The Knights In White Lycra is a Japan-based fundraising volunteer group of people from diverse backgrounds, who participate in sporting and social events, giving opportunities for marginalized children living in care, better prospects of a successful outcome in adult life. Together with our sponsors, participants, and donors, we have since our humble beginnings in 2013, raised Y187,460,000 (as at December 2025).
Sponsors:
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We participate in charity events of all kinds; cycling, running, walking, even pub quizzes! People do the sport they love (or try a new one!), and arm kids from challenged backgrounds with skills to enhance their chances of a successful outcome in adult life, beyond the institutional care system.
2025 has been another record-breaking year, Y21,460,000 raised for kids in care! Companies and individuals alike continue to support our 'get fit & give back' philosophy to help under-privileged children. Every Yen raised was donated to Mirai no Mori NPO through whom the kids benefit so greatly.
We wish to extend a heartfelt 'thank you' to all our corporate sponsors, donors, participants, volunteers and followers who together, made it all happen. 2026 promises to be another exciting year as we strive to hit the magical Y200 million raised since our humble beginnings. We shall support TWO charities, both Mirai no Mori NPO and YouMeWe NPO who provide digital learning and support for kids in the care system.
We wish everyone a peaceful holiday season and health & happiness for the year of 2026! We hope your New Year resolution is to get fit & give back with KIWL!
Our official 2025 video, captures the stunning scenery of the Noto peninsula, and our visit to Wajima to show support for the residents in their recovery from the January 2024 earthquake. Please give up just a few minutes to click below, watch and give us a like!.....
2025 KIWL VIDEO
Accepting Applications for the KIWL Classic in January 2026!
From January 1st 2026, we shall be accepting applications for the coveted 40 places in our annual 4-day 500km cycle ride which next year, will be in the beautiful region of Wakayama from May 28th to 31st. Applications will go 'live' in early January by clicking on our KIWL Classic web page.
If you are not yet sure if the KIWL Classic is for you, we invite you to our information night on Wednesday January 21st 2026 7-9pm. Without obligation, you can and hear more about our flagship cycling event, learn about what it takes, and meet some veteran riders who have been there, done it, and bought the jersey!
Pre-registration is necessary, please register by clicking HERE. There is no cost, and we invite you to bring your own drinks & snacks.
Venue: Robert Half Japan, Tokiwabashi Tower, 24 2 Chome-6-4 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kVnPhH8hPtBCLWAa7
KIWL accepts applications for the ride only in the month of January 2026.
General Information:
* The Knights in White Lycra (KIWL) is merely a collective name for a group of volunteers who raise funds by participating in events organized with its partnering charity. They participate entirely at their own risk.
* KIWL does not accept donations. KIWL is not a legal entity, has no employees, is not profit making, and is not a registered charity. KIWL is not a licensed tour operator.
A not-for-profit organization that creates life-changing outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned children in Japan, supporting their growth into happy and successful young adults. Through summer and winter multi-day camps and one-day activities, children are encouraged to overcome their fears, to find self-confidence, and discover the skills to work happily in a team environment, both as a member and leader. Skills needed for their lives beyond care.
Raised for disaster recovery and disadvantaged children living in institutional care. There is more to be done!
KIWL's first ride in 2013 included 10 members. In 2025, it had 43 cyclists and 7 support crew!
Getting fit & giving back and employees supporting good causes attracts and retains corporate support.
Our participants come from far and wide; Europe, Asia, Australasia, & the Americas.
Collectively our events have attracted well over 1,000 participants.
George Leaning
Tony Moore
Andrew Edsall
Joining KIWL has been a life-changing experience. I've made lifelong friends and seen Japan from a totally new perspective, all while helping out an amazing charity. You don't need to be a professional cyclist (or have even ridden a bike, in my case!) to join this amazing community. If you have the desire to get fit and give back, KIWL is the group for you.
As far as charity golf days are concerned the KIWL event was up there with the best! A fantastic course, lovely company (who tolerated my awful golf!), and some fantastic prizes! Despite my unacceptable score, I had a superb day with golfers of all abilities and above all, the funds raised will be a great benefit to kids in care. Massive thank you to KIWL golf day organizer, Billy Ramsay. Cannot wait for the next one!
I have participated in the Go Go Run since 2019. I found out through a friend, and organizer, Roger Berman, a genuine caring person and so is the event which is welcoming, heartwarming, and fun. The highlight is meeting the kids at the children’s home (before COVID) where you can have fun with them. Do what you love (running/walking) and can help others at the same time, such an amazing thing no matter how big or small.
2019年から参加しています。友人でありGoGoランの創立者でもあるロジャーを通じてこのイベントを知りました。ロジャーは本当に他人への思いやりに溢れていてイベントも人柄がよく出ています。参加者誰もが心地よく、暖かい気持ちになり、そして楽しいイベントです。ハイライトはランの最後に子供たちの施設へお邪魔して子供達と遊んだり様子を少しだけ知ることができること(コロナ前）。自分の好きなこと（今回はランやウォーキング）を通じてしかも誰かのためにもなる。こんな素晴らしいことはないと思っています。
Besides cycling, I also enjoyed KIWL's annual Futsal tournament. It is great knowing donations are making a difference for kids with cerebral palsy who want to play football! Every team had at least one female player and one with CP. The tournament was organized beautifully. Players followed the “10 rules of chivalry”, as we know KIWL always does! The competition was fierce but we were lucky enough to emerge winners.
