{"id":227804,"date":"2025-05-30T15:09:26","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T15:09:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/?p=227804"},"modified":"2025-05-30T21:24:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T21:24:53","slug":"tokyo-marathon-2026-how-to-get-a-spot-via-charity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/tokyo-marathon-2026-how-to-get-a-spot-via-charity\/","title":{"rendered":"Tokyo Marathon 2026: How to Get a Spot via Charity"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tokyo Marathon 2026: How to Get a Spot via Charity<\/h2>\n

Securing a bib for the Tokyo Marathon can be a real challenge due to overwhelming demand and a tough lottery system. Fortunately, there\u2019s 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.
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Charity Entry in Tokyo Marathon 2026 \u2013 How Does It Work?<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Charity Entry 2026 \u2013 Minimum and Average Donation Amounts<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the table below, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Organization<\/th>\nMinimum Donation (2026)<\/th>\nAverage Donation (2024)<\/th>\nNumber of Slots<\/th>\nSelection Criteria<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Japan IDDM Network<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n227,700 JPY<\/td>\n40<\/td>\nMotivation statement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Plan International<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n196,300 JPY<\/td>\n198<\/td>\nMotivation statement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Certified NPO Family House<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n113,195 JPY<\/td>\n120<\/td>\nMotivation, then donation amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Solaputi Kids\u2019 Camp<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n220,500 JPY<\/td>\n91<\/td>\nDonation amount, motivation, past support<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WaterAid Japan<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n246,800 JPY<\/td>\n104<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pride House<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n298, 600 JPY<\/td>\n109<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japan Association for Refugees<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n124, 300 JPY<\/td>\n40<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shapla Neer Citizens\u2019 Committee in Japan for Overseas Support<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n259,460 JPY<\/td>\n51<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japan Marrow Donor Registry Promotion Conference<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n254,660 JPY<\/td>\n49<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Friends Without a Border Japan<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n145,960 JPY<\/td>\n86<\/td>\nDonation amount, motivation, priority for past donors\/runners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japan Environmental Education Forum<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n245,800 JPY<\/td>\n83<\/td>\nDonation amount, motivation, priority for past donors\/runners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NPO Kidsdoor<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n242,000 JPY<\/td>\n141<\/td>\nDonation amount, then application order<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japan Committee, Vaccines for the World\u2019s Children<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n259,433 JPY<\/td>\n40<\/td>\nDonation amount, then lottery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chance for Children, Inc<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n261,000 JPY<\/td>\n40<\/td>\nDonation amount, then lottery, priority for past donors\/runners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Special Olympics Nippon Foundation<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n158,600 JPY<\/td>\n132<\/td>\nLottery only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NPO Sodateage Net<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n150,100 JPY<\/td>\n72<\/td>\nPriority to past donors\/runners by application order<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japanese Para Sports Association<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\n125,980 JPY<\/td>\n118<\/td>\nPriority to previous donors<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CARE International Japan<\/td>\n120,000 JPY<\/td>\n228,200 JPY<\/td>\n109<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan<\/td>\n120,000 JPY<\/td>\n285,800 JPY<\/td>\n700<\/td>\nDonation amount, then application order<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gold Ribbon Network<\/td>\n120,000 JPY<\/td>\n246,900 JPY<\/td>\n194<\/td>\nDonation amount, then application order<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NPO Florence<\/td>\n120,000 JPY<\/td>\n182,100 JPY<\/td>\n63<\/td>\nDonation amount, then application order<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TMF Sports Legacy Program #1<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\n199,200 JPY<\/td>\n386<\/td>\nMotivation statement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TMF Sports Legacy Program #2<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\n194,800 JPY<\/td>\n50<\/td>\nMotivation statement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TMF Sports Legacy Program #3<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\n253,900 JPY<\/td>\n100<\/td>\nMotivation statement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tokyo Toy Museum<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\n219,100 JPY<\/td>\n92<\/td>\nMotivation statement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NPO Madre Bonita<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\n169,700 JPY<\/td>\n40<\/td>\nMotivation, then donation amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japan Cancer Society<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\n278,700 JPY<\/td>\n143<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japan for UNHCR<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\n216,300 JPY<\/td>\n214<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Japanese Org for International Cooperation in Family Planning<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\nno data<\/td>\n46<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ADRA Japan<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\nno data<\/td>\n42<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kokkyo naki Kodomotachi Children Without Borders<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\n226,500 JPY<\/td>\n93<\/td>\nDonation amount, then Knk supporters, then application order<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kamonohashi<\/td>\n150,000 JPY<\/td>\n188,400 JPY<\/td>\n152<\/td>\nDonation amount, then lottery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Teach for Japan<\/td>\n160,000 JPY<\/td>\nno data<\/td>\n117<\/td>\nDonation amount, then application order<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Peace Winds<\/td>\n200,000 JPY<\/td>\n287,400 JPY<\/td>\n410<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Action against Child Exploitation, ACE<\/td>\n200,000 JPY<\/td>\n276,900 JPY<\/td>\n233<\/td>\nDonation amount, then application order<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Room to Read<\/td>\n375,000 JPY<\/td>\n406,000 JPY<\/td>\n147<\/td>\nDonation amount, then motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

