Live Music & Entertainment
A lot of activity is centered around the main stage where you will be entertained all day long by various types of live music and performances.
The line-up varies from year to year but is always culturally diverse with such acts as:
•live bands
•dance performances (hula, country line, hip-hop...)
•traditional Japanese taiko or shamisen
•etc...
But make no mistake, the Walkathon is not merely a concert. Get up and walk around, check out the various family-friendly activities that await you.
The Walkathon is Kid-Friendly
There is always lots for the young 'uns to do!
A multitude of planned activities await the kiddies. They can have their faces painted, watch a puppet show, try their hands at various sports or handicrafts and bounce to their hearts' content in the jumpy house.
Many activities take place indoors or under cover, so don't let rainy weather keep you from coming to Moricoro Park for this fabulous family-friendly event.
Sample Local and International Foods
Several food vendors will be on hand from a variety of local, international shops and restaurants. It's a great chance to try some new international cuisine or just enjoy your favorites.
You will be sure to find something you like and prices are reasonable, so come hungry.
Not to mention, a portion of the proceeds from food sales is donated to the Walkathon by the vendors.
Win great prizes!
Entry to the Walkathon entitles you to be entered in the raffle where you have a chance to win amazing prizes including flight vouchers and much, much more.
In addition to the raffle ticket included with your entry passport, additional raffle tickets will be on sale at the event to increase your chances of winning. All prizes have been donated, so 100% of your ticket price goes to helping local charities.
Learn about local charities and organizations
If you are interested in getting involved in your community, a number of local organizations and charities will be on hand with information booths and staff to answer any questions you may have.
Get some exercise and make new (international) friends
There's so much to do we almost forgot to mention the WALK portion of the Walkathon.
In keeping with a traditional walkathon event, there will be a course to walk as a symbolic gesture of going the extra mile to help. You are not obligated to make the walk, but it's a great chance to work off that big international lunch.
And who knows who you will meet along the way? Everyone at the Walkathon is friendly and outgoing. Don't miss your chance to connect with the diverse international community that makes Chubu such a great place to live.
Event and Main Stage - May 21st (Sunday), 2017
10:00 Opening Ceremonies
- Nagoya Women's University High School Marching Band
- Baton Cherry Blooming (Baton twirlers)
- Let's try Sign Language!
11:00 Start of Walk
11:30 ♫ The Hospy's (Classic Rock)
12:05 ZUMBA
12:25 ♫ StarKat (Rock)
13:00 Special Ticket Raffle & 1st Raffle
13:15 ♫ OS☆U
13:40 ♫ Tomo Shaga Tribute (Blues-Rock)
14:15 ♫ Game Over Humans (Alternative Rock)
14:50 ♫ Halau Hula 'o Lehuau'iokalani (Hawaiian dance)
15:00 Shop Japan Stamp Rally Raffle
15:10 2nd Raffle
15:30 ♫ The Jerks (Party Rock)
16:00 Closing Remarks
History of the Walkathon
Over 25 years of helping local charities
The Chubu Walkathon and International Charity Festival (formerly the Nagoya Walkathon and International Charity Festival), is a charity event organized by the international community in Central Japan. The annual event started in 1991 in Nagoya, Japan by members of the then American Business Community of Nagoya (ABCN). In the year 2000, the ABCN merged with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) and became that organization's Chubu Chapter.
The event has continued annually and is today organized by the ACCJ Chubu Chapter and Nagoya International School (NIS).
The event has grown over the years and raises in excess of 7 million yen per year ($70,000 USD) for the benefit of local charities. In 2012, the Walkathon reached a major milestone having achieved a lifetime total of raising in excess of 100 million yen ($1 million) since its inception.