Central Sports and Shibaura Institute of Technology Sign Comprehensive Collaboration Agreement

Central Sports Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Seiji Goto), which operates sports clubs at approximately 260 locations nationwide, has signed a comprehensive collaboration agreement with Shibaura Institute of Technology (headquartered in Koto-ku, Tokyo; Chairman: Takeo Suzumi) on July 15, 2026, aiming to enhance regional health and integrate engineering with sports.

Objectives and Background of the Agreement

By combining Central Sports’ over half a century of expertise in exercise instruction with Shibaura Institute of Technology’s advanced knowledge in “medical engineering and sports engineering,” the partnership aims to develop next-generation health programs based on scientific evidence. Additionally, both parties will jointly contribute to the local community through the operation of the “Regional Health Promotion Center” on the Omiya Campus and promote talent development with a global perspective.

Key Collaboration Areas

(1) Community Contribution: Operation and utilization of the “Regional Health Promotion Center” on Shibaura Institute of Technology’s Omiya Campus

(2) Scientific Program Development: Research and development of health and preventive exercise programs based on scientific evidence

(3) Education and Talent Development: Educational support for students in medical engineering and sports engineering fields, along with mutual personnel exchanges

(4) Student Health Promotion: Enhancement of sports instruction and sports environments within Shibaura Institute of Technology

Statements from Representatives

・Dr. Jun Yamada, President, Shibaura Institute of Technology

Our university promotes the cultivation of “globally minded science and engineering professionals who learn from and contribute to the world.” In recent years, we have actively advanced industry-academia-government collaboration to apply research outcomes to solving societal challenges.

In preparation for our 100th anniversary in 2027, we plan to open the “Regional Health Promotion Center” on the Omiya Campus in April of that year. This center will integrate our strengths in data science, medical engineering, and sports engineering to contribute to the well-being of local residents.

Collaborating with Central Sports, which has extensive experience in sports club operations, is highly valuable and encouraging for our institution. By leveraging our respective strengths—through joint research on evidence-based health initiatives and creating educational opportunities for students to engage with real-world challenges—we will accelerate our efforts toward realizing a sustainable society of healthy longevity.

・Seiji Goto, President and Executive Officer, Central Sports Co., Ltd.

Our company has long strived to contribute to the health and enrichment of local communities through sports club operations, guided by our management philosophy of “contributing to health from age zero to a lifetime.” This collaboration with Shibaura Institute of Technology brings powerful new perspectives in “medical engineering, sports engineering,” and “data analytics.” By combining our respective expertise and innovative viewpoints, we aim to develop new value grounded in scientific evidence, contributing to the advancement of sports and a healthy, long-lived society in Japan.

About Shibaura Institute of Technology

Faculties: Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Systems Engineering, Faculty of Design Engineering, Faculty of Architecture, and Graduate School of Engineering

https://www.shibaura-it.ac.jp/

As a leading science and engineering university in Japan, Shibaura Institute of Technology is renowned for its global education, featuring one of the highest numbers of student overseas exchanges, and extensive industry-academia collaborative research involving many students. With two campuses in Tokyo (Toyosu) and Saitama (Omiya), the university comprises four faculties and one graduate school, serving approximately 10,000 students and 300 full-time faculty members. In 2024, the Faculty of Engineering transitioned from a department-based to a program-based system. The Faculty of Design Engineering will restructure in 2025, followed by the Faculty of Systems Engineering in 2026, as the university pursues innovative models of engineering education. By its 100th anniversary in 2027, it aims to rank among the top 10 engineering universities in Asia, advancing in education, research, and social contribution.

About Central Sports Co., Ltd.

https://www.central.co.jp/

Founded in December 1969 by Tadaharu Goto, a member of Japan’s 1964 Tokyo Olympic swimming team (current Chairman of the Board), alongside Takashi Ono, Kiyoko Ono, and Yukio Endo, Central Sports was established with the goal of nurturing Olympic athletes competitive on the world stage. The company has produced numerous Olympic medalists, including Daichi Suzuki (swimming, Seoul Olympics), Hiroyuki Tomita, and Takehiro Kashima (gymnastics, Athens Olympics). At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Daiki Hashimoto and Wataru Tanikawa won gold medals in gymnastics. Today, operating around 260 sports clubs nationwide under the philosophy of “contributing to health from age zero to a lifetime,” Central Sports also emphasizes emotional education through its Kids School programs (gymnastics, swimming, dance, etc.), supporting the healthy development of youth through physical instruction.