By students, for students! The 29th All Japan Inter-College Hot Air Balloon Championship
By Aika Hotta, Japan (Balloon pilot /Official PR, Tokyo Gakugei University)
From 14-16 March 2025, the 29th All Japan Inter-College Hot Air Balloon Championship took place in the Watarase area of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Organised by students from the Ibaraki University and two universities in Tokyo – Gakugei and the Metropolitan University International University of Health and Welfare – a total of 18 enthusiastic pilots (representing 12 universities) with varying experience gathered to compete in the tasks.
True to its student-led spirit, the event featured creative twists designed to make the event more enjoyable and reflect the lively imagination of its young organisers. The 14 balloons were flown in five challenging tasks, resulting in exciting marker drops by the pilots who ranged from total beginners to those with over 50 hours in the air.
Results of the competition category
- Kyoto University Team A : 2364 Points
- Nara Women’s University: 2312 Points
- Saga University: 2268 Points
Watarase, just after the annual controlled burn for nature conservation
Day 1 – JDG (Judge Declared Goal)
Although strong winds were forecast, conditions calmed down around sunrise, allowing a brief but exciting launch window. All balloons took off simultaneously from Sky-Field Watarase that was designated as the CLP (Common Launch Point), aiming for a goal set about 500m southeast of the CLP.
Pilots dropped their markers within 5-15 minutes of takeoff. The entire flight lasted around 25 minutes, demanding precision in burner control, especially since wind directions varied dramatically with altitude changes of just 10 to 20 metres.
Briefing at the Common Launch Point, Sky Field Watarase
Day 2 - JDG & MDT (Minimum Distance Task)
Despite varying experience levels, from first-time competitors to seasoned pilots with over 50 flight hours, every team successfully dropped their markers near the Judged Declared Goal target.
Then balloons rose to altitudes of 800 to 1,000 metres to catch upper winds that would carry them back toward the MDT target. With upper and lower winds blowing in nearly opposite directions, pilots had to attempt multiple approaches to stay on track. Only a few teams managed to drop their markers successfully.
The Fun Optional Game: “Running Measurement.”
For those who missed the target area, a unique optional game was introduced. When pilots dropped their markers farther away from the target, they could join a fun task: the crew members could pick up the marker and race on foot towards the target. Some teams ran several kilometres, even crossing rivers!
Competitors heading to the JDG target
Day 3 – Flight Cancelled Due to Rain
The third day was rainy, so the flight had to be cancelled.
Awards and Student Annual Assembly
To close the competition, awards were presented across multiple categories, including competitive and humorous fun categories! Winning teams received prizes such as local sake, regional sweets, and even cash rewards.
The annual balloon event also included a student assembly. This gathering provided the opportunity to share concerns and collaborate on solutions, as well as holding discussions about next year's organising duties and strategies for welcoming new members.
All officials and participants gathered at the Awards and Closing Ceremony
Behind the Scenes...
Competition Officials
Because the event is partly set for the pilots competing for the first time, officials explained the reasoning behind task settings, detailed weather updates, and important flight safety considerations at each of task briefings.
Target team members worked hard but had a fun time as well. Students from all years stood by with tape measures in hand, ready to determine exact marker positions while enjoying the sight of balloons approaching. Good job!
The measuring team hard at work
Considerations
For many members, it was their first time organising a competition. Task design, community outreach, sponsorship acquisition, and pamphlet production all required flexibility and determination by the participants.
The weather team trained with professional adult crews, while the measurement team practiced repeatedly. Students created flyers for residents, visited nearby businesses and government offices with presentation materials, and worked hard to build a competition that was both safe and enjoyable.
The Safety Officer was appointed from senior balloonists and worked closely with the student teams throughout the event.
Original brochure and sticker created by the officials
It is said that ballooning activities are rare by students even globally, and in Japan, the number of student clubs has declined from its peak. Some teams are even at risk of disappearing. However, flying together with peers during this once-in-a-lifetime phase of youth holds an undeniable and timeless value.
This competition plays a crucial role, not only in preserving student ballooning, but also in shaping the future of ballooning in Japan. It is a tough challenge, but one worth continuing and improving.
The pure joy of ballooning was clearly felt for everybody throughout the event.
Flying in Watarase, Japan
