On December 23 (Sun.), 2018, tufts of red and white will blend in with the orange maple and yellow ginko leaves of early winter in Tokyo's beautiful Meiji Jingu Gaien park as hundreds of Santas run for the benefit of sick children in Japanese hospitals and needy children in Africa.

The charity running event Great Santa Run which has similar iterations in many cities of the world will finally make its appearance in Tokyo this year. Members of the general public as well as students are welcome to sign up and join in the fun, helping to bring the holiday spirit to those in need. Proceeds will go to Free The Children Japan.

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Sign Up

The first 1,000 student applicants can register as "Youth Ambassadors" for only 500 JPY, which requires participation in activities like the Human Christmas Tree.

Otherwise, prices are as follows:

Tickets including Santa suits

• Adults: 5,400 JPY
• Students (high school and older): 3,240 JPY
• Children: 2,160 JPY (3 to Jr. H.S.)

Tickets not including Santa suits

• Adults: 4,320 JPY
• Students (high school and older): 2,160 JPY
• Children: 1,080 JPY (3 to Jr. H.S.)

For more information and to register, please visit their website here.