KYOTO -- Ryukoku University students here will be selling local "Kyoto-brand" candy during the Kyoto Marathon on Feb. 16, with all the proceeds going to areas hit hard by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake to support their sports activities.

The university has been selling products that incorporate Kyoto's traditional crafts during the annual marathon, but this will be the first time it will sell a food product.

Central to this project are students in the university's Sport Science Course's sports management research lab. Since the first Kyoto Marathon in 2012, the students have sold products that incorporate Kyoto's traditional crafts, such as Nishijin-ori weaving, Kyo-kumihimo braided cords and Kyo-yuzen dyed cloth, and have donated their sales to those seriously affected by the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Because sales had been declining in recent years, students reconsidered their product lineup based on a survey of buyers. As a result, they zoomed in on Kyo-ame, or Kyoto-candy, which people of all generations can enjoy. Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward's Imanishi Seika confectionery's heat-battling "nekkyo-ame" that contain citric acid and salt, both said to be good for recovering from fatigue, will be sold this year, together with friendship bracelets that students made with silk thread used for Nishijin-ori weaving, plus Nishijin-ori woven accessory pouches made with the cooperation of Kyoto's Fushimi Ward Federation of Senior Citizens' Clubs.

"Areas hit by disaster are still on the way to recovery," said Kazuto Shoji, a 21-year-old third-year student in the law faculty. "I'd like to provide survivors with emotional support through sales of these products."

A set of 10 pieces of candy and a friendship bracelet costs 500 yen, and a set of three pieces of candy and a Nishijin-ori woven accessory pouch will go for 700 yen. Both will come with a photo card of Heian Shrine, Imamiya Shrine or another popular spot in Kyoto. The sets will be sold at the third floor of the Miyako Messe convention center between 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Feb. 14 and between 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Feb. 15. On Feb. 16, the products will only be available to runners who crossed the finish line.

(Japanese original by Mai Suganuma, Kyoto Bureau)