TOKYO — TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. will supply and donate gold, silver, and bronze medals for the top finishers in the Tokyo Marathon 2026, set to take place on March 1, 2026. The medals, designed to reflect the theme of the event, ‘The Day We Unite,’ will include elements that honor all participants, from runners to volunteers and spectators.

Design Reflecting Unity and Inclusivity

The medals feature a front design that includes the event’s logo and the name ‘Tokyo Marathon 2026’ in Braille, ensuring accessibility for visually impaired individuals. The reverse of the medals includes the words ‘FINISHER’ and the event date, along with the TANAKA logo. The ribbon design, continuing the 2016 pattern, uses woven lines to represent the interconnectedness of all event participants.

According to the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, the design aims to embody the spirit of the event, which is centered on unity and inclusivity. ‘The Tokyo Marathon is not just about the runners but also the countless volunteers, supporters, and spectators who make the event possible,’ said a spokesperson for the foundation.

Sustainability Initiatives in Medal Production

TANAKA is supporting the Tokyo Marathon 2026’s sustainability efforts by using recycled materials in the medal production. The ribbons are made from recycled polyester, while the gold plating on the gold medals uses TANAKA’s ‘RE Series’ regenerated precious metals, composed entirely of recycled materials. These initiatives align with the marathon’s focus on ‘waste reduction,’ ‘environmental conservation,’ and ‘DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion).’

According to TANAKA, the use of recycled materials in the medals is a significant step toward reducing the environmental impact of the event. ‘We are committed to contributing to a more sustainable future through our products and services,’ said Koichiro Tanaka, Group CEO of TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP.

Historical Significance and Future Prospects

The Tokyo Marathon 2026 is the 19th edition of the event, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. The marathon has evolved to become one of the largest public participation events in Japan, with a focus on safety, excitement, and inclusivity. This year, the event is using the keyword ‘Run. Tokyo. Own.’ to emphasize the personal stories of participants and how they collectively create ‘one Tokyo.’

TANAKA has been involved in the Tokyo Marathon since its inception in 2007, producing medals for every edition. The company has also supported the promotion of para sports and contributed to the commemoration of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Moving forward, TANAKA aims to continue supporting sports initiatives that promote an inclusive and healthier society.

The Tokyo Marathon 2026 will be held on March 1, 2026, and is organized by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation in collaboration with various entities, including the Japan Association of Athletics Federations, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and major media organizations like The Yomiuri Shimbun and Nippon Television Network Corporation.

Details about the medals include the following specifications:

– Gold Medal: Approximately 100g, 65mm in diameter, 3mm thick; pure silver with gold plating

– Silver Medal: Approximately 100g, 65mm in diameter, 3mm thick; pure silver

– Bronze Medal: Approximately 85g, 65mm in diameter, 3mm thick; pure copper plating

The event will also have a range of supporting organizations, including the Japanese Olympic Committee, the Japan Sports Agency, and various corporate partners such as ASICS Japan Corp., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP.

TANAKA, which has been in operation since 1885, has a long history of providing precious metal products for various industries and has a consolidated net sales figure of 846.9 billion yen for the fiscal year ended December 2024.