Actor and comedian Kanpei Hazama, also known as a super athlete who has participated in numerous marathons throughout the world, is taking on the ultimate challenge called "KANPEI EARTH Marathon" which will take him around the world across the Pacific, America, the Atlantic, Europe, Asia and return to his goal in Japan. The two and a half year journey, beginning in Osaka on December 17, 2008, will cover a travel distance of 20,000 km on foot and 16,000 km via a yacht, totaling over 36,000 km.

Nippon Television Network Corporation (NTV) will be covering Kanpei's day-to-day challenges and upon editing the footage into 2-3 minute clips, offering them daily for viewing on the official, bilingual homepage (www.earth-marathon.com).

The "KANPEI EARTH Marathon Production Committee" was realized through the investments of NTV, YOSHIMOTO KOGYO CO, LTD. and DENTSU INC.
 

Public Relations
Executive Administration
Nippon Television Network Corporation