Held at the heart of Nagoya's vibrant Sakae district, "Hisaya-odori Park"! 30th Mitsui Fudosan Sports Academy "Rugby Academy" Event Report

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. (Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President and Representative Director: Shun Ueda) (hereinafter, "Mitsui Fudosan") entered into a partnership agreement with New Zealand Rugby (hereinafter, "NZR"), which includes the All Blacks, Māori All Blacks, and All Blacks XV, in June 2024. As a Regional Partner, Mitsui Fudosan supports NZR's activities in Japan until 2027 and creates "moving experiences" through sports together with NZR.

As part of this initiative, an event commemorating the visit of the New Zealand rugby team "Māori All Blacks" to Japan, "MĀORI ALL BLACKS RUGBY PARK," was held for three days from June 26 (Fri) to June 28 (Sun), 2026, at the "Hisaya-odori Park Mizube Hiroba" in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.

Furthermore, on the first day, June 26 (Fri), at "Hisaya-odori Park FabCafe Nagoya," the 30th Mitsui Fudosan Sports Academy "Rugby Academy" was conducted as a real event for "moving experiences" through sports, targeting children in grades 1-2. Players from the "Māori All Blacks," who were in Japan for the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026, were invited as guests: Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Jerome Brown, Tyrone Thompson, Teka Maka Hōden, Nicollas Broughton, and JJ Pokaï. The children enjoyed interacting with world-class players through rugby and conversation, gaining a valuable and special experience.

30th Mitsui Fudosan Sports Academy "Rugby Academy" Event Report

Opening: Six "Māori All Blacks" players appeared, exciting the children!

Due to the inclement weather on the day, the content was partially changed from the originally planned outdoor rugby experience. An exchange program was held indoors at "FabCafe Nagoya," focusing on talks with the players, a Q&A session, and autograph and communication time.

The 27 participating children, dressed in original T-shirts made by Adidas, also an NZR partner, eagerly awaited the players' appearance. As the excitement grew, Keisuke Moriya and other members of the local Nagoya team, Toyota Verblitz, appeared first and called out to the venue, "Do you all like rugby?" The children responded with "We love it!" and as the venue became even more lively, the Māori All Blacks players made their entrance. They were met with loud applause from the children and fans who had gathered to watch.

The players greeted the children with smiles, saying, "Hello! Hello!!" (Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi), "Hello! Thank you for the warm welcome today!" (Jerome Brown), and "Although we can't practice with the ball today due to the rain, I hope to talk with you all a lot. We look forward to it!" (Tyrone Thompson).

Talk Time: Children with stamina like Teka Maka Hōden!

The program began with a talk session featuring the Māori All Blacks players, Keisuke Moriya of Toyota Verblitz, and coach Ryuta Ueno. When asked about their reasons for starting rugby, Tyrone Thompson said, "I've been playing rugby since I was a child, and I'm still playing today," introducing the deep connection to rugby in New Zealand.

Next, when asked about their strengths, Teka Maka Hōden passionately stated, "My strengths are my continuous stamina and my ability to play tough games." He then asked the children, "Who here is confident in their stamina?" Many children enthusiastically raised their hands, and the venue was greatly energized.

In addition, the players spoke about the appeal and fun of rugby, sharing their own experiences. The children listened intently to the players' words, their interest in rugby deepening.

Furthermore, a talk was held about the highlights of the upcoming Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026 match, "JAPAN XV vs. Māori All Blacks," which was scheduled for the day after the "Rugby Academy." The entire venue was captivated by the players' words, which offered insights not usually heard, such as their feelings about playing as members of the Māori All Blacks.

Rugby True/False Quiz: A quiz to learn about rugby livened up the venue!

Following the talk session, the program moved on to a "Rugby True/False Quiz" corner for the children. The children responded to rugby-related questions posed by the players by forming a large "O" (true) or "X" (false) shape with their hands above their heads, creating a sense of unity in the venue.

