Sunday, 8 March 2015 is a special day for Nagoya, the central city of Japan’s Chubu region. Pumping with adrenaline and high spirits, avid runners of all endurance levels will open the welcomed spring season by pacing through this culturally significant place.

Into its 30th year, the Saromako 100km Ultramarathon will be back at Lake Saroma on Sunday, 28 June 2015. Also known as Saroma Lagoon, the ultra-race’s charming location is Hokkaidō’s largest lake and the third largest one in Japan.

It’s no accident that Yong Pei Lin was born in the Year of the Tiger. She’s physically powerful, brave, independent and courageous. She’s protective of others—especially those seeking answers to fitness, health and weight issues. She is a living example of someone who has conquered mountains. As a chef, she gained more than 10kg, but it wasn’t her career that caused her weight gain.

Enjoy natural greenery and the fresh early summer wind in Kanuma, a city located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. More than 7,400 runners will be attracted to the city’s warm hospitality as they pass by various supporters browsing roadside stalls. With festive music accompaniment as they run, they may also rub shoulders with Matsuno Akemi, former Olympic runner and guest runner at the 35th Kanuma Satsuki Marathon!

The Shine Fitness + Sleep Monitor from Misfit is a wearable device with a wide variety of uses. It works with the Misfit app for iOS and Android to gather and track data. In form factor, it is similar to a watch and even jewellery, and it can clip onto your wrist or clothing easily. After using the Shine, I will discuss in detail and share my thoughts on this interesting smart gadget.

Have you ever wondered how sake, the aromatic Japanese rice wine, was made? Pay homage to the beverage’s origin, Takayama, a place abundant with water from melting snow that flows to the Toyama and Niigata prefectures, known for rice harvesting. In its golden age, there were as many as 56 unique prospering sake breweries, but now seven traditional breweries are still proudly producing their signature drinks today. This unique Japanese location is also home to the Hida Takayama Ultra Marathon, a fascinating trail run overlooking spectacular sceneries.