April flew by, and May is already here! What a month it’s been — I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the Kobe Trail, part of the prestigious Golden Trail Series, and also to join the Press team at the Mt. Fuji 100. April was truly all about trail running on a global scale.
One thing that always stands out to me in this world is the trail running community — they’re some of the warmest, most open-hearted people you’ll ever meet. It always feels like such a safe and supportive space.
One of my favourite moments from both events was seeing families and friends cheering each other on, snapping photos, and just soaking in the joy of being out there together.
The trails are turning green again, and we’re starting to catch those first glimpses of tsuyu (梅雨), Japan’s rainy season. A new season of adventures is just beginning.
Trails in Motion 2025!
The new season of Trails in Motion is about to begin! Please watch out on the website, social media and newsletters for screening dates and places, we hope to have screenings all over Japan this year!
Featured Episode
From Kenya to the Cape: Sam Lee’s Ride Across Africa
What happens when a doctor, shaped by the weight of a global pandemic, decides to cycle across an entire continent? After COVID, Sam, a Korean-British doctor, made a quiet promise to himself: he would ride across Africa. From the rolling landscapes of Kenya to the windswept Cape of Good Hope, his journey became more than a physical challenge. It became a pilgrimage of purpose and personal reckoning.
In this episode, Sam shares what pushed him to finally take the trip, the moments that tested him, and the deep clarity that came from life on the road. We also explore how his storytelling, both in this conversation and through his Instagram videos, offers an honest and unfiltered look at Africa — its beauty, its people, and its complexity. This isn’t just a story about cycling. It’s about choosing movement when the world stood still, and what it means to truly see a place, not just pass through it.
