Itscom to Feature Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo 'Universal Day' as a Special Program, as a Sustainability Partner

Japan Rugby League One's Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo held a one-day event called "Universal Day" on April 5, 2026, coinciding with an official match. The event aimed to create a rugby watching environment that anyone can enjoy, striving for a stadium experience where everyone, regardless of disability, can casually enjoy rugby.

Itscom Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Mie Kanai; hereinafter, Itscom) sympathized with this vision as a sustainability partner. Driven by the desire to share this meaningful initiative with many people, Itscom produced the special program "BlackRams Tokyo Universal Day —The Spectators of No-Side—." It will be broadcast on Itscom Channel* on Wednesday, May 13 (with reruns available).

Itscom employees covering the event at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, where the match was held, felt the sense of unity created throughout the stadium.

**Universal Day: A Close Look at the Day**

At the outdoor event venue on Universal Day, numerous programs were prepared to allow visitors to experience diverse activities before the match. Attendees could experience various forms of rugby, including wheelchair rugby, where players fiercely compete for the ball, blind rugby using low-vision goggles, and rugby passing experiences using hands-free wheelchairs. In addition, a wide range of content deepened understanding of universal design beyond the sport itself, such as sign language experiences useful during sports spectating, walking experiences using white canes, and a corner introducing the role of assistance dogs.

Itscom also implemented one of the contents, "Kids Space supported by Itscom," setting up an area where families with small children and people with disabilities could enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

The program conveys the power of sports and the concept of universal design through these visitor experiences.

Wheelchair rugby experience, blind rugby experience, Kids Space supported by Itscom.

**The program's theme is "What can sports do?"**

◆A Challenge Born from Small Realizations◆

The background of Universal Day lies in the experiences of Yugo Shirasaki, Club Visionary Officer of Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo. He visited the Spanish football club Villarreal CF. He learned that one reason for the small town club's success on the European stage was its "community contribution off the field." The program conveys how Shirasaki's realizations led to the realization of Universal Day and his passion behind it.

◆Re-evaluating the "Normal" at the Stadium◆

At Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, the venue, efforts were made to improve the viewing environment itself. The front area of the South Stand, usually used as a passageway, was secured as a wheelchair-specific area, inviting approximately 300 people, including those with visual or auditory impairments and wheelchair users, along with their families. To facilitate their visit, initiatives were also taken to lower participation barriers. Additionally, efforts to support viewing were introduced, such as transcribing the stadium MC's audio and providing audio commentary via stadium radio. Progress was made in creating an environment enjoyable even for those new to rugby. The program concretely introduces these innovations and conveys the behind-the-scenes efforts to create a rugby-enjoyable environment for everyone.

◆Towards an Event "Created by Everyone"◆

Universal Day also involved initiatives where everyone could participate in its operation. Ramgelist, the official volunteer organization that supports the operation of every match, actively participated in various roles during this Universal Day. Members of Itscom's "Smile Team," employees with minor disabilities, also took part. They assisted in warmly welcoming visitors by handing out materials at the entrance gate. Universal Day is expanding as an event "created by everyone," aiming to be a place where everyone can proactively participate.

The program conveys the potential of rugby to gradually change people and society.

Yugo Shirasaki, Club Visionary Officer of Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo, shared his thoughts. The front of the South Stand was secured as a wheelchair-specific area. Members of the "Smile Team" handed out materials at the entrance gate. Program Outline.

Program Outline

Program Name: BlackRams Tokyo Universal Day —The Spectators of No-Side— Broadcast Channel: Itscom Channel 11 (Digital Terrestrial 11ch) Broadcast Date & Time: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 22:15–22:29

*Reruns: Sunday, May 17, 19:30–19:44 / Sunday, June 7, 18:30–18:44 / Saturday, June 13, 19:30–19:44. *Itscom