Akashi Junior Sports Festa and National Symposium Discuss Youth Club Regional Expansion

On July 20, 2026, the Akashi Junior Sports Festa was held at Kishi Stadium in Akashi Park, Hyōgo Prefecture. The free, four‑hour event invited children aged 6‑12 to try soccer, rugby, dance, track and field, and water‑sabotage activities, while parents attended an information session on the "Akashi Time" program for regional club expansion. The festival was organized by the Akashi Junior Chamber of Commerce with support from the city and local sports clubs.

A week later, on August 6, 2026, the Sports Industry Promotion Council co‑hosted a hybrid symposium titled "Club Activity Regional Expansion: Current State and Future" at the Akasaka Intercity Conference and via Zoom. The meeting, backed by the Sports Agency and the Japan Sports Policy Promotion Organization, brought together municipal officials, educators, sports groups and private companies to discuss policy, teacher workload, coach recruitment, funding and the use of school facilities to create sustainable community sports environments.