Himeji Junior Chamber Welcomes Back Ryuji Habuto! Hosting 'September Open Meeting: Thinking of the Community, Creating the Next Generation'

The Himeji Junior Chamber of Commerce (President: Kanji Otsuka, location: 43 Shimotera-cho, Himeji, Hyogo) will host the 'September Open Meeting: Thinking of the Community, Creating the Next Generation – Rise For Himeji' on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 18:30 at the Himeji Chamber of Commerce. Amid growing challenges such as population decline and the regional transition of school club activities, the event will welcome Ryuji Habuto, a former Japanese national soccer player from Himeji, and frontline community sports coaches to discuss community revitalization through sports and the qualities of leaders who support local communities.

Individuals interested in the future of community sports following the regional transition of school clubs (Himekatsu), current community sports coaches, youth seriously engaged in sports, and those interested in community contribution are all welcome to attend free of charge.

Event Overview

Date and Time: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 18:30–20:00 (Doors open at 18:00)

Venue: Main Hall, 2nd Floor, Himeji Chamber of Commerce (43 Shimotera-cho, Himeji, Hyogo)

Admission: Free

Capacity: First 100 applicants

Registration: Pre-registration required via QR code on the event flyer or through the following link:

(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgF0qKohTjg0qjwFEL4_LXOj1JKZ7V_9xgCJCTkMlPOhzFTA/viewform)

Organizer: Himeji Junior Chamber of Commerce

Co-sponsors: Himeji City Board of Education, Kobe Shimbun, Sun Television Co., Ltd.

Main Program

Talk Session Part 1: Ryuji Habuto’s Career and Community Activities

Talk Session Part 2: The Role of Leaders Committed to the Community

Report: Himekatsu Practical Leader Development Project

Speakers

Ryuji Habuto (Former J.Leaguer, Former Japanese National Soccer Player / Representative Director, IKOMA FC Nara Co., Ltd.)

Taiyo Kohno (Stellargo Ajiro SC)

Kyosuke Otsuka (Shirasagi Wanderers)

Inquiries and Media Requests

Next Generation Leadership Development Committee, Himeji Junior Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Chairman Tetsuya Komaki

TEL: 079-281-0887　FAX: 079-281-0864

E-mail: [email protected]

Official Website: https://www.himejijc.or.jp/

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/himejijc/

About the Junior Chamber (Kinki Regional Council)

The Junior Chamber (abbreviated as 'JC') was founded in 1949 (Showa 24), during a time when the scars of war were deeply embedded in both cities and people's hearts. It was established by young people who shared the vision that 'the reconstruction of a new Japan is the work of youth.'

Since then, the Junior Chamber has promoted various activities and movements under the ideal of 'realizing a bright and prosperous society.' Its members join freely based on individual will, regardless of race, nationality, gender, occupation, or religion. The Japanese Junior Chamber bases its activities on three pillars: 'personal development,' 'service to society,' and 'friendship with the world.' It fosters mutual enlightenment and exchange among members, cultivates public spirit, and actively addresses social issues through collaboration with local communities. Many members, including those who graduate upon turning 40, go on to become community leaders and contribute talent to politics and business.

The Japan Junior Chamber Kinki Regional Council operates across two urban prefectures and four counties in the Kinki region, serving as a liaison and coordination body to support smooth operations of local Junior Chambers while promoting various initiatives throughout the Kinki region.

◆ Kinki Regional Council Official Instagram Account

https://www.instagram.com/kinkidc.jci/?hl=ja