First Drone Soccer Certification Tournament in Okayama Prefecture to be Held in Nishiawakura Village. A Private Sector Challenge Independent of Administrative Budget, Broadcasting Future Sports from a Village of 1,300 People

The Japan Drone Soccer Federation Okayama Branch (Misora LLC / Nishiawakura Village, Okayama Prefecture) will hold Okayama Prefecture's first drone soccer certification tournament, "JDSF Certification Cup Round 1 in Okayama Presented by Sato Kensetsu ― Nishiawakura, a village of 1,300 people, becomes the stage for the sports of the future," on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the gymnasium of Nishiawakura Village Elementary School.

This tournament is the first drone soccer certification tournament in Okayama Prefecture, held in Nishiawakura Village, a mid-mountainous region with a population of about 1,300. Its greatest feature is that it is a private sector-led tournament realized through the sponsorship of local companies and supporters, without relying on government subsidies or administrative project budgets. While many regional events premise on administrative support, this tournament is a challenge shaped by the desire to "make it happen" and the desire to "support it," and we believe it is an initiative that shows new possibilities for regional revitalization.

The hosting Okayama Branch has intensified its activities by receiving support from a total of 100 people and 1,761,500 yen through two crowdfunding campaigns conducted in 2025. The base team, drone soccer team misora, advanced to the top national ranks in a short period and has participated in world championships as a member of the Japanese delegation. The very birth of a competitive team that challenges the nation and the world from a small rural village is a significant meaning and story of this tournament.

Event Overview Tournament Name "JDSF Certification Cup Round 1 in Okayama Presented by Sato Kensetsu ― Nishiawakura, a village of 1,300 people, becomes the stage for the sports of the future."

Date Sunday, May 24, 2026

Venue Nishiawakura Village Elementary School Gymnasium

Organizer Japan Drone Soccer Federation Okayama Branch Misora LLC

Concurrent Event Hyakumori Festival

Tournament Type Okayama Prefecture's first drone soccer certification tournament

What is Drone Soccer? Drone soccer is a competitive team sport where players score points by piloting dedicated drones protected by spherical frames. In addition to the sense of speed soaring through the air and the impact of contact, it is characterized by the fact that it requires not only piloting skills but also instantaneous judgment, teamwork, an understanding of aircraft maintenance, and strategic thinking.

While possessing the appeal of a sport, it also serves as an entry point to drone technology, drawing attention in recent years from the perspectives of education, regional exchange, and human resource development. The fact that the enthusiasm of the competition expands into opportunities for interest in technology and learning is a unique value of this sport.