Kozuki Foundation Announces Recruitment for 25th (2026) "Athlete Support Program"!
The Kozuki Foundation has begun recruiting applicants for its 25th (2026) "Athlete Support Program." This program provides 1.2 million yen annually to amateur athletes aiming for the Olympics and World Championships, supporting their pursuit of athletic excellence. Established by Kagemasa Kozuki, founder of Konami Group, the foundation has supported a total of 1,569 athletes to date.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 10:15
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 07:16 (501h 1m after Collected)
The Kozuki Foundation is now accepting applications for the 25th (2026) "Athlete Support Program."
The foundation was established by Kagemasa Kozuki, founder and representative director and chairman of Konami Group Corporation. Through over 40 years of activity, it has promoted a wide range of sports-related initiatives, with the aim of discovering talented individuals who will lead the next generation and fostering athletes. To date, it has supported a total of 1,569 athletes.
This 25th "Athlete Support Program" will provide an annual grant of 1.2 million yen to promising athletes, creating an environment where they can dedicate themselves to sports activities with the goal of improving their competitive abilities.
Applications have been widely accepted through general public recruitment since last year, and eligible recipients will be determined after a document review.
Additionally, athletes recognized under the "Athlete Support Program" who achieve outstanding results in Olympic Games, World Championships, etc., are honored with the "Kozuki Sports Award."
2025 "Kozuki Athlete Support Program" Certification Ceremony
2025 "Kozuki Sports Award" Recipients
25th "Athlete Support Program" Application Overview
Eligibility:
- Amateur athletes aiming to participate in Olympic Games, World Championships, etc.
- Athletes who, as of April 1, 2026, are primarily enrolled in elementary or junior high school and are engaged in Olympic sports.
- Athletes with professional contracts or receiving monetary compensation from sponsoring companies are not eligible.
- Please refrain from applying if you are currently receiving or applying for grants from other organizations.
Grant Amount: 1.2 million yen annually (100,000 yen per month)
Grant Period: 1 year (September 2026 - August 2027)
Application Method: Please check the application guidelines on the foundation's website and send the grant application form, recommendation letter, and a self-PR video (approx. 2 minutes) via email or postal mail.
Application Deadline: Must arrive by May 22, 2026 (Friday)
Selection Method: Document review
*Results will be notified to all applicants in late June.
Keywords: Athletes, Sports players, Grants, Support, Athlete support program, Kozuki Sports Award, Kozuki Foundation, Kagemasa Kozuki
The foundation was established by Kagemasa Kozuki, founder and representative director and chairman of Konami Group Corporation. Through over 40 years of activity, it has promoted a wide range of sports-related initiatives, with the aim of discovering talented individuals who will lead the next generation and fostering athletes. To date, it has supported a total of 1,569 athletes.
This 25th "Athlete Support Program" will provide an annual grant of 1.2 million yen to promising athletes, creating an environment where they can dedicate themselves to sports activities with the goal of improving their competitive abilities.
Applications have been widely accepted through general public recruitment since last year, and eligible recipients will be determined after a document review.
Additionally, athletes recognized under the "Athlete Support Program" who achieve outstanding results in Olympic Games, World Championships, etc., are honored with the "Kozuki Sports Award."
2025 "Kozuki Athlete Support Program" Certification Ceremony
2025 "Kozuki Sports Award" Recipients
25th "Athlete Support Program" Application Overview
Eligibility:
- Amateur athletes aiming to participate in Olympic Games, World Championships, etc.
- Athletes who, as of April 1, 2026, are primarily enrolled in elementary or junior high school and are engaged in Olympic sports.
- Athletes with professional contracts or receiving monetary compensation from sponsoring companies are not eligible.
- Please refrain from applying if you are currently receiving or applying for grants from other organizations.
Grant Amount: 1.2 million yen annually (100,000 yen per month)
Grant Period: 1 year (September 2026 - August 2027)
Application Method: Please check the application guidelines on the foundation's website and send the grant application form, recommendation letter, and a self-PR video (approx. 2 minutes) via email or postal mail.
Application Deadline: Must arrive by May 22, 2026 (Friday)
Selection Method: Document review
*Results will be notified to all applicants in late June.
Keywords: Athletes, Sports players, Grants, Support, Athlete support program, Kozuki Sports Award, Kozuki Foundation, Kagemasa Kozuki