[Honolulu, Hawaii] JTB Hawaii Travel, LLC (President: Tomoyuki Kajihara) has announced that internationally acclaimed Japanese pop icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has been appointed as the Official Supporter of the Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN 2026. The event will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and marks the 10th anniversary of the beloved community relay race.

■Celebrating 10 Years of Hawaii’s Local Relay Event

Kicked-off in March 2013 as Hawaii’s first public ekiden-style relay race, the Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN has grown into a unique cultural and sporting event rooted in Japanese tradition. Designed as a joyful, inclusive “community sports festival,” the event brings together runners, families, and spectators of all ages in a spirited celebration of teamwork, wellness, and cross-cultural exchange.

After a temporary hiatus due to the global pandemic, the event returns in March 2026 with its milestone 10th anniversary race.

The course begins at Kapiolani Park with Diamond Head as a dramatic backdrop, continues up Diamond Head Road, and turns around near a scenic ocean-view lookout before returning to the park. Each loop spans approximately 5 km, offering participants breathtaking views and a chance to fully experience Hawaii’s natural beauty.

Because all runners share the same looped course, teams can easily cheer on their members, creating an energetic and unified atmosphere throughout the venue. Participants as young as 5 years old are welcome, making the event ideal for families. A dedicated kids race for children aged 12 and under is also scheduled.

■A Global Japanese Pop Icon Joins the Celebration

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, known worldwide for her bold creativity and unmistakable style, rose to fame following her major debut in 2011 with the album Moshi Moshi Harajuku, produced by Yasutaka Nakata. Her music and fashion have established her as a defining figure of Japanese pop culture, earning her a devoted global following.

Since 2013, she has successfully completed five world tours and, in April 2022, appeared at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where she headlined the Gobi Stage for two consecutive weekends. Her appointment as Official Supporter brings an added dimension of excitement and international appeal to the 10th anniversary race.

On race day, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is scheduled to appear at the venue and share encouragement with runners and participants in the kids race. She will also take part in the Honolulu Festival Grand Parade held later that day, as well as the sister event ASOBIEXPO HAWAII 2026, which will take place the following day at Waikiki Shell.

Participants and spectators alike are invited to enjoy a special weekend where the emotion of sport meets music and contemporary Japanese culture.

■Supporting the Local Community Through Sport

As the event organizer, JTB Hawaii donates a portion of race entry fees to educational institutions and sports promotion organizations across Hawaii. Through the continued support of participants and partners, the Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN aims to expand opportunities for community engagement through sport.
This initiative reflects the JTB Group’s corporate philosophy of fostering meaningful connections among people around the world and contributing to a peaceful, enriched society. The Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN will continue to promote cultural exchange, healthy lifestyles, community vitality, and positive social impact through sport.

[About Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN 2026]
■Event: 10th Anniversary Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN 2026
■Organizer: JTB Hawaii Travel, LLC
■Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 8 AM Start | Kids Race scheduled from 10 AM
■Course: Kapiolani Park – Diamond Head Road – turnaround to Kapiolani Park
(Approx. 5 km per loop, five loops total)
■Website: https://rainbowekiden.com/

[About 30th Honolulu Festival]
■Event: 30th Honolulu Festival
■Organizer: Honolulu Festival Foundation
■Dates: March 13-15, 2026
■Venue: Hawaii Convention Center, Kalakaua Ave., and others
■Website: https://www.honolulufestival.com/en/

[About ASOBIEXPO HAWAII 2026]
■Event: ASOBIEXPO HAWAII 2026 – Japanese Pop Culture Experience –
■Organizer: ASOBIEXPO HAWAII Committee(ASOBISYSTEM CO., LTD / JTB Hawaii Travel, LLC)
■Venue: TOM MOFFATT WAIKIKI SHELL
■Date: Monday, March 16, 2026 | Door Open 4:30 PM / Start 6:00PM (TBA)
■Website: https://asobiexpo.com/hawaii2026/