The Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) hosted “Street Pole Vault in Akasaka Sacas” on May 6 at the Akasaka Sacas Plaza in front of the TBS building, during the final stretch of Golden Week.
This event served as a prelude to the Seiko Golden Grand Prix, scheduled for May 17 at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) in Tokyo. Aiming to build on the heightened interest in athletics sparked by last year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the event moved outside the stadium to let more people experience the sport up close. It also marked the first initiative under the “Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Legacy Project,” which seeks to pass on the excitement of the championships to future generations.
A pole vault pit with a runway and landing mats was set up in the plaza, surrounded by spectator seating. By the 11:30 a.m. start, a large crowd had gathered. Early cheers erupted as athletes warmed up by clearing the rubber bar.
The event was hosted by TBS announcer Mitsuki Takayanagi, a former collegiate pole vaulter himself. Guest commentators included Daichi Sawano (associate professor at Nihon University’s College of Sports Science and Japanese men’s pole vault record holder), running/comedy YouTuber Tamujo, and sports influencer Yusaku Sakurai, who provided easy-to-understand explanations and engaging talk.
Four athletes participated: Shoto Yamamoto (Toyota Motor Corp.), who placed sixth at the 2013 Moscow World Championships; Sota Ishmaru (Glanz AC), third at the 2024 Japan Championships; Harumi Horikawa (T.T.C. Co., Ltd.), seventh at the 2021 Japan Championships; and Ryo Miyamoto (KPVC), winner of the 2024 East Japan Corporate Championships. Before the competition, Yamamoto said, “First, I want to clear that bar and make everyone look up at the sky.”
The event used informal rules: a shortened run-up of about 30 meters, with no official records. Each athlete had up to five attempts, competing for the best height. A bonus of ¥100,000 was awarded for clearing 5.00 meters on the first attempt.
Legendary vaulter Daichi Sawano first gave a demonstration. Despite having little practice time—he only held a pole last during a late March training camp to demonstrate for high schoolers—he attempted 4.41 meters, missing twice but showing spectacular leaps. “I thought I could make it in practice,” he said with a wry smile, but his jumps energized the crowd.
Then Shoto Yamamoto stole the show. True to his earlier remark that his “biggest goal today is to beat the legend Sawano,” he cleared 5.00 meters on his first try, instantly winning the ¥100,000 bonus. Sota Ishmaru also cleared it on his first attempt, while Ryo Miyamoto succeeded on his second. Harumi Horikawa failed all five attempts, saying, “I’m the only one who didn’t clear it… it’s really frustrating.”
Yamamoto then cleared 5.10 meters on his first attempt, while Ishmaru and Miyamoto needed three tries, giving Yamamoto a clear lead. The bar was raised to 5.20 meters, where only Yamamoto competed. Ishmaru and Miyamoto passed, hoping to overtake him on their final attempt. Yamamoto missed his first try, then struggled with shifting winds on his second. On his third and final attempt, the crowd fell silent as he focused. He cleared the bar, though it wobbled, sparking a roar of applause. Yamamoto responded with a beaming fist pump.
Ishmaru and Miyamoto tried 5.30 meters but failed, securing Yamamoto’s victory. The final order: Yamamoto first, Ishmaru second, Miyamoto third, Horikawa fourth.
After the event, Yamamoto reflected, “Pole vault is the only athletics event that uses a tool to jump. Today, my goal was to show that humans can fly—that dreams come true. I think I got that across.” About his final 5.20-meter jump, he said, “I really wanted to clear it, and I thought if I could fix my technique, I could do it. I’m glad I adjusted well.” He added, “It was so much fun jumping with the audience so close. This doesn’t happen often.” He compared it to international meets where “people watch while drinking and eating,” but this different atmosphere was equally enjoyable.
Other athletes echoed the sentiment. Ishmaru said, “Jumping in the middle of a city is rare, and having the crowd so close is also rare. The height of the bar is hard to convey in a stadium, but here people could feel it. Pole vault has a high entry barrier, but if even one more person finds it interesting, that’s great.” Miyamoto added, “It was very fresh. The fans were within touching distance. Having them come and watch can spark interest in the sport. The crowd was excited, so I think they enjoyed it.” Horikawa, despite failing, smiled: “I came to have the most fun, but not clearing the bar was disappointing. Still, the event was a huge success. With Duplantis setting world records, pole vault is getting more attention. I hope events like this increase and more kids take up the sport.”
Sawano, joking that he last vaulted at Akasaka Sacas “about 20 years ago during an All-Star Thanksgiving event,” said, “For athletes, having a chance to jump in a setting like this is invaluable. It’s a great experience.” Seeing many children cheering, he hoped “at least one more kid will think pole vault is cool and want to try it.” He expressed deep gratitude to the organizers.
Beyond the athletic feats, the event featured crowd interactions between jumps. MCs interviewed spectators, including a child who watched Armand Duplantis’s world record 6.30m clearance at last year’s Tokyo World Championships, and others marveling at the athletes’ soaring leaps.
After the competition, a pole vault experience session was held in the same pit, where people of all ages could try jumping under guidance from Sawano and the athletes, reaching for the sky over Akasaka.
Next to the pit, a “Sprint Challenge” booth measured 25-meter times. Open to all elementary school children and younger, it allowed unlimited attempts and created long lines throughout the day. Participants received a time board with their results and could take commemorative photos with family.
As part of the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Legacy Project, the first 100 participants in both activities received World Athletics apparel. The Seiko Golden Grand Prix booth also sold discounted tickets, creating a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone could enjoy athletics. The venue buzzed with excitement all day.