The ACCJ events committee will be holding the annual walkathon to raise money through pledges and sponsorships for local charities in Tokyo. Namely, the Mike Makino charity supports the homeless through donations to the Tokyo Union Church and the Sanayuki Homeless Center which sponsor projects and make efforts to feed the homeless. Also, the Community Service Fund is a supported charity of this event, and they are always involved in projects to enrich community service projects around Tokyo.Additionally, funds raised through the Walkathon will be directed toward the ACCJ Charity Ball fund, which covers a broader range of charities, including the Fukushima Public School system, the Polaris Project, as well as the Tokyo English Lifeline

The event is largely supported through sponsorships from large companies, and this year the sponsors include Aflac, Boeing, GE, and more. The walkathon of course includes walking, but prior to the walking part of the event, families and ACCJ members will gather at Shiba Park near Tokyo tower to have an engaging morning of games and activities to start things off, and even a raffle with prizes.

At about 11am the walk will begin from the park. Passing Tokyo Tower on the way, the march will lead us all to the Tokyo American Club (TAC) in Kamiyacho, for a special additional event for the first time this year!

The TAC Great American Block Party will open its doors to participants in the ACCJ walkathon, and from there the party begins. Food, fun, and activities in the recently remodeled TAC building. This is a great chance to get a look at TAC, which is usually only open to members, during what they describe as a “American-style community bash”, with, you guessed it, more food, fun, and excitement.

See the promotion video for the event here, it should give a good idea of the fun atmosphere to be expected, and all for a good cause!

Here is the event info from the ACCJ walkathon site.

Location: Shiba Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Shu-kai Hiroba, Area No. 23)
Map
Directions from Kamiyacho Station to Lot 23
Directions from Onarimon Station to Lot 23
Directions from Daimon Station to Lot 23
Date: Saturday, September 21
Doors open: 9:30am
Walk start: 11:00am
Adult price: 5,500 yen / 6,500 at the door
Kids (3-18) price: 3,000 yen / 4,000 at the door