Athlete Yuma Hattori recalls the factors that enabled him to excel, maintaining both mental and physical leeway. [Athlete Reminiscences]

Japanese Long-Distance Runner Yuma Hattori Aims for Tokyo 2020 Marathon

Yuma Hattori, a long-distance runner and employee at Toyota Motor Corporation's Tahara Plant/Tahara Plant Administration Division, has set his sights on representing Japan in the men's marathon at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Hattori's journey to the Olympics began with a victory at the Fukuoka International Open Marathon Championship, which earned him the right to compete in the Marathon Grand Championship (MGC), a Tokyo 2020 qualifying event. This race offers runners the opportunity to gain valuable experience running on a course similar to the one that will be used for the Olympics.

Hattori's path to success has not been without its challenges. In 2018, he suffered a stress fracture in his right ankle and had to take a five-month break from training. However, he persevered and returned stronger than ever.

Hattori's running career began in his elementary school days, where he excelled at soccer. But it was Toyota's ekiden achievements and Head Coach Toshinobu Sato's aspiration to develop athletes recognised around the world that inspired him to switch to long-distance running. He was even scouted by Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School, known for fielding strong ekiden teams.

Hattori's brother, Hazuma, is also an athlete and practices basketball. The two often communicate about racing strategies and mental approaches. Hazuma is eyeing the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in the 5,000 meters event.

Training for the final stages of marathons has been a particular challenge for Hattori. In his first two years at Toyota, he struggled to maintain his pace during the final seven kilometers. However, his coach, Sato, suggested various methods to improve, including pushing himself extremely hard over two days and running for a distance longer than a marathon at a slower pace.

Hattori's hard work paid off in December 2018, when he broke his final-seven-kilometer barrier at the Fukuoka International Open Marathon Championship, recording the eighth all-time best for a Japanese marathon runner. His pace in the final stages of marathons often drops to three and a half minutes for every kilometer.

Hattori joined Toyota in 2016, inspired by the company's emphasis on continuous improvement (kaizen). He works from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and goes on a solo run in the evening.

Hattori's goal is to keep pace with the strongest team members in junior high and place high nationwide in races. He achieved this goal by placing seventh nationwide in the 1,500 meter relay race.

As the Tokyo 2020 Games approach, Hattori will be aiming to secure one of the top two spots in the male category at the Marathon Grand Championship to earn the right to represent Japan in the Olympics.

Athlete Yuma Hattori recalls the factors that enabled him to excel, maintaining both mental and physical leeway. [Athlete Reminiscences]