'I'm glad I came'.　50-year-old graduates gather at their alma mater's athletic meet!

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In Akune City, Kagoshima Prefecture, there is an event where classmates who have reached the age of 50, or exactly half of that age, gather at their alma maters. What will they think when they reunite with old friends from their different walks of life, some who have stayed in their hometowns and some who have left?
September 30. People in brightly colored happi (happy kimono) gathered one after another at Akune Station at dusk. They are all 50 years old.
The train arrived at Akune Station. The people who got off the train were elementary school classmates who had returned home from outside the prefecture.
Kozo gata "I'm back, from Yokohama."
There was a reason why he came back to his hometown.
The "Hana-no-50-sai" group.
It is a traditional event in Akune City in which graduates participate in a field day at their old elementary school on the year they turn 50 years old.
It began in 1951.
One of the graduates, who was 50 years old at the time, said, "I want to see who is the fastest now and settle it at the athletic meet.
It is said that it started when a 50-year-old alumnus of the school consulted the principal of Akune Elementary School.
Later, by the 1990s, it had spread to all elementary schools in Akune.
On the day of the field day. The reception desk was set up in the gymnasium. Hey, is that you? Long time no see! You haven't changed.
We were reunited through masks at the Corona Disaster. But I can still recognize the faces of those days.
Ippei Yokoyama, chairperson of the "Hana no 50-sai" executive committee
I am deeply moved. We call them by their old names, don't we?"
A man who had driven back from Aichi Prefecture came out of the gymnasium.
Mr. Shinichi Maruo
He said, "I am a poor salaryman. I've been abroad a lot.
Everyone was filled with memories after a long absence.
Some of them said things that can only be said now.
Two women say, "I used to like that person, Miwa-kun. Saori Makiki came from Shizuoka. She and Sarugaku-san, who lives in her hometown of Akune, get into the spirit of the event.
Shinya Miwa, who was their idol, lives in Kagoshima City.
When the ladies spotted Mr. Miwa, they quickly walked up to him and said, "He was cool in the past, but he's still cool today!
Stop it! They were all embarrassed.
Eighty of the 195 graduates gathered at Akune Elementary School.
Following the pledge of allegiance by Mitsuru Otosu and Izumi Hamasaki, both residents of Akune, the first inter-class relay in 38 years was held.
The starter was his former teacher at the time, 85-year-old Hiroshi Rokutanen.
The 50-year-old graduates were running hard across the track, smiles on their faces as if they were children again.
The 50-year-old graduates running hard on the track. They looked as if they had returned to their childhood, smiling with enthusiasm. However, they seemed to be a little out of breath...
Kozo Gata said, "I feel like I've done all I can do. It was fun."
The younger students who cheered for him were....
They were very fast.
Kozo Lagoon, a resident of Kanagawa Prefecture, said, "It was fun to see myself running 38 years from now. It will be fun.
The 50-year-old group's event did not end there.
Cheers!
The reunion was held that evening.
At the age of 50, one reaches a milestone in one's life: going on to higher education, finding a job, or getting married. Some people stay in their hometowns, while others leave their hometowns and live outside of the prefecture. They have made their own choices and are now here.
In front of their old friends who need no decorations, the classmates of the 50-year-old group choked up on the stage and talked about their thoughts and feelings. Their thoughts overflow in front of their friends from those innocent days.
Kazuyuki Osuki
I lost my brother at a young age, and this 50-year-old group was very, very important to me and my family. I am very proud that my 82-year-old mother could see the volunteers running.
Ms. Naomi Oda
Everyone welcomed me warmly and I was very happy to receive my polo shirt today. I am glad I came to the 50th group.
At the end, everyone sang a nostalgic school song together.
Ms. Naomi Oda
My old friends reminded me of things I had forgotten. I feel like I can take one more step forward.
Izumi Hamasaki
I think I went through some hard times. I think I went through some hard times, but I had to hide them and live with them. I know I am not alone.
Saori Makiki, resident of Shizuoka Prefecture
I hope that this town will always remain the same, where everyone is kind to each other.
Shigeki Kamiwaki
You are always welcome.
Ippei Yokoyama chairperson of the Hana no 50-sai group executive committee
I'm always waiting for you! I want to welcome everyone by saying welcome home."
My hometown is a place that is always there and welcomes you kindly.
I will live again from tomorrow, remembering my childhood and smiling with all my might.
We are the 50 year old group with a lot more to come.