[Industry-Academia Collaboration] The Future Shaped by Daiya Industry x Okayama Minami High School -- Report on the 2nd "Next-Generation Development Through Sports" Class with Athlete Tomoki Ikoma as Lecturer

Daiya Industry Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture; President: Hiroki Matsuo), a manufacturer of medical supplies, held the second special industry-academia collaboration class for students of Okayama Prefectural Okayama Minami High School (hereinafter referred to as Okayama Minami High School) on June 23, 2026 (Tue). This time, Tomoki Ikoma, an athlete belonging to the para-sports team "WORLD-AC" with whom the company has a sponsorship agreement, was invited as a lecturer to teach about the "self-management" and "importance of challenge" of professional athletes. On the day, students gained significant inspiration by experiencing racing wheelchairs and learning about the appeal of para-sports and the mindset of top athletes.

[Related Release] Click here for the first special class (with Mr. Kurokawa as speaker)

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000516.000060537.html

Background of the Initiative

Our company has been continuously conducting industry-academia collaboration classes with Okayama Minami High School since 2020. For this second session, the objective was to have high school students, who live in an era of rapid change, learn about the "ability to overcome difficulties" and the importance of "self-management" through the firsthand accounts of athletes active at the world's top level. Additionally, as part of experiencing the depth of wheelchair racing and the essential appeal of para-sports, we provided a special opportunity to interact with actual racing wheelchairs.

Content of the Special Class and Scenes from the Day

[Lecture] "Unbreakable Spirit" and "Self-Management Techniques" Practiced by World-Class Professionals

In the first half of the lecture, Ikoma explained the "three important pillars for overcoming difficulties" while sharing his life story. He conveyed specific self-management techniques applicable to the daily lives and club activities of high school students, such as nutritional management, physical care, and awareness of anti-doping, which he practices daily as a professional. The students listened intently, taking notes with serious expressions at the passionate words of the top athlete.

[Experience] Test Ride of Racing Wheelchair (Racer)

In the latter half of the lecture, trial racers were prepared to allow students to experience the excitement of wheelchair racing, with three representative students taking on the challenge of a test ride. The students expressed surprise one after another at the difficulty of maneuvering as smoothly and quickly as Ikoma, making it a meaningful time to personally feel the prowess of a professional competing on the world stage.

Student Post-Class Reports (Excerpts)

"I was amazed by his attitude of turning his disability into a 'weapon' to challenge the world, and his decision to choose challenge over the stability of a civil servant position. Although I had lost my goal after my club activities reached a milestone, I want to clarify a new dream that I can be passionate about." (Information Processing Department / Male Student)

"I learned that steady growth can be achieved by setting and achieving detailed goals every month, rather than pursuing a big dream haphazardly. I want to make planned efforts and take a step to change my environment without fear of failure." (International Economics Department / Male Student, Information Processing Department / Male Student, etc.)

"I was surprised by the professional's meal management and the 'five-color rule' for injury prevention. To maintain my performance in club activities, I want to be conscious of the nutritional balance and self-care through fascial release that I learned today." (Information Processing Department / Female Student, Male Student, etc.)

Tomoki Ikoma Athlete Profile

Affiliation: GROP SINCERITE WORLD-AC

Competition Class: T54 (Wheelchair Athletics)

Date of Birth: April 26, 1992

Origin: Born in Wakayama Prefecture, resides in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

Main Events: 100m, 400m (Wheelchair T54 Class)

Major Achievements: Holder of Japanese Records for T54 100m/200m

▼For details, please visit the team's official website

https://www.world-ac.jp/member/t_ikoma/

▲ Athlete Tomoki Ikoma

[Career and Personality]

Began wheelchair athletics in his second year of high school. At the age of 23, he quit his stable job as a civil servant to aim for greater heights and moved from Wakayama to Okayama. Under the guidance of Hitoshi Matsunaga, the coach of the prestigious team "WORLD-AC," his talent blossomed, and he grew into one of Japan's leading top sprinters. Currently, as the ace of wheelchair short-distance athletics, he holds the Japanese record.

Future Outlook

Our company has been engaged in various activities to support professional athletes, promote sports, and solve regional issues. In addition to collaboration classes with educational institutions like this one, we aim to contribute to the local community through multifaceted approaches such as holding community-based sports events and creating communities where people of all generations can interact. We will promote sustainable initiatives rooted in the region by working hand-in-hand with educational institutions, government bodies, and local residents, rather than limiting ourselves to a single endeavor.

Company Overview

Location: 1125 Koshinden, Minami-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, 701-0203 Representative: President Hiroki Matsuo Established: April 1963 Capital: 10 million yen Tel: 086-282-1245 (Weekdays 9:00-17:30) Fax: 086-282-1246

Mail: info@daiyak.co.jp URL: https://www.daiyak.co.jp Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daiyak_medical/ (@daiyak_medical) Official X: https://x.com/daiyak_medical Business Activities: Development, manufacturing, and sales of a wide range of products including corsets, supporters, assist suits, taping, and training equipment.