NPO International Esports Federation Network Japan Headquarters (Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Director: Masao Kakihara, Abbreviation: NASEF JAPAN), established the 'eSports Human Resource Development Competency Certification System' on July 2, 2026 (Thu) with the aim of fostering the healthy development of student eSports and establishing a safe and secure coaching environment in educational settings. This system is a certification program that systematically teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for eSports coaching, visualizing and certifying coaching competency.

At the start of the system, NASEF JAPAN certified NTTe-Sports Co., Ltd. (Location: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, President: Motoharu Harada, hereinafter 'NTTe-Sports') as the first accredited organization under this system.

NTTe-Sports will be responsible for developing the educational materials used in this system, and as the administrative office commissioned by NASEF JAPAN, will support the implementation of training sessions and certification tests, provide education and training to companies and organizations wishing to become accredited organizations, and offer practical support for system operations. Furthermore, as NASEF JAPAN's first accredited organization, they will conduct training sessions and certification tests for participants and be responsible for building the operational model at the system's launch.

Going forward, NASEF JAPAN aims to sequentially certify accredited organizations from among its regular member companies and organizations that agree with the purpose of this system, and to establish a structure capable of conducting training sessions and certification tests nationwide.

Details of this system and information regarding participants and accredited organizations can be found on the special page within the NASEF JAPAN official website.

URL: https://nasef.jp/esports-coach-certification/

1. Background of System Establishment

In recent years, initiatives using eSports and games as an entry point for learning have been expanding in school education and community activities. On the other hand, for students to participate with peace of mind, not only operational skills and competitive experience are required, but also coaching ability to support student growth, team management skills, communication skills with parents and school officials, and knowledge to create a healthy activity environment.

NASEF JAPAN has been organizing eSports tournaments for high school students and promoting educational activities through its network of affiliated schools. During this time, voices have been heard from educational sites such as, 'We want to seek cooperation from external coaches we can trust,' and 'We want to systematically learn the knowledge and skills necessary for eSports coaching.'

Based on this background, NASEF JAPAN has established this system to improve the quality of coaches who support the healthy development of student eSports.

2. Overview of the System

The 'eSports Human Resource Development Competency Certification System' is a system that certifies individuals as coaches who meet the prescribed standards through training sessions and certification tests conducted by organizations accredited by NASEF JAPAN.

At the start of the system, 'eSports Human Resource Development Competency Certification Essential' will be offered as a basic qualification. In the future, the provision of higher-level qualifications aiming for the acquisition of more advanced knowledge and practical skills, such as 'Advanced' and 'Professional,' is also planned.

The curriculum includes basic knowledge as a coaching instructor, fostering teamwork and communication, coaching and training theory, physical and mental safety management, basic IT knowledge, understanding risks in team management, and basic knowledge of competition management.

This allows participants to systematically learn not only competitive skills but also the knowledge, attitude, and practical skills necessary to support student growth as coaches.

Furthermore, to become an accredited organization, it is a condition to be a regular member of NASEF JAPAN. Through this, we will expand the system for nurturing coaches with an emphasis on educational value nationwide in collaboration with companies and organizations that agree with NASEF JAPAN's philosophy and activity policies, leading to the healthy development of student eSports.

3. For Those Aiming to Obtain Coaching Certification

'eSports Human Resource Development Competency Certification Essential' is a certification qualification aimed at those involved in coaching and support in the field of student eSports, or those who aim to be involved in human resource development through eSports in the future. Through this qualification, participants will learn the basic knowledge and practical coaching attitude necessary for eSports coaching, aiming to contribute to creating an environment where students can participate with peace of mind.

【Main Target Audience】

- Students of vocational schools, high schools, and universities offering eSports-related courses - School club advisors, students in faculties of education - Staff at cram schools involved in supporting AO admissions and comprehensive selection processes - Former eSports professional players, etc.

【Certification Process】

Pre-study → 2-day training session → Certification test *Pre-study of materials and e-learning will be conducted, and after confirming the level of understanding through a quiz, the training session and certification test will be administered.

【Certification Method】

A certificate will be issued by NASEF JAPAN to participants who meet the prescribed standards.

