We interviewed Mr. Takeshi Koga and Mrs. Mariko Koga of Team “Take-chan Mari-chan,” who have participated in two consecutive “Entry No. 1” events, about the appeal of ADVENTURE and their impressions of participating.

• You have been participating since 2021. How did you come to participate in the adventure?

Mariko Koga (hereinafter “Marichan”) :Take-chan ran marathons as a hobby. We were looking for a run event online to see if there was anything we could both run together, and we found ADVENTURE.

• Were the two of you originally involved in running?

Takeshi Koga (hereinafter “Take-chan”): I had been running since 2004-2005 and had participated in the Fukuoka Marathon.

Mari-chan: I didn’t get enough exercise on a daily basis, but when I started dating Take-chan, I started running at a park in my neighborhood. I was looking for an event to run, thinking that I was getting stronger and that a full marathon might be difficult, but a fun run might be possible…. So, ADVENTURE MUNAKATA 2021 was my first running event.

• As a concept for this convention, I planned it with a certain RPG in mind, incorporating adventure elements in both the various items and the items themselves. Please give us your frank impression.

Marichan: First of all, I thought it was very interesting. The adventure book was a map, and it was very elaborate. However, the first time I participated, the bread cream in my backpack popped and made a mess of my adventure book (laughs).

Take-chan: I thought this kind of event was unique and I really enjoyed it.

• What kind of strategy did you plan after receiving the adventure map?

Take-chan: First of all, I opened the map and made a plan by referring to Google Maps in order to figure out which places were on the map.

Mari-chan: I want to run along the coast, visiting various stores! We made a plan to visit as many places as possible so that we can get as many points as possible.

Both: We wanted to have fun! And the most important thing was to have fun!

• After actually running the marathon, how did you feel about the beach cleanup being included in the marathon?

Take-chan: I had always been interested in beach cleanups, but I had never actually participated in one, and after cleaning up the beaches in ADVENTURE, I realized that this is what microplastics are all about.

• Do you have a memorable spot from the convention?

Mari -chan: “Minomushi Tower!” It came out of nowhere and poof! I was so surprised. I thought, “Why here? I thought. (Laughs)

Take-chan: And then there was “OKAHACHI”! I went there thinking it was a café, but there are games and everything, and I had never heard of it before. If it weren’t for this convention, I wouldn’t have known about “OKAHACHI”.

• What do you think is the appeal of ADVENTURE through your participation in the two tournaments?

Take-chan: It is fun to learn about the city as if it were a game. It was also fun to look for mekabu. I would check my phone to see if the mekabu information was updated, and adjust my course so I could meet the mekabu!

Mari-chan: It’s not just about running, but through the marathon, you can learn about various places and contribute to society. We were running while saying that it was a great event because we could clean up the coast and refresh our spirits.

• Are there any gourmet spots that left an impression on you?

Take-chan: It is Poppo House. I had egg rice for lunch. I went around the right side, went to Beach Clean, Okaachi, Graze, bought some bread, and enjoyed it to the fullest.

Mari-chan: I thought the first time too, but as I was running I thought, “I’m going to get egg rice” (laughs). And the bakery at the pass where the cream buns exploded in my backpack last time, I brought a Tupperware this time and ate them slowly during the tally time. They had new items and they were very tasty.

• Did you have any involvement with the volunteers?

Mari-chan: Thank you for your hard work! I was happy to hear you say that. It must have been hard work, right? They said to me, “I’m so glad to see you. I think I was refreshed by the encouragement from the volunteers.

Take-chan: A volunteer from Gurage called me, “Here I am! called me and we had a little chat. It was really nice and I was happy.

• Is there anything else that left a lasting impression on you?

Mari-chan: The first year, I enjoyed the Akamoku soup so much that I bought some Akamoku to take home. This time, too, I really enjoyed the red spider soup. Besides shopping at the mission, I also bought squid and other seafood at the roadside station this time.

Take-chan: We stayed at the Royal Hotel this time. I happened to have made a reservation and was surprised to find it was the spot for this event (laugh). By the way, I ran into Team Bears (the winning team of the 2022 tournament) at the hotel.

• I am very happy that you are enjoying the ADVENTURE to the fullest. Now, will you be participating in the 2023 tournament?

Both: We will participate in 2023 too! And next time, we’re going for entry number one!

Thank you very much, Take-chan and Mari-chan.