Why Nike Lost Japan: The Hakone Ekiden Business Story

What this episode covers

Discover how Japan's iconic Hakone Ekiden relay race has become a fierce battleground for global sneaker brands—and a powerful metaphor for Japanese business philosophy. From Nike's dramatic fall to ASICS's comeback, explore the unexpected business lessons hidden in this century-old tradition.◆Introduction: Japan's New Year race reveals surprising business secrets.Every January, millions of Japanese tune in to watch university students race through the mountains of Hakone. But beneath the athletic drama lies a fascinating business story: shoe giants battling for market dominance, family businesses passing the baton across generations, and even electric motorcycles making their debut. Join Sakura and Professor Haru as they unpack the business wisdom hidden in Japan's beloved Ekiden tradition.◆NoteThe content of this program is intended solely for informational purposes and reflects the personal views of the creators.Please make any investment or business decisions based on your own judgment and responsibility.This program does not endorse or recommend any specific financial products or investment strategies.

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How long is this episode of Narrative Japan?

This episode is 6 minutes long.

When was this Narrative Japan episode published?

This episode was published on January 22, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Discover how Japan's iconic Hakone Ekiden relay race has become a fierce battleground for global sneaker brands—and a powerful metaphor for Japanese business philosophy. From Nike's dramatic fall to ASICS's comeback, explore the unexpected business...

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