Japan: Night Running as a Sub-Culture · Global Voices
Jeremy Laughlin

There are a lot of night runners out there. More so then you might imagine, and the popularity seems to be increasing.
One of the huge reasons that brings the runner out after dark is the sake of convenience. It goes to show that night hours are attractive to working people when you hear about the impressive turnout at a recent night race at Osaka Castle.
Kiyoshi in Osaka participated in a Night Run at Osaka Castle:
さて、この大会ですが、平日の夜に開催されるということで、人が集まるんかいな？と最初は思っていましたが、会社帰りの方その他、計560名の方が参加されました。
大阪城公園内とはいえ、平日の夜に5km、10kmでタイムを計測してもらえるということで、いろんな事情で日曜日のレースに出づらい方や、レースは全く初めてという方などが気軽に参加されたのではないかと思います。
Then there is the alluring atmosphere the night brings.  Some people feel at ease in the night environment and the conditions are usually favorable for running.
Carna explains what she likes about it:
空は雲に覆われている為、月明かりはなく、街も節電中の為、薄暗い中でのランニングとなりましたが
逆に走りに集中できたのではないでしょうか
夜のランニングはホントに気持ちが良いですね！
日焼けもしませんし
There is even a distinct night runner fashion that is developing. Lafino tried out a jacket with LED lights, made especially for night runs and walks.
We have noted the attractiveness of night running from recreational aspects, but what of it as a genuine culture that defines people and their relationship to society?
Running is not something people usually associate with night-life or sub-cultures, but the members of the group Midnight Runners Tokyo (MRT) do. They have been hitting the streets of Tokyo at the dead of night on weekends; a time when the idea of running would be unthinkable to many people. They see night running as culture in the making, rather than a sport.
The organizers of the group have some ambitious plans for MRT. GV Japan talked with one organizer, Shogo Otani, about the idea behind the late-night event and where it’s going.
Where did you get the idea for MRT?
What is the purpose of MRT?
How does running through the streets of Tokyo make you feel?
How many people would you like to join the event?  Why?
How many times a year would you like to hold the event?
How many official members do you have?
What makes MRT more important (worthy of media attention) then Bridge Runners?
What is the goal of the event?