【Project Activities】

At Nigeria House Oyama (Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture), we facilitated exchange between Nigerian student-athletes studying in Japan and local residents.

【Project Background】

While we provide Nigerian students with opportunities to come to Japan as student-athletes, we recognized the need for emotional support as they live away from their families—and for mutual understanding through interaction between students and local residents.

【Project Objective】

To provide emotional support for student-athletes and deepen mutual understanding beyond nationality and race by engaging with local communities through sport and culture.

【Project Area】

Education through Sport

【Methods】

【Outcomes】

Fewer students returned home midway due to difficulty adapting to Japanese customs and culture, and there were fewer troubles with Japanese students. The program also helps reduce prejudice through engagement between Japanese children who have never interacted with foreigners and older adults who may feel uneasy toward foreigners. In the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, Nigeria House Oyama served as an evacuation site for student-athletes attending high schools in Ishikawa Prefecture; during that time, we were able to continue basketball practice with support from local universities and junior high schools in Oyama City.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

“At first I felt uncomfortable because they were big and looked different, but after talking, I realized they’re no different from Japanese children.” (Older resident of Oyama City)
“I thought it was fun to share many things with people from outside Japan.” (Elementary school student who joined the activities)
“It’s fun when I come here. There are people who understand us and cheer us on.” (Nigerian student-athlete)

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

Unfortunately, prejudice still exists in some places. We will continue working so that both sides can better understand one another.

【URL】