Making a Difference Step by Step
The Chubu Walkathon invites you to celebrate 35 years of community support.
Photos By Andy Boone
This May will mark a major milestone for the ACCJ–Chubu community: the 35th anniversary of the Chubu Walkathon International Charity Festival. What began in 1992 as a small, collaborative effort between US businesses and local partners has grown into the region’s most visible international charity event—uniting thousands each year for a day of walking, food, entertainment, and community support.
Cofounder Robert Roche, now ACCJ vice president–Chubu, still remembers the first event. “Large corporations were coming to Nagoya saying, ‘It’s our culture in America to give back to the local community,’” he recalled with a laugh. “Harry Hill and I were the young guys doing most of the legwork while they got the spotlight—but in all seriousness, they were the ones who showed us how to do business the right way. Their guidance in those early years gave us a solid foundation, and the relationships we built—with orphanages, schools, and local charities, as well as sponsors like Kondo Sanko, are the reason the Walkathon is still going strong 35 years later.”
Since then, the Walkathon has contributed ¥196 million to organizations across the Chubu region, supporting children in foster care, individuals with illnesses or disabilities, families affected by domestic violence, Tohoku earthquake and tsunami relief, and many others. Over the five years from 2019 to 2023, donations averaged more than ¥5 million per year. The event continued to deliver strong results even through the heart of the pandemic thanks to organizers getting creative with a format that allowed participation amid social distancing.
Community Bridge
The Walkathon is jointly organized by the ACCJ–Chubu Community Service Committee and Nagoya International School (NIS). For event leaders Nao Geisler, Bryce Conlan, and Erik Olson-Kikuchi, the Walkathon is as much about community-building as it is about fundraising.
“Being part of the Walkathon is an immense honor,” said Geisler, who is chair of the committee. “It serves as a bridge between local and international communities. It’s not just raising money—it’s raising awareness, fostering cultural exchange, and demonstrating our commitment to central Japan.”
Fundraising, she added, is only the starting point. “When donations are transformed into real support, it gives people comfort and hope—things they may not be able to create alone.”
At recent donation ceremonies, charities shared messages such as “Your support allowed us to continue assisting children” and “We were able to start a new program thanks to your help.” Conlan, the committee vice-chair, said these words remind us why our work matters.
Festivities with Purpose
The Walkathon remains a highlight of the spring calendar for families across the region. The event features:
- A symbolic walk course through Meijo Park
- Live music, dance, and cultural performances
- Face-painting, crafts, and activities for kids
- An international food court and vendors
- Charity information booths
- A large-scale raffle (100 percent of proceeds donated)
All purchases are made with Walkathon food and activity tickets, and 100 percent of all activity purchases and 20 percent of food purchases are donated.
Celebrating 35 Years
To mark the anniversary, organizers are planning enhanced programming, a retrospective exhibit on the event’s history, and a new “35 Challenges” initiative— including a lead-up program called Walk 3.5K for 35 Days. The committee is also working to raise in excess of ¥15 million, its most ambitious target to date.
Roche hopes this year will set a precedent for the future. “We want this to be a 70-year, even 100-year tradition,” he said. “There’s no reason it can’t continue as long as the community keeps working together.”
He also hopes to see the largest turnout yet. “We’re aiming for more than 3,000 participants. We’ll be sending letters to members—hopefully everyone can help a little.”
Why It Matters
The Walkathon is widely regarded as the ACCJ–Chubu Chapter’s most impactful corporate social responsibility initiative. It strengthens trust between international businesses and local communities, demonstrates long-term commitment, and creates a welcoming environment where residents from Japan and abroad can connect over a shared humanitarian purpose. The Walkathon has also strengthened the ACCJ’s role in the community, highlighting the international business community’s long-standing commitment of contributing to the well-being of the Chubu region.
Join Us in May
With its mix of community spirit, cultural exchange, and real social impact, the Walkathon continues to embody the best of what international collaboration can achieve.
The organizing committee invites companies, families, and individuals to participate, volunteer, or sponsor the event—and to help make the 35th anniversary the strongest year yet.
The 35th Annual Chubu Walkathon takes place May 24. Companies interested in sponsoring are encouraged to contact the ACCJ–Chubu office at chubu@accj.or.jp.
