Athletes' Value Will Rise in the Age of AI: Former Japanese Water Polo Player and Entrepreneur Host Dialogue Event in Kichijoji on Life After Sports

CoBREW Inc. (Musashino City, Tokyo; CEO: Eiji Fujiwara) and general incorporated association Asuhiro (Representative Director: Yusuke Shimitsu) will host a small-group dialogue event titled "ATHLETE NEXT LAB Vol.1" for current athletes, student athletes, and former athletes on Friday, July 31, 2026, at CoBREW KICHIJOJI (Musashino City, Tokyo).

ATHLETE NEXT LAB Vol.1

This event will feature a career talk by Yusuke Shimitsu, former member of Japan's national water polo team, and a session by Eiji Fujiwara, CEO of CoBREW Inc., on the theme of "Talent That Gains Value in the Age of AI." Participants will engage in dialogue with one another to explore life beyond competitive sports.

Growing Number of Athletes Facing Life After Competition

For athletes deeply committed to their sport, "life after retirement" has long been a significant challenge.

Should they continue competing? What career path should they take after retirement? Can the experience gained through sports be applied in society?

In recent years, an increasing number of active athletes are beginning to consider career development alongside their athletic careers.

Moreover, as AI advances and transforms the nature of many jobs, there is growing attention on non-cognitive skills that athletes possess—such as the ability to take on challenges, persevere, and achieve results within a team.

In light of these societal shifts, this event aims to create a space for participants to discuss what comes after their competitive careers.

Not About Receiving Answers, But About Exploring One's Own Potential

ATHLETE NEXT LAB is not simply a lecture-style event.

Through dialogue among participants, attendees will reflect on: - Strengths developed through their sport - Potential for applying these strengths beyond sports - Skills especially valuable in the age of AI - Their desired future selves five years from now

By bringing together athletes from different sports and performance levels, the event aims to spark new insights and perspectives.

Comment from Yusuke Shimitsu, Representative Director of General Incorporated Association Asuhiro

"A competitive athletic career will eventually come to an end. But the experiences and values gained through it do not disappear. After retiring from Japan's national team, I personally went through a lot of anxiety and inner conflict. I hope this event can become a space where athletes facing similar feelings don't have to struggle alone, but can instead discuss their next steps together with peers."

Yusuke Shimitsu, Former Member of Japan's National Water Polo Team

Comment from Eiji Fujiwara, CEO of CoBREW Inc.

"In today's rapidly evolving AI era, we are being challenged to rethink what truly valuable human capabilities are. I believe the athlete's strengths—such as the ability to take on challenges, persevere, achieve goals, and deliver results as part of a team—are values that AI cannot replace. I look forward to exploring with participants the many possibilities that exist beyond an athletic career."

CoBREW KICHIJOJI

About ATHLETE NEXT LAB

ATHLETE NEXT LAB is a dialogue-based community with the theme "Let's Think About Life After Sports, Together."

Current athletes, student athletes, and former athletes from various sports will gather beyond competitive boundaries to share their experiences and thoughts, and to reflect on their future careers and roles in society. The event is planned to continue as an ongoing series.

Event Overview

Event Title

ATHLETE NEXT LAB Vol.1

Let's Think About Life After Sports

~A Dialogue Session Exploring the Value of Athletes in the Age of AI~

Date and Time

Friday, July 31, 2026

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Venue

CoBREW KICHIJOJI

1st Floor, Welvies Kichijoji, 1-20-13 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino City, Tokyo

Target Participants

- Active athletes - Former athletes - Student athletes

Capacity

15 participants

Participation Fee

Free

Event Details and Registration

https://cobrew-event-260731.peatix.com/

About General Incorporated Association Asuhiro

General Incorporated Association Asuhiro aims to "expand athletes' potential into society." Through initiatives such as career support after athletic retirement and collaboration with local communities, the organization works to return the value of sports to society.

Web: https://www.yusuke-7.com/athhero

About CoBREW Inc.

CoBREW Inc., operating under the concept of "brewing together," runs a community-based coworking space called "CoBREW KICHIJOJI" in Kichijoji, Tokyo. Through entrepreneur support, community building, and providing spaces for learning, the company strives to create an environment where diverse individuals can pursue their challenges.

Headquarters: 1st Floor, Welvies Kichijoji, 1-20-13 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino City, Tokyo

Web: https://cobrew.jp/