This year's race saw a shocking start with the team in 16th place in the first section. However, Aoyama Gakuin University's wooden tag shows the team steadily improving, with Iida in the 2nd section placing 11th, and Udagawa in the 3rd section moving up three places to 8th. I was very surprised that Asahi Kuroda, who I thought would run in the 2nd section, was a surprise entry in the 5th section. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of run he will show us. Wooden tags have appeared as official goods for the 102nd Hakone Ekiden. Recommended for those who think keychains are too cute.