Blog Post

My HOPE Charity Marathon (Mikiko Taki)

Mikiko Taki • March 13, 2025

I learned about the work HOPE does a few years ago through a friend who was volunteering as the chairperson of the HOPE Kansai Executive Committee, and I was shocked.

Until then, I assumed that charity work was something that only a very small number of wealthy people and large corporations did, and besides, I had no opportunity to learn about charities or the kind of help they provide to those in need.

However, HOPE openly shares details about their work and holds many charity events in which anyone can participate. And I was very impressed by the fact that they don't just provide aid to the poor, but also help them become self-reliant.

Unlike being dependent on hand-outs where those in need simply rely on receiving aid, becoming self-reliant allows a person to maintain their dignity and build an independent life. I strongly felt that unless all aid for the poor embodies this principle, one cannot develop or lead a meaningful life.

I always felt this in my daily life, in raising my children, in partnerships, and at work, so I wanted to cherish this way of thinking not only for myself, but also for the sake of those around me and society, and that is why I became involved with HOPE.

I learnt that HOPE Japan's founder Lowell, despite his advanced age, would be running to raise money in this year’s Osaka Marathon. Even though I have no experience of running a full marathon, I decided to take on the challenge, thinking that by doing so I could raise awareness of HOPE's work around the world.

Mikiko and Simon, who ran last year as well.

I decided to run without much thought, but when I actually raised my hand to be a charity runner, I received a lot of warm support from the people around me. I received something that money cannot buy, something more valuable. I was filled with gratitude to everyone who donated to HOPE, and to everyone who was involved, and this became the driving force for me to run my best in the marathon.

Before the start: Runners gathering at the venue

On the day of the event, it was extremely cold and snowy, which is rare for Osaka, but our friends from HOPE cheered us on from the sidelines, which moved me very much. Even strangers cheered for all the runners. There were people who cheered until they were hoarse, a man dressed up as Bruno Mars who sang and danced while cheering, a school brass band that played music, an old man who donated gloves to the runners because of the cold, an owner of a coffee shop who provided candy, coffee, and homemade lemonade, a Taiko drummer and Danjiri percussionists, girls cheering for the runners, a Japanese sweets shop that lent their restrooms for the runners and even gave out freshly baked Dorayaki.

All the Osaka Marathon management staff were very kind and supportive, and we were able to experience a truly heartwarming and wonderful marathon.

In everyday life, there are so many different ways to do things at work and in relationships that it can be hard to make decisions, but in a marathon, you just run forward. You just take one step at a time, aiming for the goal.

It's so simple, yet so powerful, and the more you progress, the more you feel a sense of accomplishment, which becomes the driving force that keeps you going.

If you continue to move forward step by step in your everyday life, the scenery will change, and eventually you will be able to reach your goal.

Although I exceeded the time limit and had to retire after running 33 kilometers, it was a great experience.

I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who was involved.

Thank you very much!