"Threats to Move and Wrong-Way Running"... 1.5 Million Flock to Japan's 'Imperial Palace Running' Amid Etiquette Issues

Imperial Palace Running in Tokyo Faces Inconsiderate Behavior
Chiyoda Ward Launches Survey and Considers Safety Measures

As "Imperial Palace running" gains popularity in Tokyo, Japan, the local government has launched an investigation and is working on safety measures to address negative side effects caused by inappropriate behavior from some runners.

People Running in Downtown Tokyo Yonhap News

1.5 Million People Annually Join "Imperial Palace Running" in Japan... Running Groups Popular Among Younger Generation

According to NHK on October 6, the Imperial Palace running route attracts countless runners as it offers a roughly 5-kilometer circuit around the Imperial Palace where people can run continuously without traffic signals.

With a setting that combines urban cityscape and greenery, and the scenery changing with the seasons, runners visit the course throughout the year.

According to one survey, the number of runners who use this route amounts to 1.5 million per year. By age group, those in their 20s to 40s make up 75% of the total, while by gender, men account for 65% and women 35%.

Lately, Imperial Palace running has also gained attention among young office workers as a new venue for socializing and meeting potential partners. The fact that people can naturally have conversations while running together is considered a key reason for its popularity.

In Tokyo, running clubs for people to run together in the morning or after work are thriving, and events are held for runners in similar age groups to connect while running around the Imperial Palace.

Pedestrian Safety Concerns and Wrong-Way Running... Local Government Launches Investigation

With more people enjoying Imperial Palace running, complaints have emerged about some users' inconsiderate behavior.

Chiyoda Ward, which has jurisdiction over the area, established nine etiquette guidelines in 2013, such as "pedestrians first," "running in a single file in narrow areas," and "counterclockwise running."

However, recently, the ward office has been receiving a constant stream of complaints from pedestrians and residents, such as "I felt threatened to get out of the way" or "I almost collided with a runner going in the opposite direction."

In response, Chiyoda Ward has decided to conduct a survey to assess usage and safety conditions on the running course around the Imperial Palace. The investigation will measure the number of runners, pedestrians, and cyclists, and will also examine situations where there is a risk of collisions or friction between them.

Based on the survey results, Chiyoda Ward plans to increase guide signs, install security cameras, and introduce other safety measures.

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Running Etiquette Also Controversial in Korea... Response Measures by Seoul and District Offices

Meanwhile, in Korea, debates over running manners continue. Social networking services (SNS) are flooded with complaints about running crews blocking paths while running in groups or playing loud music through Bluetooth speakers, causing inconvenience to others.

As complaints have continued, the Seoul city government and individual district offices have implemented restrictions. Seocho District has limited group running to five people or fewer and instituted a rule requiring runners to keep a 2-meter distance between members. Seongbuk and Songpa Districts are also encouraging runners to run in a single file and to avoid running in groups of more than three.

Through the "Mannerly Seoul Running" campaign, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is promoting guidelines such as running single file or in small groups on narrow paths and refraining from loud noise or music.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.