Tokyo Marathon 2026: How to Get a Spot via Charity

Date of publication: May 30, 2025

Tokyo Marathon 2026: How to Get a Spot via Charity

Securing a bib for the Tokyo Marathon can be a real challenge due to overwhelming demand and a tough lottery system. Fortunately, there’s another way to make your marathon dream come true – by running for a cause. The charity entry program not only gives you a better chance to participate, but also lets you make a meaningful impact by supporting a charitable organization.

Charity Entry in Tokyo Marathon 2026 – How Does It Work?

In 2026, there are 5,000 charity spots available, and each foundation sets its own number of slots, minimum donation amount, and rules for awarding places.

Charity Entry 2026 – Minimum and Average Donation Amounts

In the table below, you’ll find the most up-to-date and reliable data on the minimum and average donation amounts from previous years for selected charity organizations. This will help you realistically assess your chances of securing a slot.

Organization	Minimum Donation (2026)	Average Donation (2024)	Number of Slots	Selection Criteria
Japan IDDM Network	100,000 JPY	227,700 JPY	40	Motivation statement
Plan International	100,000 JPY	196,300 JPY	198	Motivation statement
Certified NPO Family House	100,000 JPY	113,195 JPY	120	Motivation, then donation amount
Solaputi Kids’ Camp	100,000 JPY	220,500 JPY	91	Donation amount, motivation, past support
WaterAid Japan	100,000 JPY	246,800 JPY	104	Donation amount, then motivation
Pride House	100,000 JPY	298, 600 JPY	109	Donation amount, then motivation
Japan Association for Refugees	100,000 JPY	124, 300 JPY	40	Donation amount, then motivation
Shapla Neer Citizens’ Committee in Japan for Overseas Support	100,000 JPY	259,460 JPY	51	Donation amount, then motivation
Japan Marrow Donor Registry Promotion Conference	100,000 JPY	254,660 JPY	49	Donation amount, then motivation
Friends Without a Border Japan	100,000 JPY	145,960 JPY	86	Donation amount, motivation, priority for past donors/runners
Japan Environmental Education Forum	100,000 JPY	245,800 JPY	83	Donation amount, motivation, priority for past donors/runners
NPO Kidsdoor	100,000 JPY	242,000 JPY	141	Donation amount, then application order
Japan Committee, Vaccines for the World’s Children	100,000 JPY	259,433 JPY	40	Donation amount, then lottery
Chance for Children, Inc	100,000 JPY	261,000 JPY	40	Donation amount, then lottery, priority for past donors/runners
Special Olympics Nippon Foundation	100,000 JPY	158,600 JPY	132	Lottery only
NPO Sodateage Net	100,000 JPY	150,100 JPY	72	Priority to past donors/runners by application order
Japanese Para Sports Association	100,000 JPY	125,980 JPY	118	Priority to previous donors
CARE International Japan	120,000 JPY	228,200 JPY	109	Donation amount, then motivation
Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan	120,000 JPY	285,800 JPY	700	Donation amount, then application order
Gold Ribbon Network	120,000 JPY	246,900 JPY	194	Donation amount, then application order
NPO Florence	120,000 JPY	182,100 JPY	63	Donation amount, then application order
TMF Sports Legacy Program #1	150,000 JPY	199,200 JPY	386	Motivation statement
TMF Sports Legacy Program #2	150,000 JPY	194,800 JPY	50	Motivation statement
TMF Sports Legacy Program #3	150,000 JPY	253,900 JPY	100	Motivation statement
Tokyo Toy Museum	150,000 JPY	219,100 JPY	92	Motivation statement
NPO Madre Bonita	150,000 JPY	169,700 JPY	40	Motivation, then donation amount
Japan Cancer Society	150,000 JPY	278,700 JPY	143	Donation amount, then motivation
Japan for UNHCR	150,000 JPY	216,300 JPY	214	Donation amount, then motivation
Japanese Org for International Cooperation in Family Planning	150,000 JPY	no data	46	Donation amount, then motivation
ADRA Japan	150,000 JPY	no data	42	Donation amount, then motivation
Kokkyo naki Kodomotachi Children Without Borders	150,000 JPY	226,500 JPY	93	Donation amount, then Knk supporters, then application order
Kamonohashi	150,000 JPY	188,400 JPY	152	Donation amount, then lottery
Teach for Japan	160,000 JPY	no data	117	Donation amount, then application order
Peace Winds	200,000 JPY	287,400 JPY	410	Donation amount, then motivation
Action against Child Exploitation, ACE	200,000 JPY	276,900 JPY	233	Donation amount, then application order
Room to Read	375,000 JPY	406,000 JPY	147	Donation amount, then motivation
Development Foundation for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries	100,000 JPY	no data	70	Japan residents only
Disaster Prevention and Emergency Medical Service Association	100,000 JPY	no data	45	Japan residents only
Children’s Cancer Association of Japan (CCAJ)	100,000 JPY	no data	40	Japan residents only

Note: The average amounts are approximate, based on official or industry data from 2025. In some cases (e.g., Room to Read, Peace Winds, ACE), real competition means that slots are mainly awarded to those who pledge significantly more than the minimum. Additionally, keep in mind that some charity organizations may accept donations and applications to participate as a charity runner only from residents of Japan.

How to choose an organization and increase your chances?

1. Check the minimum and average donation amounts – in 2026, some foundations require as much as 375,000 JPY, but you’ll also find those with a threshold of 100,000 JPY. Average payments show where competition is the toughest.
2. Pay attention to the selection criteria – most often, the amount of support is decisive, but the order of applications or the content of your motivation letter can also matter.
3. Apply as soon as possible – for many organizations, the order of applications is crucial.
4. Prepare a strong motivation letter – for some foundations, this can make the difference in getting a slot.
5. You can apply to only one organization – choose the one that best fits your strategy and financial capabilities.

Average charity entry amounts – what did it look like in 2024?

It’s important to remember that for many organizations, real competition means the average donations are much higher than the minimum required. For example:
• Room to Read – the average donation in 2025 was as high as 406,000 JPY with a minimum of 375,000 JPY.
• Peace Winds Japan – the average was 287,400 JPY with a minimum of 200,000 JPY.
• ACE – the average was 276,900 JPY with a minimum of 200,000 JPY.
• Ronald McDonald House – the average was 285,800 JPY with a minimum of 120,000 JPY.
For other organizations, the difference between the minimum and the average donation is smaller, but it’s still a good idea to pledge a bit more than the required minimum to increase your chances. The amount you pledge is often the most important criterion for securing a charity entry slot.

Learn more about the Tokyo Marathon! 

Would you like to know more about preparations, logistics, reports from previous editions, and practical tips? Visit the Tokyo Marathon section on my blog. There you’ll find everything you need to prepare well for your Tokyo race – from course analysis to travel and acclimatization advice.

Also check out: additional charity entry guide

Read my second article: Tokyo Marathon 2026 -Charity. There you’ll find information that complements this article.

Guide to the World Marathon Majors

To help plan your journey, grab a copy of my detailed guide “Your Journey Through the World’s Greatest Marathons – World Marathon Majors 2025” – packed with route profiles, travel tips, entry rules, and more.

Summary

In 2026, the Tokyo Marathon charity entry offers a wide range of options – from organizations with a minimum donation of 100,000 JPY, through foundations requiring 120,000 – 150,000 JPY, to Room to Read with a record-high minimum of 375,000 JPY. The average donations to the most popular charities are significantly higher than the minimum. The key to success is choosing the right organization, applying quickly, and – if you want to secure your spot – pledging more than the minimum amount. Good luck on the course in Tokyo!