Tarobo Challenge

About Tarobo Challenge

Tarobo Challenge is a stair climbing competition event held at Tarobo Shrine (Aga Shrine) in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture. As a unique initiative using historic shrine grounds as a sports venue, it has attracted nationwide attention by applying branding methods cultivated at Hakuhodo.

As event producer and vice executive committee chairman, I have led everything from event launch to planning and operations, attracting many participants from within and outside the region. As recognition of Higashiomi City's new appeal spreads, we introduced the "Children's Future Ticket" system from 2025 to support children who face economic difficulties in participating, emphasizing social contribution through the event.

Sports Agency Adopted Project

In fiscal year 2025, Step Out Marketing LLC was adopted for the Sports Agency's "Sports Tourism Content Creation Project" under the "Comprehensive Promotion Project for Creating Regional Revitalization and Community Development Content through Sports." The initiatives centered on Tarobo Challenge were evaluated as an advanced model recognized by the government.

Leveraging this support, we aim to polish regional sports resources into high-value tourism content and realize an Higashiomi City chosen by people from Japan and abroad. We are strategically advancing efforts to create related populations, such as planning monitor tours in collaboration with local hotels and restaurants, ensuring the event doesn't remain a one-time occurrence.

Contribution to Regional Branding

We deliver the historical and cultural value of Tarobo Shrine nationwide through a modern perspective, cultivating the brand image of "Higashiomi City means Tarobo Shrine." By discovering hidden regional charms and creating stories that communicate them effectively, we practice creating related populations and regional vitality.