A Scene Where Everyone Connects Through a Ball in Weekend Parks: The Future A.S.WAKABA Envisions for Sepak Takraw to Become a 'Japanese Staple Sport'

The sepak takraw team 'A.S.WAKABA' (Representative: Ritsuya Hirase), based in the Wakabayashi area of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, supports 'April Dream,' a project that encourages people to share their dreams on April 1st. This press release represents the dream of A.S.WAKABA.

Creating a future where sepak takraw is naturally enjoyed in parks all over Japan

Just as one might choose basketball or soccer in school physical education, we want sepak takraw to be an option. Just as adults enjoy futsal after work, we want them to enjoy sepak takraw. We want to make it a part of daily life in Japan to see people of all generations in parks on weekends, kicking a ball and passing it to one another with enthusiasm.

Sepak takraw may have an image of being 'acrobatic and difficult.' However, its essence lies in the freedom of being able to connect with anyone, anywhere, with just a ball. We aim to liberate this sport from the impression that it is 'something only a few athletes can do' and cultivate it into a 'lifelong sport' that children and seniors alike can enjoy at their own pace.

Initiatives to realize this dream

This future lies beyond our daily efforts. At A.S.WAKABA, we create opportunities for people to experience sepak takraw for the first time through local workshops and visiting classes at schools.

In these activities, we prioritize sharing the 'joy of kicking a ball.' By creating an environment that can be enjoyed regardless of age or experience, we hope to change people's feelings from 'I know about it' to 'I have tried it,' and eventually to 'I want to keep doing this,' thereby expanding the base of the sport.

From daily life to the world stage

As sepak takraw spreads into daily life, the number of players and spectators will increase, and its value as a culture will rise. We believe that beyond this expansion, it is not a dream for sepak takraw to shine on the world's greatest stage—the Olympics—as a sport familiar to everyone.

We are seriously committed to a future where the small step of saying 'This is fun!' in daily life eventually leads to the world stage.

Future outlook

While continuing to value our community-based activities, A.S.WAKABA will continue to deliver the charm of sepak takraw to as many people as possible. Together with society, we will realize a future where sepak takraw is a part of everyday life.

About the sepak takraw team 'A.S.WAKABA'

A.S.WAKABA is a sepak takraw club team based in the Wakabayashi area of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. Affiliated with the Setagaya Ward comprehensive community sports and culture club 'Wakabayashi Club,' our approximately 30 members, ranging from high school students to working adults, practice three times a week at Setagaya Junior High School.

Guided by our club philosophy—'We will enjoy sepak takraw with people around the world, and continue to pursue and share its charm with sincerity and passion. We will contribute to the team, the community, the sports world, and society with initiative and dedication'—we focus not only on improving our competitive skills but also on promoting the sport and contributing to the community, such as by holding workshops for the general public for over 10 years. These workshops are held twice a month, and beginners and those with no experience are very welcome. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us via our official website.

Official Website: https://www.aswakaba-sepaktakraw.club/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.s.wakaba/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SetagayaSepak/