Announcement of the Event 'KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~' on June 25
Key facts
- Announcement of the Event 'KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~' on June 25
- The Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the forum 'KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~' on June 25, 2026, focusing on international exchange and multicultural coexistence through sports. Prominent speakers, including Ai Fukuhara, will discuss the power of sports in fostering mutual understanding.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 18, 2026
Direct answer
The Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the forum 'KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~' on June 25, 2026, focusing on international exchange and multicultural coexistence through sports. Prominent speakers, including Ai Fukuhara, will discuss the power of sports in fostering mutual understanding.
- Citation
- Announcement of the Event 'KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~' on June 25 (June 18, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 18, 2026
The Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the forum 'KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~' on June 25, 2026, focusing on international exchange and multicultural coexistence through sports. Prominent speakers, including Ai Fukuhara, will discuss the power of sports in fostering mutual understanding.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 18, 2026 at 04:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 17, 2026 at 19:18
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 19, 2026 at 06:53 (35h 35m after Collected)
The Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host a forum titled 'KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~' on Thursday, June 25, 2026, centered on international exchange and multicultural coexistence through sports.
In Nagoya, while the number of foreign residents and multicultural diversity is increasing, challenges such as friction and isolation due to differences in values and culture in local communities and workplaces remain. This event aims to create opportunities to discuss multicultural coexistence and international peace by leveraging sports—a powerful medium that transcends language and cultural barriers and builds human connections.
The forum will feature a keynote speech by Mr. Nozomu Hagiwara, representative of FC Nono, who conducts educational and human resource development activities through sports in Bihar, India. Additionally, panel discussions will be held with former professional table tennis player Ai Fukuhara, multicultural coexistence reporter Vitolo, and Masataka Masada, organizer of the Futsal Unity World Cup, to explore how sports foster communication and mutual understanding.
Furthermore, a documentary film focusing on real-life interactions between foreign and local residents will be screened, offering attendees an immersive experience of the relationships and transformations made possible through sports.
Event Overview
Event Name: KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~
Date and Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 18:30–20:35 (Registration from 18:00)
Venue: Main Hall, Suinouka Hall, Nagoya SME Support Center
2-6-3 Suinouka 2-chome, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Admission: Free
Target Audience: General public, students, corporate representatives, and individuals interested in international exchange and sports (150 spots for general participants)
Pre-registration Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScs6KQoN_fom_-XuKC8zOw1VrUHuhnz8QKFjiIIgh22RqdujA/viewform
Live Streaming on YouTube on the Day
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4YGrX1ZDOPwe9r-jmC-QLw
Event Details Link
https://nagoyajc.or.jp/forum2026-06/
Sponsored by: Nagoya International Center (Public Interest Foundation)
Background of the Event
Nagoya City is experiencing a growing number of foreign residents and increasing multicultural diversity, highlighting the importance of multicultural coexistence in communities and workplaces. However, misunderstandings and lack of communication due to cultural and lifestyle differences often lead to isolation among foreign residents.
In response, sports possess a unique ability to connect people across languages and cultures. By working toward a common goal and sharing joy and disappointment, mutual understanding and trust naturally develop.
This initiative aims to inspire personal reflection on multicultural coexistence and international peace by sharing real examples of sports-based exchange and voices from participants. Additionally, it will promote the 2026 Asian and Asian Para Games, helping to build momentum for Nagoya as an international city.
Program
[Part 1] Keynote Speech (18:34–19:15)
■ Theme
"The Power of Sports to Connect People"
■ Speaker
Mr. Nozomu Hagiwara
Mr. Hagiwara, who conducts educational and talent development activities through sports in Bihar, India, will speak about how sports have transformed people's awareness and behaviors in regions facing poverty, discrimination, and gender issues, sharing his firsthand experiences.
[Part 2] Panel Discussion (19:25–20:20)
■ Theme
"Exchange and Mutual Understanding Through Sports"
■ Panelists
Ai Fukuhara
Masataka Masada
Vitolo
■ Moderator
Taiki Nakamura, Chairperson of the International Sports Promotion Committee, Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The panel will discuss the potential of sports, using the keywords "encounter," "continuity," and "realization," while sharing real-life experiences from international sports exchange and multicultural coexistence initiatives.
[Documentary Film Screening]
A documentary film focusing on interactions between foreign and local residents will be screened during the forum. It will realistically portray the isolation and struggles felt by foreign residents in local communities, as well as the evolving relationships through sports exchanges, providing a starting point for reflection on multicultural coexistence.
Contact Information
Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry
International Sports Promotion Committee
Contact: Taiki Nakamura
Phone: +81-52-221-8593
Email: taiki.nakamura@nakamirise.jp
▼ Official Website of Nagoya Junior Chamber
https://www.nagoyajc.or.jp/
In Nagoya, while the number of foreign residents and multicultural diversity is increasing, challenges such as friction and isolation due to differences in values and culture in local communities and workplaces remain. This event aims to create opportunities to discuss multicultural coexistence and international peace by leveraging sports—a powerful medium that transcends language and cultural barriers and builds human connections.
The forum will feature a keynote speech by Mr. Nozomu Hagiwara, representative of FC Nono, who conducts educational and human resource development activities through sports in Bihar, India. Additionally, panel discussions will be held with former professional table tennis player Ai Fukuhara, multicultural coexistence reporter Vitolo, and Masataka Masada, organizer of the Futsal Unity World Cup, to explore how sports foster communication and mutual understanding.
Furthermore, a documentary film focusing on real-life interactions between foreign and local residents will be screened, offering attendees an immersive experience of the relationships and transformations made possible through sports.
Event Overview
Event Name: KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~
Date and Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 18:30–20:35 (Registration from 18:00)
Venue: Main Hall, Suinouka Hall, Nagoya SME Support Center
2-6-3 Suinouka 2-chome, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Admission: Free
Target Audience: General public, students, corporate representatives, and individuals interested in international exchange and sports (150 spots for general participants)
Pre-registration Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScs6KQoN_fom_-XuKC8zOw1VrUHuhnz8QKFjiIIgh22RqdujA/viewform
Live Streaming on YouTube on the Day
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4YGrX1ZDOPwe9r-jmC-QLw
Event Details Link
https://nagoyajc.or.jp/forum2026-06/
Sponsored by: Nagoya International Center (Public Interest Foundation)
Background of the Event
Nagoya City is experiencing a growing number of foreign residents and increasing multicultural diversity, highlighting the importance of multicultural coexistence in communities and workplaces. However, misunderstandings and lack of communication due to cultural and lifestyle differences often lead to isolation among foreign residents.
In response, sports possess a unique ability to connect people across languages and cultures. By working toward a common goal and sharing joy and disappointment, mutual understanding and trust naturally develop.
This initiative aims to inspire personal reflection on multicultural coexistence and international peace by sharing real examples of sports-based exchange and voices from participants. Additionally, it will promote the 2026 Asian and Asian Para Games, helping to build momentum for Nagoya as an international city.
Program
[Part 1] Keynote Speech (18:34–19:15)
■ Theme
"The Power of Sports to Connect People"
■ Speaker
Mr. Nozomu Hagiwara
Mr. Hagiwara, who conducts educational and talent development activities through sports in Bihar, India, will speak about how sports have transformed people's awareness and behaviors in regions facing poverty, discrimination, and gender issues, sharing his firsthand experiences.
[Part 2] Panel Discussion (19:25–20:20)
■ Theme
"Exchange and Mutual Understanding Through Sports"
■ Panelists
Ai Fukuhara
Masataka Masada
Vitolo
■ Moderator
Taiki Nakamura, Chairperson of the International Sports Promotion Committee, Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The panel will discuss the potential of sports, using the keywords "encounter," "continuity," and "realization," while sharing real-life experiences from international sports exchange and multicultural coexistence initiatives.
[Documentary Film Screening]
A documentary film focusing on interactions between foreign and local residents will be screened during the forum. It will realistically portray the isolation and struggles felt by foreign residents in local communities, as well as the evolving relationships through sports exchanges, providing a starting point for reflection on multicultural coexistence.
Contact Information
Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry
International Sports Promotion Committee
Contact: Taiki Nakamura
Phone: +81-52-221-8593
Email: taiki.nakamura@nakamirise.jp
▼ Official Website of Nagoya Junior Chamber
https://www.nagoyajc.or.jp/
FAQ
What is the 'KICK OFF THE WORLD' event about?
A forum on international exchange and multicultural coexistence through sports, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and documentary screenings.
How can I participate in the event?
Free registration via an online form; live streaming available on YouTube on the day.
Who are the speakers at the event?
Ai Fukuhara, Nozomu Hagiwara, Masataka Masada, and Vitolo will speak, moderated by Taiki Nakamura.
When and where will the event take place?
June 25, 2026, from 18:30 to 20:35 at the Suinouka Hall, Nagoya SME Support Center.
What is the goal of this event?
To promote mutual understanding and international peace by using sports to transcend cultural barriers.