A BRIEF HISTORY OF KIWL VOLUNTEERS

The Knights in White Lycra was formed in 2013 by a few British men needing to get fit and wanting to give back. The 60's hit ''Nights in White Satin'' sang at an ill-advised karaoke session, gave a name to a bicycle ride they never thought they would repeat!

‍(click HERE for our latest annual video).

In 2013, 10 riders cycled 330kms to Minamisoma in Tohoku, one of the devastated coastal towns, to raise ¥2.7 million for the Save Minamisoma Project, helping those in temporary accommodation after the tragedy.

Inspired by their experience, 20 cyclists rode 500kms in 2014 from Tokyo to another devastated coastal town, Minamisanriku, to raise ¥5.5 million for OGA for Aid to build a vegetable processing unit. The 2015 peloton grew to 26 cyclists which completed the same journey for ''Place to Grow'', raising ¥7.4 million to facilitate agricultural education for local children.

In 2016, KIWL partnered with Mirai no Mori NPO as 42 cyclists rode from Tokyo to an Iwate care home. KIWL raised ¥10 million, and the same ride in 2017 raised ¥14.4 million. The 37 cyclists of the 2018 KIWL 500, rode from Nikko to Ichinoseki to raise ¥12 million for Mirai no Mori in support of their Leader in Training program. KIWL also raised sufficient funds to help NPO Esperanza to bring Frame Football to Japan for the first time, realizing the footballing dreams of children with cerebral palsy. In 2019, 42 riders completed a grueling ride on a different route, which with fringe events, raised a record ¥14.5 million for newly chosen charity, YouMeWe NPO.

Due to the global pandemic, 2020 & 2021 were challenging years with many 'in-person' events cancelled. However, that was not before we received the pledges of many generous corporate sponsors and due to ongoing virtual events and solo efforts throughout those two years, as well as Global Giving matching, we still raised ¥30.7 million.    

We were able to resume full operations in 2022 at 38 riders tackled a stunningly beautiful route from Tokyo to Kanazawa via Karuizawa, Hakuba, and Toyama.

2023 was special, our 10th anniversary ride attracted 47 cycling volunteers from 14 countries which included Her Excellency the British Ambassador to Japan. They rode from Utsunomiya, snaking their way through Koriyama, Fukushima, and Sendai to a children's home in Ichinoseki.

The 2024 ride chose a route from Shizuoka to Nagano City via Toyokawa, Ena, and Lake Suwa. 45 cyclists and 5 support crew navigated through incredible countryside including the historic Nakasendo road. 2024 represented our must successful year yet, ¥20 million raised.

Our latest ride, completed on June 1st 2025 took us to the Noto Peninsula where the 'Knights of Noto' rode from Kanazawa in a large 400km+ loop via Wajima and Nanao. Not only enjoying the stunning scenery, the group visited Wajima to offer support for the residents who were devastated by the 2024 earthquake. KIWL and the BCCJ donated international snacks for the kids to try, ad we played games with them to show support.

Through the annual cycle ride and many other sporting and social events, KIWL has raised over ¥185,400,000 for disadvantaged children in Japan as of August 2025.

We welcome volunteers of any age and ability with the desire to 'get fit and give back' to join us in empowering fragile children to become successful and confident young adults.

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.

* By joining these events, volunteers do so willingly and entirely at their own risk.

* KIWL does not accept donations. It only pools money from participants to cover event costs.

* KIWL is not a legal entity, has no employees, is not profit making, nor is it a registered charity.

* KIWL is not a licensed tour operator. Events are organized by KIWL Volunteers for participants.

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