Announcement of the Event 'KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~' on June 25

The Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host a forum titled 'KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~' on Thursday, June 25, 2026, centered on international exchange and multicultural coexistence through sports.

In Nagoya, while the number of foreign residents and multicultural diversity is increasing, challenges such as friction and isolation due to differences in values and culture in local communities and workplaces remain. This event aims to create opportunities to discuss multicultural coexistence and international peace by leveraging sports—a powerful medium that transcends language and cultural barriers and builds human connections.

The forum will feature a keynote speech by Mr. Nozomu Hagiwara, representative of FC Nono, who conducts educational and human resource development activities through sports in Bihar, India. Additionally, panel discussions will be held with former professional table tennis player Ai Fukuhara, multicultural coexistence reporter Vitolo, and Masataka Masada, organizer of the Futsal Unity World Cup, to explore how sports foster communication and mutual understanding.

Furthermore, a documentary film focusing on real-life interactions between foreign and local residents will be screened, offering attendees an immersive experience of the relationships and transformations made possible through sports.

Event Overview

Event Name: KICK OFF THE WORLD ~Sports Opening the Door to International Peace~

Date and Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 18:30–20:35 (Registration from 18:00)

Venue: Main Hall, Suinouka Hall, Nagoya SME Support Center 2-6-3 Suinouka 2-chome, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

Admission: Free

Target Audience: General public, students, corporate representatives, and individuals interested in international exchange and sports (150 spots for general participants)

Pre-registration Form

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScs6KQoN_fom_-XuKC8zOw1VrUHuhnz8QKFjiIIgh22RqdujA/viewform

Live Streaming on YouTube on the Day

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4YGrX1ZDOPwe9r-jmC-QLw

Event Details Link

https://nagoyajc.or.jp/forum2026-06/

Sponsored by: Nagoya International Center (Public Interest Foundation)

Background of the Event

Nagoya City is experiencing a growing number of foreign residents and increasing multicultural diversity, highlighting the importance of multicultural coexistence in communities and workplaces. However, misunderstandings and lack of communication due to cultural and lifestyle differences often lead to isolation among foreign residents.

In response, sports possess a unique ability to connect people across languages and cultures. By working toward a common goal and sharing joy and disappointment, mutual understanding and trust naturally develop.

This initiative aims to inspire personal reflection on multicultural coexistence and international peace by sharing real examples of sports-based exchange and voices from participants. Additionally, it will promote the 2026 Asian and Asian Para Games, helping to build momentum for Nagoya as an international city.

Program

[Part 1] Keynote Speech (18:34–19:15)

Theme

"The Power of Sports to Connect People"

Speaker

Mr. Nozomu Hagiwara

Mr. Hagiwara, who conducts educational and talent development activities through sports in Bihar, India, will speak about how sports have transformed people's awareness and behaviors in regions facing poverty, discrimination, and gender issues, sharing his firsthand experiences.

[Part 2] Panel Discussion (19:25–20:20)

Theme

"Exchange and Mutual Understanding Through Sports"

Panelists

Ai Fukuhara

Masataka Masada

Vitolo

Moderator

Taiki Nakamura, Chairperson of the International Sports Promotion Committee, Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The panel will discuss the potential of sports, using the keywords "encounter," "continuity," and "realization," while sharing real-life experiences from international sports exchange and multicultural coexistence initiatives.

[Documentary Film Screening]

A documentary film focusing on interactions between foreign and local residents will be screened during the forum. It will realistically portray the isolation and struggles felt by foreign residents in local communities, as well as the evolving relationships through sports exchanges, providing a starting point for reflection on multicultural coexistence.

Contact Information

Nagoya Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry

International Sports Promotion Committee

Contact: Taiki Nakamura

Phone: +81-52-221-8593

Email: [email protected]

▼ Official Website of Nagoya Junior Chamber

https://www.nagoyajc.or.jp/