SAJU Forum 5 (Fifth South Africa – Japan University Forum Conference) (2022)
【Project Activities】
Participated as a chairperson and presenter for the “Health and Wellness” session (13 presentations in total). Discussed the involvement of sports clubs in community wellness under the title: “Do Sports Clubs Contribute to Community Wellness? An Empirical Study of One Spot Club’s Experience in Japan.”
【Project Background】
Since the first conference in Hiroshima in 2007, academic exchange has been conducted between the Republic of South Africa and Japan, primarily led by academic organizations. For this conference, the “Health and Wellness” session was adopted. It was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
【Project Objective】
The forum aims to build a framework for academic exchange and collaboration between the Republic of South Africa and Japan in the field of higher education. The objective of the “Health and Wellness” session was to exchange opinions on the current status and future of community health and wellness.
【Project Area】
Education through sports
【Methods】
Participated in the forum as a chairperson and a speaker.
【Outcomes】
The significance of exchange among industry, government, and academia between the two countries was reaffirmed. Through the presentations, participants discussed the contribution of sports to the community from the perspectives of health, wellness, and the SDGs.
【Voices from Participants and Partners】
“Understand the future potential of para-sports and lifelong sports.”
“The importance of discussions to strengthen academic networks involving not only scholars and students but also government and industry was reaffirmed.”
【Challenges and Lessons Learned】
While the online format allowed for discussions with distant participants including those from South Africa, onsite implementation is preferred as face-to-face discussions lead to deeper understanding and exchange.
【URL】
- Time Period
- July 28, 2022 - July 29, 2022
- Region
- South Africa, Japan (Online)
- Sport/Programme Category
- Football (Soccer)
- Implementer
- The 5th SAJU Forum Organizing Committee (Universities South Africa, University of Tsukuba Tunis Office, African Studies Center - Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, South African Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation of South Africa, Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Japan, Embassy of Japan in South Africa)
- Co-Implementer
- South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Department of Higher Education and Training, MOFA Japan, MEXT Japan, AMED, JICA, JSPS, JST, Japan-Africa University Network (JANET); GMSS Human Lab Co., Ltd. and NPO Smile Club participated as presenters.
- Number of Individual Beneficiaries
- Republic of South Africa: 90, Japan: 60