“Haneda Sky Walk 2026” Held—3,000 People Gather Along the Tama River Embankment Amid Full-Bloom Cherry Blossoms
On March 28, the “Haneda Sky Walk 2026” (organized by IZANAMI Sports Co., Ltd.) was held amid pleasant spring weather. Project CHANGE, the Kawasaki City Nurses Association, and Kawasaki City University of Nursing participated as collaborating organizations, and approximately 3,000 participants—including a team of nurses—enjoyed a walk along the Tama River embankment, which was in full bloom with cherry blossoms.
The nurse teams, consisting of 35 participants across 12 groups who accepted an invitation from CHANGE, took on the 10-kilometer course. Behind this invitation lies CHANGE’s hope that “nurses will use this as an opportunity to nurture their own physical and mental well-being, connect with colleagues, and reflect on the future of nursing.” The event was planned with the intention of contributing to the improvement of well-being by providing busy nurses with the experience of walking in nature while conversing with colleagues and family.
In addition, student volunteers from Kawasaki City University of Nursing supported the event’s operations, actively engaging with participants through encouragement, cheering, and course guidance. Furthermore, the Kawasaki Nursing Association collaborated with local medical institutions to dispatch nursing staff to the first-aid tent. These nursing professionals supported the event’s operations and ensured the safety and peace of mind of the participants.
On the day of the event, Associate Professor Kyoko Yoshioka and Assistant Professor Haruka Yokobori from the University of Tokyo’s Global Nursing Research Center—both affiliated with CHANGE—completed the 10km course. Since the research they lead—on developmental dysplasia of the hip and osteoarthritis of the hip—is closely related to walking, this experience allowed them to truly appreciate the importance of walking using one’s own hips throughout life. It also served as an opportunity to reaffirm the significance of the “Research on the Development of Risk Assessment and Preventive Intervention Programs for Osteoarthritis of the Hip” being undertaken by CHANGE.
Participating nurses shared comments such as, “The spring scenery was lovely,” “I felt refreshed,” “The pork miso soup and shumai provided were delicious,” and “I was happy to see the staff’s smiling faces at the finish line.” This experience not only refreshed their minds and bodies but also boosted their motivation.
Project CHANGE will continue its efforts to improve nurses’ well-being and shape the future of the nursing field.
