Educational Program 'Asu-Machi' to Teach Children About Local Communities to be Held in 3 Regions (Osaka, Akita, Saitama) — Featuring Former Japan National Soccer Team Player Tomoya Ugajin and Others, Expanding Nationwide —

Spin Owl Inc. (Headquarters: Mitaka, Tokyo; CEO: Shudai Takahashi) will launch the regional co-creation educational program 'Asu-Machi,' organized by the General Incorporated Association Asu-Machi, in Osaka, Akita, and Saitama starting in April 2026.

This program is a hands-on project that connects local food and industries, using the 'spirit of challenge' demonstrated by professional athletes to foster the next generation of leaders. Building on a track record of over 600 participants across six regions nationwide, the program is now entering a nationwide expansion phase with simultaneous rollouts in multiple regions starting this year.

Background of 'Asu-Machi': Passing Local Resources to the Next Generation

As Japan faces population decline and an aging society, issues such as waning interest in local communities and a lack of awareness regarding local businesses have become apparent, making the maintenance of community and the cultivation of the next generation an urgent priority.

In response, Asu-Machi creates experiences where athletes, local businesses, producers, and students work together to 'know, engage with, and take pride in' their regions. By using the 'spirit of challenge' of top athletes as a role model, the program aims to build a sustainable regional model by conveying the appeal of local food culture and industry.

Overview and Features of the Osaka, Akita, and Saitama Events

By combining clinics led by top soccer and basketball athletes with food experiences using local ingredients and dialogues with local businesses, the program will be deployed as a hands-on educational initiative that crosses the boundaries of sports, food, and industry.

【Key Features of the Program】

• Experience the value of 'Challenge': Learn not only skills but also 'dreams' and 'mindset' through instruction from top athletes.
• Regional understanding through 'Food': Lunch exchange meetings featuring special bento boxes made with local ingredients, allowing participants to connect with the thoughts of producers and local businesses.
• 'Circular' educational model: University students participate in operations to support elementary, junior high, and high school students, fostering regional leaders.

【Osaka Event Overview】

■ Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

■ Location: K-PRO Arena (Yao City, Osaka Prefecture)

■ Target: Approx. 60 elementary and junior high school students

■ Participating Athletes: Soichiro Fujitaka, Takuya Hashimoto (Professional Basketball)

【Akita Event Overview】

■ Date: Scheduled for June 2026

■ Location: Akita Prefecture

■ Target: Approx. 60–100 junior high and high school students

■ Participating Athletes: Takuya Nakayama, Raita Akaho (Professional Basketball)

【Saitama Event Overview】

■ Date: Scheduled for June 2026

■ Location: Saitama Prefecture

■ Target: Approx. 60 elementary and junior high school students

■ Participating Athletes: Tomoya Ugajin (Former Japan National Soccer Team)

Comment

Shudai Takahashi, CEO of Spin Owl Inc. / Representative Director of Asu-Machi

Asu-Machi is a new place of learning where sports serve as a gateway to experiencing local food, culture, and the passions of producers. Through our efforts so far...