From Kumamoto to the World: Junior National Champions Form Official HADO Team 'CLOVER'

meleap Inc., the Tokyo-based developer and operator of the AR sport 'HADO' (Headquarters: Minato City, Tokyo; CEO: Koji Fukuda), announces the official launch of 'CLOVER,' a HADO-certified team based in Kumamoto Prefecture.

CLOVER is a team of three young athletes who achieved back-to-back victories in 2024 and 2025 at national HADO tournaments for elementary school students.

Stepping beyond the junior category, CLOVER will begin competing as an official HADO team in the second half of 2026, aiming to win Japan’s national championship and qualify for international competitions.

To support the athletes’ next challenge, a crowdfunding campaign will launch on CAMPFIRE at 10:00 AM on August 13, 2026.

Back-to-back national champions. Three athletes from Kumamoto rise to the next stage.

CLOVER's members have trained at HADO Arena Karino Kikuyo in Kikuyo Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, through the HADO Academy Junior program.

In addition to monthly training sessions, they have participated in U-15 intensive training, joint practices with Fukuoka Daiichi High School’s HADO Club, and tournaments across Kyushu and beyond, gaining experience that transcends regional boundaries.

Their major tournament achievements include:

- HADO Academy Junior National Championship 2024: Champions - HADO Junior National Championship 2025: Champions - Middle CUP #2 2025: Champions - HIBANA CUP: Runners-up (twice)

In 2025, they won the Junior National Championship against teams from across Japan, achieving consecutive national titles.

※HADO Academy Junior: A next-generation extracurricular activity for elementary school students combining communication, physical movement, and e-sports.

Award Ceremony

Creating an environment where 'even from rural areas, we can aim for the world' — from Kumamoto

CLOVER’s goal extends beyond winning tournaments.

From discovering HADO, developing as juniors, challenging local and national tournaments, to representing Japan internationally — CLOVER aims to create an environment where children in their community can discover HADO, grow with friends, and compete nationally and globally while staying in Kumamoto.

By demonstrating their own pursuit of national and global stages, CLOVER hopes to inspire future HADO beginners to think, 'I want to try challenging too.' This aspiration is one of the team’s core goals.

Launching crowdfunding to share their journey toward the world

Coinciding with CLOVER’s launch as an official team, parents and supporters are launching a crowdfunding campaign to support the athletes.

The campaign will fund the production of a team promotional video (PV) highlighting CLOVER’s journey and the appeal of HADO, as well as the design and creation of original uniforms for official competitions.

Crowdfunding Overview

Project Name: From Kumamoto to the World! Launch Project for HADO-Certified Team 'CLOVER'

Duration: August 13, 2026, 10:00 AM – September 30, 2026, 11:59 PM

Funding Goal: 400,000 JPY

Organizer: HADO-Certified Team 'CLOVER' Support Project

Platform: CAMPFIRE

URL: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/965618/view

Funds raised will be used for planning and producing the team PV, designing and manufacturing official team uniforms, and related expenses.

Support tiers include individual supporter packages with exclusive merchandise, as well as corporate/organizational plans offering logo placement on uniforms and rights to host HADO experience events and community tournaments at HADO Arena Karino Kikuyo.

In 2026, a new international tournament launches for players under 16

In November 2026, during the 'VIRTUAL SPORTS FESTIVAL' in Shanghai, China, the 'HADO INTERNATIONAL CAMPUS CHAMPIONSHIP' — a 3-on-3 international tournament for players aged 16 and under — will be held for the first time alongside the 'HADO WORLD CUP 2026'.

This new stage will bring together next-generation players from around the world to compete against peers of the same age group.

Until now, HADO has hosted the 'HADO WORLD CUP' for adult top players aiming to become world champions. Starting in 2026, international competition opportunities will expand to the U-16 generation, making 'aiming for the world' a more accessible goal for young athletes.

Competitive environments are expanding so that junior players like CLOVER, who began HADO locally and grew through practice and tournaments, can now set their sights on the global stage.

Tournament Special Website

About HADO

HADO is a next-generation sport that uses AR (augmented reality) technology to create fun, physically active gameplay.

Players throw energy balls with their hands and defend using shields, battling in team matches.

Before playing, users customize abilities such as energy ball speed, size, and shield strength via a 'Skill Set' system. During matches, teammates divide roles and develop strategies based on opponents’ tactics.

Blending the joy of physical movement with the strategic depth and teamwork of games and e-sports, HADO is enjoyable for all ages — from children to adults.

HADO Official Website: https://hado-official.com/

10th Anniversary Special Site: https://hado-official.com/10th/

About meleap Inc.

meleap Inc. develops and operates 'HADO,' an augmented reality-powered activity, aiming to realize a society where 'everyone can enjoy moving their bodies and achieve mental and physical well-being.' Using technology to deliver 'magical experiences,' meleap offers a novel, engaging activity enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels in over 40 countries worldwide.

We strive toward a society where everyone can experience 'the joy of moving,' 'the happiness of connecting with others,' and 'excitement and inspiration,' continuing to expand the possibilities of entertainment and sports.

https://meleap.com/meleap/public/index.php/jp