Brett Larner has translated a piece from the rikujyokyogi website about how the 5th fastest marathoner in Japanese history, 2:06:26 man Hidekazu Hijikata has left his Honda team for Asahi Kasei/. Hijikata was very good in college (2:09:50 in 2020) then ran 2:06:26 in his 1st year as a pro before anchoring Honda to its 1st ever Ekiden title on January 1.
So he's about as good as they come in Japan and he's left his team for the #3 team in Asahi Kasei. What struck me is the note Brett has below the article. Very interesting
Translator's note: Transfers of this kind have become more common in the last two years since the corporate federation relaxed its regulations governing transfers in response to an antitrust investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission. The relaxation of rules increased athletes' control over their own careers but opened the door for wealthier teams like Asahi Kasei to cherry pick talent from smaller teams like Toenec, potentially making it impossible for the bottom tier of teams to survive.
So in the past there was little movement? I can see why that was viewed as an antitrust problem as it would greatly reduce salaries.
Original source: