Sport for Tomorrow (SFT) held the “SFT Conference 2025” on Tuesday, February 18.

A total of 275 participants—103 on site and 172 online—joined the event from sport organizations, local governments, private companies, educational and research institutions, and NGOs/NPOs that are engaged or interested in international sport exchange and cooperation.

This year’s theme was “The Social Impact of Sport Events Created Through International Sport Exchange and Cooperation — and Their Future.”
In addition to presentations by international experts, researchers, and practitioners from Japan and abroad, a future dialogue session was held with next-generation leaders active in various fields.

Throughout the discussions, speakers and participants shared diverse perspectives, discovering new possibilities for international cooperation through sport. The conference also became a place where new partnerships were formed—connections that are expected to lead to concrete actions in the future.

Looking ahead, SFT will continue to promote social impact through international sport exchange and cooperation, in the lead-up to major international events to be held in Japan, such as the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025, the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, and the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games 2026.

＜Highlights from the Event＞
◆ Opening Remarks

Opening remarks by Tetsufumi Ogawa, Counsellor for International Affairs, Japan Sports Agency

◆ Part 1: Global Trends and Developments in International Sport Exchange and Cooperation

○ “The Social Impact of Sport Events and the Legacy That Asia Aims to Create” — Presented by Daichi Oshimi

○“Why Sport Events? — A Corporate Purpose and Vision Perspective” — Presented by Akane Yoshida

○“Promoting Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Through International Sport Cooperation” — Presented by Chris Nunn

＜Voices from the Speakers＞
○“It was my first time speaking at the SFT Conference, and I was deeply impressed by the passion of the participants. Beyond the warm and welcoming atmosphere, I was inspired by everyone’s proactive engagement.I was particularly struck by the strong involvement of younger generations, including university and graduate students, which gives me confidence in the continued growth of the SFT Conference.As sport becomes increasingly important for addressing social issues both in Japan and abroad, I hope that the knowledge and experiences of SFT will continue to be shared and utilized.”（Daichi Oshimi ／ Associate Professor, Faculty of Physical Education, Tokai University）

○“Ottobock believes that sport has a profoundly positive impact—both physically and mentally—on people with disabilities. We are committed to supporting para sports globally.We look forward to continuing our collaboration with various organizations and companies to create inclusive environments where everyone can enjoy sport.”（Akane Yoshida ／ Marketing, Ottobock Japan Co., Ltd.)

○ I was delighted to participate in the Sport for Tomorrow conference from Australia and present an overview of the activities and approach the Oceania Paralympic Committee has taken in recent times to engage the local communities with the para-sports world. The difference between the “developed” countries and the
“developing” countries is significant as was highlighted during the conference. With collaboration of the countries with resources, human and financial, and companies who are willing to invest in para-sport, the future looks good the creation of more inclusive and accepting communities.
（Chris Nunn ／ Performance Consultant, Oceania Paralympic Committee）

◆ Part 2: Presentation of Award-Winning Cases and the Japan Sports Agency Commissioner’s Commendation Ceremony

The Award Ceremony Led by Koji Murofushi, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency

Awarded Organizations and Case Titles:
○ Japan Triathlon Union
「Technical Capacity-Building Program for Technical Officials in Asia, Conducted by a Japanese National Federation」

○ Kawasaki Frontale Co., Ltd.
「Vietnam–Japan International Youth Cup U-13: An International Exchange and Community Contribution Project Hosted by a Professional Sports Club」

○ Momoyama Gakuin Education University
「Development of a Teacher-Training Curriculum for Accident Prevention in Physical Education Activities Between Japan and Thailand」

○ WITH PEER
「Universal Sports Festival: Challenging Toward a World Without Barriers」

＜Voices from Organizations Awarded the Sports Agency Director-General’s Commendation＞
○ We are deeply honored to receive the Sports Agency Director-General’s Letter of Appreciation. Our program has aimed to enhance the quality of competition management by developing and expanding the pool of technical officials across Asian countries. Beyond improving athletic performance, we believe that strengthening international event operations and promoting the development of international talent will lead the growth of Asia as a whole and contribute to enhancing the international presence of Japanese sports. This award is the result of the cooperation of everyone involved in the program and the sports federations across Asia. We will continue to strive for international exchange and the development of sports through our efforts.
（Japan Triathlon Union）

