The 46th annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one of the world's six major marathons, was held under clear fall skies on October 13. This year's race saw 52,150 finishers, breaking last year's record of 48,472.

   Five Japanese elite athletes and four wheelchair elite athletes participated in the event. Chicago Shimpo interviews their spirits, experiences, future plans, and their stories.

   The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Kikkoman Foods plant was held on June 12 in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, and the company was enthusiastically welcomed by the local people. Tokyo-based Kikkoman Corporation will invest $560 million (about 80 billion yen) over 10 years in the construction of a new Jefferson plant. The company also plans to expand its Walworth plant, bringing the total investment to $800 million.

Veteran Enoch Kanaya, who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II, was awarded "The Legion of Honor", the highest honor given by the French government, and the official presentation ceremony was held on May 9 at the Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church on the north side of Chicago.

Conductor Kazuki Yamada was invited by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) to conduct four performances on May 16, 17, 18, and 21, making his debut with the CSO. On the 21st, the last day of the performance, the Japanese Culture Center and the Japanese Arts Foundation hosted an exhibition featuring live performances of Sumi-e (ink painting) and calligraphy (Shodo), and display of the Ikenobo ikebana in the Chicago Symphony Center.