<\/p>\n

Development Foundation for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\nno data<\/td>\n70<\/td>\nJapan residents only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Disaster Prevention and Emergency Medical Service Association<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\nno data<\/td>\n45<\/td>\nJapan residents only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Children\u2019s Cancer Association of Japan (CCAJ)<\/td>\n100,000 JPY<\/td>\nno data<\/td>\n40<\/td>\nJapan residents only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Note:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

How to choose an organization and increase your chances?<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Check the minimum and average donation amounts \u2013 in 2026, some foundations require as much as 375,000 JPY, but you\u2019ll also find those with a threshold of 100,000 JPY. Average payments show where competition is the toughest.
\n2. Pay attention to the selection criteria \u2013 most often, the amount of support is decisive, but the order of applications or the content of your motivation letter can also matter.
\n3. Apply as soon as possible \u2013 for many organizations, the order of applications is crucial.
\n4. Prepare a strong motivation letter \u2013 for some foundations, this can make the difference in getting a slot.
\n5. You can apply to only one organization \u2013 choose the one that best fits your strategy and financial capabilities.<\/p>\n

Average charity entry amounts \u2013 what did it look like in 2024?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to remember that for many organizations, real competition means the average donations are much higher than the minimum required. For example:
\n\u2022 Room to Read \u2013 the average donation in 2025 was as high as 406,000 JPY with a minimum of 375,000 JPY.
\n\u2022 Peace Winds Japan \u2013 the average was 287,400 JPY with a minimum of 200,000 JPY.
\n\u2022 ACE \u2013 the average was 276,900 JPY with a minimum of 200,000 JPY.
\n\u2022 Ronald McDonald House \u2013 the average was 285,800 JPY with a minimum of 120,000 JPY.
\nFor other organizations, the difference between the minimum and the average donation is smaller, but it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Learn more about the Tokyo Marathon!\u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n

Would you like to know more about preparations, logistics, reports from previous editions, and practical tips? Visit the Tokyo Marathon<\/a> section on my blog. There you\u2019ll find everything you need to prepare well for your Tokyo race \u2013 from course analysis to travel and acclimatization advice.<\/p>\n

Also check out: additional charity entry guide<\/strong><\/p>\n

Read my second article: Tokyo Marathon 2026 -Charity<\/a>. There you\u2019ll find information that complements this article.<\/p>\n

Guide to the World Marathon Majors<\/strong><\/p>\n

To help plan your journey, grab a copy of my detailed guide \u201cYour Journey Through the World\u2019s Greatest Marathons \u2013 World Marathon Majors 2025\u201d<\/a> \u2013 packed with route profiles, travel tips, entry rules, and more.<\/p>\n

Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Planning to run the Tokyo Marathon 2026 through a charity entry? Discover an up-to-date and reliable overview of all participating charity organizations, minimum donation amounts (ranging from 100,000 to 375,000 JPY), average contributions from previous years, and the rules for allocating charity spots. Check out the article titled \u201cTokyo Marathon 2026: How to Secure a Charity Entry\u201d to learn how to choose the right foundation and boost your chances of participating in one of the world\u2019s most prestigious marathons.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":226667,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-227804","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tokyo-marathon-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/227804","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=227804"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/227804\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/226667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=227804"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=227804"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldmarathoner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=227804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}