○We are honored to have received the Minister of Sports Award for the “6th Vietnam-Japan International Youth Cup U-13,” hosted by Kawasaki Frontale. We are delighted to have provided an opportunity for youth from Japan and Vietnam to interact and foster friendship through soccer. This achievement is entirely due to the support and cooperation of everyone involved, for which we express our deepest gratitude. We will continue striving to promote international exchange and social contribution through sports, working diligently to provide a better environment for the children who will shape our future.
（Kawasaki Frontale Co., Ltd.）

○ I am deeply honored to have unexpectedly received this generous letter of appreciation. I am truly delighted that our various activities addressing social issues through sports have been recognized in this way. This is entirely due to the support and cooperation of everyone involved, and I express my heartfelt gratitude. Working internationally, I am constantly struck by the high quality of education in Japan. Moving forward, I intend to continue striving to create safe and secure sports environments, guided by the twin pillars of “educational science” and “sports medicine.” I sincerely appreciate your continued guidance and encouragement.
（Momoyama Gakuin University of Education）

○ I am deeply honored to have unexpectedly received this generous letter of appreciation. I am truly delighted that our various activities addressing social issues through sports have been recognized in this way. This is entirely due to the support and cooperation of everyone involved, and I express my heartfelt gratitude. Working internationally, I consistently recognize the high caliber of Japan’s educational capabilities. Moving forward, I intend to continue striving to establish safe and secure sports environments, driven by the dual pillars of “educational science” and “sports medicine.” I sincerely appreciate your continued guidance and encouragement.
（WITH PEER）

◆ Part 3: Future Discussion on International Sports Exchange and Cooperation ~What Is Our First Step?~

Moderated by Yuta Uwai (Future Sessions Inc.),
a lively exchange of ideas took place among next-generation leaders and top athletes, with participants also joining in.

＜Speaker’s Voice＞
○ I felt immense hope in the diverse visions of the future painted by our guests. I strongly sensed the potential for sports to naturally connect with other diverse themes, resonating and expanding together. I am convinced that an era is coming where sports and social impact will become even more closely intertwined, creating new value. Precisely because this is an uncharted territory, it should offer opportunities for many to take on challenges. That is why I want to co-create a new future together with all of you who believe in the power of sports. I am deeply grateful for this valuable opportunity.
(Yuta Uwai / Future Sessions Inc.)

○ Through this session, I was reminded that by taking various actions from our respective positions, we can significantly expand international cooperation and efforts to address social issues through sports. Moving forward, I hope to continue working through SFT to connect with diverse organizations, and as a sports governing body, to engage in international cooperation and the promotion of rugby through the sport.
（Mai Sakaguchi / International Cooperation Officer, Promotion and Development Department, Japan Rugby Football Union）

○ Discussing the future of sports’ social impact and hearing perspectives from other speakers and participants has clarified what I must do now. I feel compelled to actively consider and implement ways to solve social issues through sport.
（Ayako Rokkaku / WBSC Director & Athlete Commissioner / Baseball5 Team 5STARs Representative / Former Japan Women’s Baseball National Team Member / Current Japan Baseball5 National Team Member）

◆Closing Remarks

Closing Remarks by Ryōji Iwama, Director of the Personnel Exchange Division, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

◆Q&A and Networking Session

Participants and speakers exchanged views, deepening mutual understanding and creating opportunities for new connections to form.

＜Participants’ Voices＞
○ As a company dealing in sports products, we gained new perspectives on how to engage with the Olympics, volunteer activities, and entities like local communities, sports clubs, and government. It was also a valuable opportunity to learn about organizations undertaking such activities.（Corporation）

○ At this SFT Conference, I learned about concrete examples of activities actually being carried out both domestically and internationally. While I am currently studying development through sports at graduate school, I also realized there is a gap between research and the field. Going forward, I hope to bridge this gap even slightly and bring smiles to many people through the power of sports. （Graduate Student）

Finally, this conference was made possible through the cooperation of our speakers and all those involved in its operation.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude once again to all the speakers, participants, and operational staff and related parties for their contributions to the successful implementation of this conference. Thank you very much.
Sports for Tomorrow will continue to promote international sports exchange and cooperation. We look forward to your continued support.

▼Please check the SFT Conference 2025 event details here.

〇SFT Conference 2025 Overview

▼Past conferences can be found here

〇SFT Conference 2024

〇SFT Conference 2023