TRIATHLON

2. Japan Multisport - comprehensive calendar of races in Japan (in English); list of middle and long distance triathlons here.

3. Tokyo Metropolitan Triathlon Union - races organised by JTU Tokyo

4. Kanagawa  Triathlon Union - races organised by JTU Kanagawa

RACE ENTRY WEBSITES

1. Lawson Entry (Japanese) - the main race entry site for JTU races 

2. Sports Entry (Japanese) - triathlon race calendar and race entry for some of the races in Japan

3. Sports Entry (English) - limited race calendar for races which have entry in English

4. MSPO Entry - race entry site for some races, especially those which don't figure in JTU points ranking

5. KFC - organises triathlons, trail running, OWS races, etc. 

6. Tokyo Island Series - includes Niijima and Oshima OD triathlon races

4. Triathlon Race Calculator - calculate your splits, pace, and speed. There are also separate calculators for swim, bike, run and "body".

Race registration language

Race registration for nearly all races in Japan. Most of us just use Google Translate to work out the online forms. A few of the big races, such as Yokohama, have separate English language registration. The registration website "Sports Entry" used to have English registration for a few races, but it is not showing any races at the moment. There is a list of entry websites in the first section of this webpage.

Registering online can be quite difficult the first time, so you need to set aside a couple of hours to tackle this.

Payment

You can pay by credit card. Visa is most widely accepted, although other cards are usually accepted.

Race licences

All races in Japan are covered by Triathlon Japan (TRIJ), formally the Japan Triathlon Union (JTU). Some races offer one-day TRIJ membership, especially big races like Yokohama and Osaka Castle. This is done on a race-by-race basis, so the only way to find out if this is possible is to look at the online registration pages of the races you are interested in. If you are planning to do several races, it might be possible to pay annual TRIJ registration using a domestic address

Medical certificates

There are no medical certificates. Instead, each race has its own self-check system. On the race registration website, there will be a long list of medical issues, and you have to check "No" for each one.

Race briefing

These days, most races have a mandatory online, on-demand briefing video followed by a multi-choice quiz. This must usually be completed a couple of days before the race. You will receive a QR code which you show at race reception. Some races still have mandatory in-person race briefings, usually on the day before the race. Some Saturday races have an early-morning briefing.

Race websites

Most race websites are in Japanese. Online information, including athlete guides, access information, etc, will be in Japanese. However, if you contact the race organisers, you are likely to get a reply in English.

Wetsuits

Despite high water temperatures in the summer, wetsuits are compulsory for most races in Japan (for safety reasons). In the warmer months, many wear sleeveless wetsuits.

Further information

There is a lot of information on this website about racing in Japan. Check elsewhere on this webpage for further details and links.