For the question "Can I throw the ball forward?", the rule was explained that passing the ball forward is a "forward pass" foul, and passes can only be made backward or sideways. Keisuke Moriya of Toyota Verblitz explained, "What I focus on is throwing the ball with consideration so that the next person can play easily," conveying to the children that in rugby, not only skill but also consideration for teammates is important. Furthermore, for the question "Will tomorrow's match be 15 vs. 15?", the children answered "O" (true). In addition to the fact that most matches for high school students and above are 15-a-side, it was also explained that there are 7-a-side and 12-a-side (for junior high school students) formats, deepening their understanding of rugby's diverse playing styles.

The quiz continued to build excitement. For the question "Are any of the players here today taller than a typical vending machine (approx. 183cm)?", many children guessed "O" (true). When the Māori All Blacks players actually stood up, gasps of surprise arose from the audience at their imposing stature. Coach Ueno of Toyota Verblitz explained, "Height isn't everything. Even if you're small, there are positions where you can utilize your individual strengths like power and speed!" The Māori All Blacks players also commented, "Rugby isn't a sport where skill and strength are determined solely by height. Shorter players have their own unique strengths, and it's important to play to your individuality."

To the final question, "Can I become a professional rugby player if I work hard from now on?", all the children answered "O" (true). The players offered words of encouragement with smiles, saying, "Practice a lot and work hard. And, listen carefully to your mom and dad!" The venue was filled with smiles at the players' strong yet warm message, and the true/false quiz concluded successfully amidst loud applause from parents.

Question Time: Players answer children's questions, "The strongest team we've faced was Japan!"

Next, a Q&A session was held where the participating children asked the players questions. To the question "What is your favorite food?", the Māori All Blacks players smiled and replied, "I eat a lot of vegetables normally. I love ramen in Japan, and I actually ate it twice today!" and "I love sushi and sashimi!" eliciting cheers from the children.

When asked, "Which team has been the strongest you've ever played against?", the answer was, "Japan! The Japanese national team has a fast tempo, plays a wonderful game, and is a truly tough team." Upon hearing this, Keisuke Moriya of Toyota Verblitz expressed his joy, saying, "It's truly something to be proud of when you say that!" It was a valuable time for the children to interact directly with players active at the world's top level.

Autograph and Communication Time: Children excited by close interaction with players

Following the talk and Q&A, an autograph session with the Māori All Blacks players was held. The children lined up to get autographs from the players and chatted with them through an interpreter. The children, though a little nervous, showed happy expressions at the opportunity to interact with the players up close, and the venue was filled with a friendly atmosphere throughout.

The participating children were thrilled, saying, "It was a precious experience!" and "They're so big up close!" The players responded with smiles to the children's pure and simple questions. Warm applause was given to the players as they carefully answered each question, and the autograph session concluded.

Closing

Afterward, a commemorative photo was taken with the Māori All Blacks players, Toyota Verblitz players and coaches, and all the participating children. A group photo filled with smiles was captured.

After the photo session, the Māori All Blacks players sent a message to the participating children: "It's a shame we couldn't play rugby with you all outside today due to the rain, but it was a very enjoyable time as we were able to talk a lot."

Finally, the children formed two lines to create a high-five tunnel as they saw off the Māori All Blacks players. The players responded with smiles to each child, making it a heartwarming exchange despite the short time. Although the program was changed due to bad weather, it was an unforgettable time for the children to directly experience the personalities and passion for rugby of world-class athletes.

Additionally, the participating children received "Lipovitan Kids Jelly," provided by Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., an NZR partner along with Mitsui Fudosan.

Outside the venue, various rugby experience content was offered, such as "Pass Target" where participants could throw a rugby ball at a target, "Photo Spots" for taking pictures with life-sized panels of Māori All Blacks players, and "Tackle Experience" to measure the power of a tackle against a tackle machine. The event, designed for visitors to experience rugby, was held until Sunday, June 28.

Mitsui Fudosan will continue to create "moving experiences" that foster children's dreams, promote sports and internationalization, and revitalize communities, working hand-in-hand with NZR as a Regional Partner, as seen in the 30th Mitsui Fudosan Sports Academy "Rugby Academy" and "MĀORI ALL BLACKS RUGBY PARK." The company will also advance "town development utilizing sports and entertainment."

Mitsui Fudosan "MĀORI ALL BLACKS RUGBY PARK" Overview

In recent years, urban spaces have been increasingly valued not just as places for consumption and transit, but as "places where people gather and share experiences." Mitsui Fudosan has been engaged in community building and regional revitalization centered on sports, under the theme of "Town Development Utilizing the Power of Sports."

