Junior esports team "eLittle Star" for elementary and junior high school students certified for "Osaka City Tutoring/Cram School Fee Subsidy Program"

e Stadium Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Hiroyuki Kato, hereinafter "e Stadium") and NANKAI Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Nobuyuki Okajima, hereinafter "NANKAI") are pleased to announce that the activities of the junior esports team "eLittle Star," operated by e Stadium, have been certified as eligible for the "Osaka City Tutoring/Cram School Fee Subsidy Program" starting May 2026.

This certification will allow eligible households in Osaka City to reduce their financial burden for "eLittle Star" activities by utilizing the subsidy system. Furthermore, this is the first instance in Osaka City where a program primarily focused on esports has been certified as eligible for this system (as of June 2026, according to e Stadium research), positioning esports as a new extracurricular educational option that is eligible for public support.

Junior esports team "eLittle Star" implements an educational program that fosters not only technical skills but also personal growth.

◼️ Key Points of This Matter

- Activities of "eLittle Star" certified as eligible for the "Osaka City Tutoring/Cram School Fee Subsidy Program" (May 2026) - First instance in Osaka City where a program primarily focused on esports is registered (as of June 2026, according to e Stadium research) - Eligible households in Osaka City can utilize the subsidy system to reduce their financial burden.

[Reference] About the Osaka City Tutoring/Cram School Fee Subsidy Program https://www.juku-osaka.com/system/about_project02.html/

◼️ Background of Application for Participation in the "Osaka City Tutoring/Cram School Fee Subsidy Program"

In recent years, esports has gained attention not only as a competitive sport but also for its educational aspects. However, the need for high-performance equipment and appropriate activity environments has been a challenge, and there is a demand for an environment where all children can learn and challenge themselves continuously, regardless of their home environment or other conditions. To address these challenges, e Stadium has been working to create an environment where children can safely engage in esports through the operation of esports facilities and the planning and operation of events. With this certification as an opportunity, e Stadium will be able to expand the provision of educational opportunities utilizing esports to more families, in addition to the competitive environment it has provided so far. Through this certification, we aim to create new learning opportunities for children and further enhance the educational and social value of esports.

《Comment from Hiroyuki Kato, President and CEO of e Stadium》

We consider the certification of "eLittle Star's" activities under the Osaka City Tutoring/Cram School Fee Subsidy Program to be highly significant. Esports is not just entertainment; it is a new learning space that fosters logical thinking, communication skills, and initiative. On the other hand, there were constraints related to coaching environments and equipment such as PCs that needed to be overcome. We believe this certification is a major step forward in the public recognition of the educational value of esports, bringing us closer to realizing a society where children can challenge new possibilities. e Stadium will continue to expand the potential of each child through esports and support their growth.

《Comment from Nobuyuki Okajima, President and CEO of NANKAI》

NANKAI, with its social mission to "face people starting from the community, nurture and spread "happy living," and connect it to the future," supports community connections and the growth of children. Esports is a field where anyone can have opportunities to learn and challenge themselves, and we will support the expansion of learning opportunities to more children through this certification. Just as our company once rooted sports culture in children through the professional baseball team Nankai Hawks, we will contribute to the healthy growth of children through esports and the development of the local community.

About Junior esports team "eLittle Star"

"eLittle Star" is a junior esports team based in Namba, Osaka, targeting elementary and junior high school students. Instructors who have been active at the "forefront," including former professional players of esports titles, are involved in providing guidance on playing techniques and tactics.

The educational program emphasizes not only the improvement of competitive skills but also personal growth such as communication skills, cooperation, and initiative. In addition to focusing on guidance that fosters social skills and teamwork through greetings, manners, and interaction with peers, we are working to develop problem-solving skills through self-reflection and goal setting for each activity. We also focus on creating an environment where children can participate with peace of mind, implementing safety and health measures such as managing playtime, instructing on correct posture, and paying attention to eyesight.

[Reference] About Junior esports team "eLittle Star": https://elittle-star.com

Scenes at the activity base "e Stadium Namba Main Store" Children actively challenging themselves with instructor support.

About the Osaka City Tutoring/Cram School Fee Subsidy Program

The Osaka City Tutoring/Cram School Fee Subsidy Program is a system implemented by Osaka City with the aim of reducing the financial burden on child-rearing households and providing opportunities to develop children's academic ability, motivation to learn, individuality, and talent. For elementary school 5th graders to junior high school 3rd graders residing in Osaka City, it subsidizes costs for extracurricular education such as cram schools, private tutors, and cultural and sports classes, up to a maximum of 10,000 yen per month. "eLittle Star" has now been certified as a program primarily focused on "esports" under this system.

*Esports eligible for subsidies are limited to certain game titles certified by the Osaka City Tutoring/Cram School Fee Subsidy Program.

[Company Overview]

e Stadium Co., Ltd.

Chairman and Representative Director: Hiroshi Ikeda

President and Representative Director: Hiroyuki Kato Location: Namba Midosuji Center Building 10F, 4-4-4 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City

Business Activities: Operation of esports facilities, planning and operation of esports events Official Website: https://estadium.co.jp