Mirai no Mori & KIWL Charity Bike Ride 2026

We are incredibly honored to have been chosen as the charity partner of the KIWL Charity Ride for the 7th time this year. For four intense days, a dedicated group of 40 cyclists took on 500km across multiple prefectures of Japan, through elevated and bumpy routes, all in support of NPO Mirai no Mori's mission. 

Thanks to an incredible community of riders, sponsors, and donors, this year's ride has raised an amazing ¥16,345,000 to support the growth in quality and quantity of our programs.

Here is how the 4-day journey unfolded:

On Day 1, riders rolled out from Maibara in Shiga Prefecture and completed 120km until Iga in Mie Prefecture. Alongside our Executive Director as a rider, and our co-founder in the support crew, the team rode by serene views of Lake Biwa and pushed through the first-day obstacles.

The Day 2 route crossed into multiple prefectures, tracing a 130km path from Mie, right through Nara, and into Wakayama. This long day highlighted our incredible support crew, who worked behind the scenes keeping everyone safe.

Day 3 was the hardest day of the ride, as riders pushed from Hashimoto to Nataka in Wakayama prefecture, conquering almost 1,400-meter of elevation and tough tunnel courses. The reward was pedaling past the majestic UNESCO World Heritage site, Kongobuji Temple in Koyasan, leaving everyone exhausted but with hearts full.

The final stretch on Day 4 took the cyclists 130km from Wakayama back up to Osaka. The finish line was celebrated with four program graduates in Osaka. Standing before the crowd of riders and support crew, the graduates delivered moving speeches entirely in English, expressing their gratitude to the KIWL community. Hearing their words acted as a reminder for every rider of exactly the impact they are helping create and expand.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our incredible donors who made this year's ride another success. Your generosity helps us create a lasting impact that empowers the children we support to grow into happy, healthy and confident young adults.