[Event Report: Fukui Prefecture] "EMS Experience Set Provision Project" Takes a Step Towards Regional Expansion! "FENNEL" x "Open Up Group" Exhibit Simulators at "FUKUeSPORTS FESTA 2026"

Fennel Co., Ltd. (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, President: Ryo Takashima, hereinafter "FENNEL"), which operates the professional esports team "FENNEL," and its partner company Open Up Group Co., Ltd. participated as a collaborative partner in the public-private-academic collaboration esports event "FUKUeSPORTS FESTA 2026" (commonly known as "Fukui-esupo"), held on June 6, 2026 (Sat) at Shopping City Bell in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture.

On the day, as part of the "EMS Experience Set Provision Project," which addresses the social issue of young people's declining interest in cars through e-motorsports (EMS), an experience booth featuring high-performance racing simulators was exhibited. This event served as a meaningful case study for expanding the base of future drivers in the region and fostering intergenerational exchange through esports.

Over 1,200 Visitors! Background of Exhibition at the Highly Successful "Fukui-esupo"

"FUKUeSPORTS FESTA 2026" is one of the largest esports events in Fukui Prefecture, held with the aim of building an intergenerational exchange platform that goes beyond mere entertainment to "connect, learn, and enjoy" through games, and to create a healthy regional digital community.

FENNEL and Open Up Group collaborated strongly as cooperative partners for this event. High-performance simulators were installed at the venue, and a full-fledged experience booth was set up.

Approximately 80 People Experienced the Professional Simulators! The Day's Events Fostered Parent-Child Interaction and Smiles

The event was a great success, with attendance nearly full throughout the day, from families with young children to seniors (total attendance exceeding 1,200, exceeding the initial target by up to 400%).

The simulator experience corner, which was part of the event, attracted approximately 80 visitors. Children, who usually have limited opportunities to interact with digital equipment or motorsports, were seen sitting in realistic car seats, intently turning the steering wheel while facing the screen.

A 9-year-old child who experienced the title of the day exclaimed, "I want to participate again," and a parent who visited with their child commented, "I hope they can use the experience of interacting with various people in the future." Scenes of parent-child communication and new interests being nurtured through e-motorsports were observed throughout the venue.

Highly Praised by the Governor of Fukui Prefecture, Becoming a Model Case for Regional Revitalization and Digital Education

The "Regional Revitalization and Intergenerational Education Approach Using Esports as a Starting Point" at this event received extremely high praise from Governor Ishida of Fukui Prefecture. The event concluded by embodying the governor's vision of "Intergenerational Coexistence and Digital Education."

The "EMS Experience Set Provision Project," which promotes the initiative of providing "EMS Experience Sets (complete simulator units)" free of charge for a certain period to schools, municipalities, and companies, is precisely a useful tool for accelerating such regional revitalization and intergenerational collaboration. Building on the success and positive feedback gained from this event in Fukui Prefecture, we will continue to strengthen cooperation with educational institutions, municipalities, and facilities across the country and sequentially expand activities to broaden the base of future drivers and automotive-related personnel.

For Schools, Municipalities, and Companies: Applications Now Open for Free Loan of "EMS Experience Set"!

The "EMS Experience Set Provision Project" is continuously seeking organizations interested in a free loan of a complete set of SIM racing chassis for a certain period, with the aim of fostering future drivers, revitalizing local communities, and holding intergenerational exchange events.

Applications are accepted from anywhere in Japan, provided the facility can offer experiences to a wide range of people. Interested parties from educational institutions, municipalities, general companies, welfare facilities for the elderly, etc., are welcome to inquire and apply through the dedicated form below.

* Target Facilities: Educational institutions (junior high schools, high schools, universities, etc.), municipal facilities, general companies, elderly care facilities, etc.

* Loan Contents: Two high-performance SIM racing chassis (simulators)

[EMS Experience Set Free Loan Application/Inquiry Form]

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFLDcwwBftKZYEaAbfwxQl4M1sVxr9V33OW7-KIZx24DSw_g/viewform

A representative will contact you in return.

Fennel Co., Ltd.

Established in 2019. As of 2026, operates esports divisions across 10 titles. The VALORANT division has won four times in Japan, and the Pokémon UNITE division became world champions in the summer of 2024, boasting top-tier competitive performance in all divisions domestically. It is a professional esports team that has also pioneered tournament operations and apparel businesses within the esports industry. Its self-hosted esports tournament brand "FFL" has supported the growth of the esports scene since its early days by holding weekly events, international tournaments, and student tournaments, recording a peak of 120,000 concurrent viewers. In the apparel business, collaborations have been conducted with brands such as DIESEL and WIND AND SEA. The team's total social media followers exceed 4.8 million, and total YouTube views exceed 700 million. It is a company that leads the Japanese esports scene by leveraging its strong fan base and insights into the youth scene, including esports fans, for marketing and entertainment businesses.

Open Up Group Co., Ltd.

Open Up Group Co., Ltd. is a holding company that primarily operates engineer staffing services. Through its 14 group companies in Japan, it provides dispatch and contract development services for highly specialized technical personnel who support Japan's core industries, including automotive, electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, IT, and construction. Under its purpose, "To create a society where everyone's potential is unlocked through fulfilling work," it strives to maximize the value of human resources and solve social issues.

URL: https://www.openupgroup.co.jp/

Company Overview

Company Name: Fennel Co., Ltd.

Chairman of the Board: Masaya Endo

President: Ryo Takashima

Location: 6F Daiwa Shibuya Square Building, 16-28 Nanpeidai-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Date of Establishment: October 2019

Homepage: https://fennel-esports.com

Official X: https://x.com/FENNEL_official

Official Online Store: https://fennel-store.com

FENNEL STUDIO: https://www.fennel-studio.com

Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FENNEL_official

FFL Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrQOCBkjJ3_ozfjFDf_AgQw