This time, taking advantage of the visit of the globally popular "Māori All Blacks," an urban sports event was held at Hisaya-odori Park. Through rugby, opportunities were created for people of all ages, from children to adults, to interact and experience the new charm of the city.

[Reference] Examples of Town Development Utilizing the Power of Sports https://www.mitsuifudosan.co.jp/bethechange/

Event Name: MĀORI ALL BLACKS RUGBY PARK

Dates: June 26 (Fri) - June 28 (Sun), 2026

Time: 11:00 - 17:00

Venue: Hisaya-odori Park Mizube Hiroba (3-chome Nishiki, 3-chome Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)

Organizer: Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

Content: Rugby experience / Exchange programs / Commercial collaboration initiatives, etc.

Sponsors: Adidas Japan Inc., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

For details, please see the following press release.

Released June 15, 2026 https://www.mitsuifudosan.co.jp/letter/260615_01/

Event Scenes

At the venue, rugby experience content such as pass targets and tackle experiences were available for everyone from children to adults to enjoy casually. An experience area was set up to allow even beginners to engage with the appeal of rugby.

Past Initiatives between Mitsui Fudosan and NZR

In 2019, Mitsui Fudosan and NZR deepened their relationship with NZR. This included support for the Rugby World Cup 2019 pre-tournament camps in Kashiwa City, such as providing training and accommodation facilities. Additionally, "GREENCOLLAR Co., Ltd.," an in-house venture company that produces and sells high-quality Japanese-bred table grapes in Japan and New Zealand, welcomed John James Patrick Kirwan, a former All Blacks player and recipient of the Order of the British Empire, as its ambassador.

Mitsui Fudosan's Town Development and Sports

Since 2016, Mitsui Fudosan has been involved in various town development projects incorporating sports elements under the slogan "BE THE CHANGE." In its long-term management plan "&INNOVATION 2030," formulated in April 2024, the company aims to create moving experiences through sports and entertainment as it expands into new asset classes outlined in its business strategy.

At "LaLa Arena TOKYO-BAY," which opened in May 2024, Mitsui Fudosan provides extraordinary moving experiences through various events such as music concerts and sports events. By creating real experiential value through integrated planning with "Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport TOKYO-BAY" and "Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport TOKYO-BAY" in the same area, the company strives to create an environment where customers can enjoy themselves all day long.

Mitsui Fudosan is also involved in town development incorporating sports and entertainment elements, such as "MIYASHITA PARK," which hosts official POP-UP events in conjunction with large-scale artist live performances held at Tokyo Dome and other venues; "Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Sakai" and "Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Anjo," which feature indoor stadium courts capable of hosting full-scale sports and entertainment events; and "Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Fukuoka," which has a sports park where public viewings of sports, movies, and music concerts can be held.

The "BE THE CHANGE" logo, meaning "Let each person become the change itself,"

was designed with the motif of "wind" that changes the world. The elements, divided into two colors of Mitsui Fudosan's corporate colors, are inspired by "birds taking flight on the wind." It is a slogan raised with the belief that "If people change, the world will change."

About Mitsui Fudosan Group's Sustainability

Based on the philosophy of the "& mark" - "Continuously challenge to create new value through coexistence, mutual existence, and co-creation" - the Mitsui Fudosan Group views the creation of "social value" and "economic value" as two wheels of a cart. The creation of social value leads to the creation of economic value, and through that economic value, the Group aims to realize the creation of even greater social value.

Furthermore, upon formulating the new Group Management Philosophy in April 2024, the following six items were identified as "GROUP MATERIALITY (Issues to Focus On)": "1. Contribution to Industrial Competitiveness," "2. Coexistence with the Environment," "3. Health and Vitality," "4. Safety and Security," "5. Diversity & Inclusion," and "6. Compliance and Governance." The Group will contribute to sustainability by addressing these materialities through its core business.

[Reference]

・"Group Long-Term Management Plan"

https://www.mitsuifudosan.co.jp/corporate/innovation2030/

・"Group Materiality"

https://www.mitsuifudosan.co.jp/esg_csr/approach/materiality/