Ready, Set, Adventure! The Mission to Seafarers, Adventure Race Japan event, raises an outstanding $1.85 million in aid of seafarer welfare

Ready, Set, Adventure! The Mission to Seafarers, Adventure Race Japan event, raises an outstanding $1.85 million in aid of seafarer welfare

With 55% of global tonnage estimated to be represented and 100 teams racing, The Mission to Seafarers’ most successful fundraising challenge to date showcased the maritime community’s commitment to seafarer welfare.

LONDON, 20 May 2025 – The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) has successfully concluded its second Adventure Race Japan (ARJ) fundraising challenge, raising a total of US$1.85 million through over 100 team registrations, generous corporate sponsorships, and participant fundraising initiatives. Thanks to the overwhelming support from the maritime industry, MtS has surpassed its fundraising target of US$1.7m by US$150K, achieving a total increase of $550K compared to its 2023 results. The Mission extends its gratitude to all 35 sponsors, including its Platinum sponsor, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and prominent Gold sponsors – Swire Bulk, Swire Shipping, NYK Line, Shoei Kisen Kaisha, V.Group, NorthStandard and Arrow, who between them raised more than US$500,000.

Held from 15 -18 May 2025 on Japan’s scenic Izu Peninsula, the much-anticipated ARJ event brought together participants from around the world. Over 100 teams representing 26 countries took on the thrilling ‘Green Dragon’ and ‘Black Dragon’ challenges, showcasing exceptional teamwork, endurance, and spirit. Over two action-packed days, competitors braved rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, all to raise critical funds for seafarers’ welfare worldwide. The event also showcased diverse participation, including 94 individuals from Japan-based companies and 94 from Singapore. Participants were made up of 89 women and 211 men.

The funds raised through ARJ will directly support several key areas of The Mission to Seafarers’ global operations.  Funds are allocated to a range of projects across the world, both existing and new developments. Additionally, the funds will benefit the Mission’s successful Family Support Networks in the Philippines and India. These networks offer vital services such as counselling, financial advice, social and welfare support, transportation, and training for seafarers and their families. The Mission’s Statement of Intent details how the funds will be used.

On behalf of the organising committee, Jan Webber, MtS Director of Development, commented: “We’re immensely proud of the remarkable amount raised through the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, especially our ARJ Committee, in this year’s Adventure Race Japan. The funds will go directly toward supporting the vital work being done to support seafarers around the world.

“This event was a great opportunity to bring together the global shipping community, and I was glad to see so many brands across the industry represented. It’s a great microcosm of our industry, with owners, operators, insurers, agents, class societies, flag states, and many more service providers taking part. Combined, we estimate that those in attendance represented 55% of the world’s tonnage in varying degrees and, by extension, close to 1 million seafarers!”

Takeshi Hashimoto, CEO, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), added: “MOL is honoured to be the sole platinum sponsor of the Adventure Race Japan. The Mission’s work is crucial to MOL as they provide help and support for the world’s seafarers when they need it most. MOL strongly believes that this event is a fantastic opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the welfare of the seafarers who are fundamental to global trade and the safe operation of our business. This event’s outcome will significantly impact seafarers’ lives, and we are proud to be a supporter. Let’s continue to work together towards a bright future for seafarers.”

The story of Adventure Race Japan 2025

On arrival day at ARJ, over 330 participants, volunteers, and guests were welcomed, and gathered for the safety briefing, sponsored by Anglo American. The session began with a warm welcome from MtS Secretary General Peter Rouch, followed by remarks from Jeremy Sutton, representing Gold Sponsors Swire Shipping and Swire Bulk. Appreciation was given to the Drinks Sponsor, Ben Line Agencies. Manish Jain also spoke on behalf of Womar Logistics Pte Ltd, the Welcome Dinner Sponsor. Committee members Jan Webber and Tom Bonehill highlighted the event’s significance and expressed gratitude for the strong support it had received.

