Yamathon NPO Spotlight: Waffle

Tokyo Yamathon is an event unlike any other it is part challenge, part adventure, and all heart. As participants make their way around the iconic Yamanote Line, every step taken supports something bigger than the finish line. One of the most powerful parts of Yamathon is the partnerships formed along the way, especially with organizations creating real social impact.

We were proud to partner with Waffle, a nonprofit working to close the gender gap in tech education in Japan. At the Yamathon finish line, Waffle welcomed exhausted (but inspired) walkers, shared their mission, and sparked conversations that extended well beyond event day.

Below, we sat down with the Waffle team to reflect on their Yamathon experience and the impact of this partnership:

Yamathon x Waffle: Q&A

What did being part of Tokyo Yamathon 2025 mean for your organization?

"Tokyo Yamathon 2025 was a valuable opportunity for us to directly share Waffle’s mission and activities with many people and to build new connections. Having a booth at the finish line allowed us to communicate the importance of closing the gender gap in tech."

How does support from events like Yamathon help advance your mission?

"Beyond financial support through donations, Yamathon helps raise awareness of our work and enables us to reach more people with our education programs. Both funding and shared empathy strongly support our mission."

Was there a moment or aspect that stood out to you?

"What stood out most was how many participants stopped by our booth even after walking such a long distance, listened to our story, and shared warm words of support. As a result, over 100 people newly subscribed to our newsletter, and some participants later reached out to offer their help as volunteers."

How do partnerships like this contribute to your long-term impact?

"Partnerships like this expand our circle of supporters and collaborators, helping Waffle sustain and grow our work and build a foundation for long-term social change. We also hope this leads to ongoing communication with companies and schools beyond the event itself."

Is there anything you’d like participants or fundraisers to know?

"Every step you take and every bit of support you give creates learning and growth opportunities for girls and non-binary youth, helping make the future of tech in Japan more inclusive. We are deeply grateful. Thank you so much, and we hope for your continued support."

Tokyo Yamathon isn’t just about endurance it’s about community, connection, and the causes we move forward together. From finish-line conversations to long-term collaboration, partnerships like the one with Waffle remind us why Yamathon exists in the first place.

Whether you walked, volunteered, fundraised, or stopped by a booth after a very long day we'd like to say thank you for being part of the magic. With organizations like Waffle alongside us, every Yamathon step helps light the way toward a more inclusive future.

Learn more about Waffle and their work at waffle-waffle.org.