of Runa Hayashi, a member of the group and an alumna of the university. Towards the end of the ceremony, as the members of Nogizaka46 suddenly appeared, the venue erupted in gasps and loud cheers. New students could not hide their surprise and joy at the unexpected and extravagant treat, making it truly a "once-in-a-lifetime memory." The group performed songs such as "When was the last time you ran up the stairs?" and "Kikkake," splendidly celebrating the new beginnings for the freshmen. On stage, Runa Hayashi, who had just graduated from Nihon University College of Art this year, delivered a speech. She encouraged the new students, saying, "I hope our activities can give you even a little cour...