Okinawa Prefecture: Call for Applications for "Sports Event Hosting Support Grant" for FY2026 Sports Tourism Strategy Promotion Project Commences

Okinawa JTB Corporation (Headquarters: Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture) has been commissioned by Okinawa Prefecture to publicly solicit and support model sports event projects to be held in the prefecture during the autumn/winter season as part of the Okinawa Prefecture FY2026 Sports Tourism Strategy Promotion Project. Applications will be accepted and reviewed from corporations and organizations both within and outside the prefecture. Successful applicants will receive a subsidy of either "New Project Support: up to 5 million JPY (subsidy rate 2/3)" or "Stabilization Framework: up to 3 million JPY (subsidy rate 1/2)". This project seeks applications from across the country, regardless of the type or scale of sport. However, priority will be given to events that demonstrate superiority or relevance to Okinawa's nature, climate, and historical culture, and show potential for sustainability after the subsidy period. Furthermore, successful applicants will receive ongoing support from advisors. [Distribution of Application Guidelines] From Monday, May 11, 2026 to Monday, June 8, 2026, 17:00. The application guidelines will be published on the Okinawa Prefecture Official Website's "Sports Promotion Division" page, and application proposals will be accepted from the same day. Okinawa Prefecture is leveraging its advantageous environment for sports, such as its rich nature and warm climate, to promote the establishment of sports tourism, contributing to off-season visitor attraction and regional economy, and is working to build the "Sports Island Okinawa" brand (https://okinawasportsisland.jp/). Last year, a total of four sports events were held: "Okinawa Beach Sports Festival 2026" (Stabilization), "Cycle Ball Okinawa One-Lap Stage" (Stabilization), "International Women's Baseball Christmas League 2025" (New), and "Ryukyu CRIT2025 in Chatan" (New). (Below) Photos of events held in FY2025, FY2025 event hosting実績 Okinawa Beach Sports Festival 2026 Cycle Ball Okinawa One-Lap Stage International Women's Baseball Christmas League 2025 Ryukyu CRIT2025 in Chatan [Outline of FY2026 Sports Tourism Strategy Promotion Project (Sports Event Support Project)] [Application Conditions] 1. Targeting sports event organizers including corporations and organizations nationwide (no prior sport type limitations). 　* (i) Corporations or (ii) local public bodies engaged in sports tourism promotion (applications from individual businesses are not eligible). 2. Events expected to attract visitors from outside the prefecture/overseas, with clear superiority or reasons for holding the particular sport in Okinawa. 3. Events that demonstrate potential for sustainability and development after the subsidy period ends. 4. Agreement to public disclosure of successful applicants through reports, etc. 　* Please refer to the application guidelines for other details. [Details of Support] * Subsidy provision for sports event model projects. *The subsidy amount will be calculated based on the total project cost of the event. * Provision of ongoing support by event operation advisors. [Application Schedule and Method] * Distribution of Application Guidelines: From Monday, May 11, 2026. Please download from the website below. 　* Okinawa Prefecture Official Website, "Sports Promotion Division" * Deadline for Submission of Project Proposals: Monday, June 8, 2026, 17:00 (must arrive by deadline) via hand delivery or mail. 　* Please refer to the application guidelines for details. [Briefing Session for Applicants] A briefing session for this project will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 15:00-16:00, in Naha City or online (Teams). Those wishing to participate should contact the secretariat email below to receive details. Okinawa Prefecture Sports Event Support Project Secretariat (within Okinawa JTB Corporation) Contact: Miyagi, Akiyama, Arakaki TEL: 098-860-7704 (Reception hours: 09:30-17:30) *Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. E-mail: sportsevent@okw.jtb.jp * Explanation of the project's purpose, answers to questions about the project, and guidance on how to write proposals for applicants who have never submitted a plan before. For questions regarding application content, please fill in [Form 8] on the Okinawa Prefecture website and contact the secretariat below. [Contact for applicants for this matter] Okinawa Prefecture Sports Event Support Project Secretariat (within Okinawa JTB Corporation) Contact: Miyagi, Akiyama, Arakaki TEL: 098-860-7704 (Reception hours: 09:30-17:30) *Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. E-mail: sportsevent@okw.jtb.jp