The first day of racing began with an early start for teams as they departed for the start line. The Black Dragon Race participants were the first to set off on the course, followed shortly after by the Green Dragon teams. Pleasant conditions boosted team morale and created countless photo-worthy moments.

At the end of Day 1, the ‘Halfway Dinner and Drinks’ generously sponsored by Abo Shoten and Ben Line Agencies began. Sakura Kuma hosted the event, warmly welcoming Ren Wada of Abo Shoten, Robert Desai representing Gold Sponsor V Group, and Jeremy Grose from Gold Sponsor NorthStandard to share their remarks. Participants also heard from Stephen Miller, MtS Regional Director for East Asia, who provided an update on his team’s critical work and accomplishments throughout the region.

The Green and Black Dragon teams kicked off the Rogaining challenge for Day 2, setting out from the hotel full of energy and determination. Unlike the clear skies of Day 1, the weather took a dramatic turn as torrential rain greeted the teams, leaving everyone soaked within minutes. Fortunately, all participants were well-prepared and equipped to handle the downpour, pressing on, undeterred.

The rain may have been relentless, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm; the teams embraced the challenge and, armed with umbrellas and their waterproofs, made the most of every moment.

After completing the course and collecting their participants’ medals, the teams gathered once more for the all-important Awards Ceremony, expertly hosted by MtS Japan Chairman Christopher Eve. Guests enjoyed a series of engaging remarks from key sponsors and distinguished speakers. Takeshi Hashimoto of Platinum Sponsor Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Hisaya Higuchi representing Gold Sponsor NYK Line, and Masato Nishizawa of the UK P&I Club, our Gala Dinner Sponsor, all shared thoughtful reflections. Jan Webber thanked her team for their herculean efforts and the ARJ Committee for their dedication and commitment. Participants also had the pleasure of hearing from Sakura Kuma, before MtS Secretary General, Peter Rouch, delivered a heartfelt closing speech to conclude the evening.

Adventure Race Japan 2025 marked a tremendous achievement, highlighting the unity and dedication of the international maritime community and the Japanese shipping industry in championing seafarers’ welfare. The Mission to Seafarers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters, as well as to its organising committee members: Tom Bonehill and Ken Hasui from Norstar Group of Companies, Sakura Kuma from Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Chris Eve from Informa Markets Asia and MtS Japan Chairman, Maki Yoshida from Star Marine PR, Jeremy Sutton and Ben Hadfield from Swire Shipping, and finally Jan Webber, Emily Rowling, Mercedes Vazquez Bello, and Caroline Zuber from MtS IHQ.

Awards and Achievements
The winning teams, who celebrated for their remarkable performances and fundraising efforts, were:

Green Dragon Race – Overall winner
(The Green Dragon Race team with the highest fundraising amount, highest rogaining points and fastest completion time)
AL Group (Asiatic Lloyd Group)

Green Dragon Race – Highest fundraiser

AL Group (Asiatic Lloyd Group)

Green Dragon Race – Rogaining winner

AL Group (Asiatic Lloyd Group)

Green Dragon Race – Fastest

SHOEI (Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd)

Black Dragon Race – Overall Winner:
(The Black Dragon Race team with the highest fundraising amount, highest rogaining points and fastest completion time.)

MOL Wind Runners (Mitsui O.S.K Lines)

Black Dragon Race – Highest fundraiser

Joint winners: Teams Keido and Ido (MtS Hong Kong)

Black Dragon Race – Rogaining Winner

MOL Wind Runners (Mitsui O.S.K.Lines)

Black Dragon Race – Fastest

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About Mission for Seafarers:
The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the 1.89 million men and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat. The Mission works in over 200 ports in 50 countries caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs. Through its global network of chaplains, staff and volunteers, the Mission offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to seafarers through ship visits, drop-in seafarers’ centres and a range of welfare and emergency support services.