Japan Athletics Association launches sports gear recycling project

The Japan Athletics Association is launching the ‘3R Baton Project’ as part of its SDGs initiatives during the Relay Festival 2026 at the MUFG Stadium (National Stadium). The project aims to reduce clothing waste and CO2 emissions by collecting used sports apparel, footwear, and spikes.

Collected items will be distributed through three channels: provided free of charge to event spectators, sent to international recipients in need via NPOs, or repurposed into recycled eco-bags through the Asics ‘GREEN BAG PROJECT’. Participants are asked to provide clean, functional gear, excluding damaged or non-athletic footwear.

Separately, RT Co., Ltd. has launched a crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE for the second iteration of ‘Shotlyt’, a compact golf ball flight tracker. The project reached its initial goal within three minutes of launch and surpassed 7 million yen in support on its first day. The device measures 12 data points, including carry distance and spin rate, and integrates with an app to provide 3D trajectory visualization and swing analysis.