【Participation Fee】

57,000 yen (excluding tax)

(Breakdown: Material fee 7,000 yen, Training fee 37,000 yen, Examination fee 8,000 yen, Coach registration fee 5,000 yen)

【Scheduled Dates and Venues for Certification Training Sessions (Planned)】

1 August 29 (Sat) - August 30 (Sun), 2026 Osaka Venue: OCA Osaka Design & Technology College

2 September 5 (Sat) - September 6 (Sun), 2026 Yokohama Venue: Iwasaki Gakuen Campus

4. To Companies and Organizations Aiming to Become Accredited Organizations

NASEF JAPAN is recruiting accredited organizations to conduct training sessions and certification tests for the nationwide expansion of this system. Furthermore, by expanding the number of accredited organizations, we will build a sustainable instructor training system in various regions across the country.

【Role】 Accredited organizations will be responsible for conducting training sessions and certification tests for participants.

【Accreditation Conditions】 Must be a regular member of NASEF JAPAN (Entrance fee: 300,000 yen, Annual fee: 300,000 yen / from the second year onwards)

【Accreditation Process】 By undergoing the prescribed training provided by NTTe-Sports, the administrative office for system operations, and meeting the standards set by NASEF JAPAN, organizations will be able to conduct training sessions and certification tests.

【Revenue】 Accredited organizations can receive prescribed operational fees for conducting training sessions and certification tests.

5. Roles of NASEF JAPAN and NTTe-Sports

In this system, NASEF JAPAN, as the certifying body, will oversee curriculum development, accredit organizations, certify coaches, and handle system promotion and public relations.

NTTe-Sports will be responsible for curriculum development and practical support as the system's administrative office, and as the first accredited organization, will conduct training sessions and certification tests.

By combining NASEF JAPAN's expertise in educational settings, cultivated through organizing the 'All Japan High School e-Sports Championship' and collaborating with affiliated school teachers, with NTTe-Sports' expertise in eSports competitions, we will develop an effective instructor training system that supports the healthy development of student eSports.

6. Future Development

Through this system, NASEF JAPAN and NTTe-Sports will train coaches who support education and human resource development utilizing eSports in various settings such as schools, communities, companies, and local governments.

This will establish a foundation for eSports instructor training nationwide, promote the creation of an environment where students can engage in eSports with peace of mind, and aim for the spread of student eSports that is trusted by parents, schools, and local communities.

Furthermore, this system is expected to be utilized in various situations, including securing appropriate instructors in schools and club activities, providing learning opportunities for students, self-expression during career choices, utilizing eSports in communities, and collaborating with local governments and community organizations.

NASEF JAPAN and NTTe-Sports will position eSports not just as a competition or entertainment, but as an educational activity that supports the growth of young people, contributing to the healthy development of student eSports and sustainable human resource development.

About NASEF JAPAN

NASEF JAPAN is a non-profit organization that promotes the development of digital and global human resources for the next generation, using eSports/games as an entry point.

Currently, over 670 high schools nationwide are affiliated, promoting digital education and inquiry-based learning utilizing eSports/games as educational tools. In addition to initiatives for high school students, they are also working to create opportunities for younger generations to learn while enjoying digital content, such as inquiry-based learning workshops using games for elementary and junior high school students.

They aim to build an educational ecosystem that fosters the skills for young people to thrive in future society, by utilizing eSports and games not just as entertainment but as opportunities for learning and growth, in collaboration with educational institutions, companies, and local governments.

Corporate Overview

Organization Name: NPO International Esports Federation Network Japan Headquarters

Abbreviation: NASEF JAPAN

Reading: Nasefu Japan

Location: 1-5-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004 Otemachi First Square East Tower 4F

Representative: Director Masao Kakihara

Official Website: https://nasef.jp/

Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/NASEF_Japan

About NTTe-Sports Co., Ltd.

NTTe-Sports Co., Ltd. aims to create community-based town development utilizing eSports, and contributes to the development of next-generation human resources and the revitalization of local communities through initiatives such as regional revitalization consulting, promotion of eSports club activities in schools, and operation of NTTe-Sports High School.

Corporate Overview

Organization Name: NTTe-Sports Co., Ltd.

Location: 3-19-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-8019 NTT East Japan Headquarters Building 27F

Representative: President Motoharu Harada

Official Website: https://www.ntte-sports.co.jp/

Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/NTTe_Sports

Details of this System

https://nasef.jp/esports-coach-certification/

Contact Information

NASEF JAPAN Secretariat

[email protected]

NTTe-Sports Co., Ltd.

Corporate Planning Department

[email protected]

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 制度創設
  • Organizations: NASEF JAPAN / NTTe-Sports