The prefecture is implementing the "Kanagawa Junior Challenge Project," targeting the golden age (9 to 12 years old) with the aim of producing top athletes from Kanagawa who will be active globally. Through "Sports Experience Sessions" and "Athletic Ability Measurement Sessions," we will support children in finding sports that suit them and challenging new sports, as well as discover individuals with excellent abilities, and foster their skills and development as "Kanagawa Junior Stars."

1. Sports Experience Sessions

The Sports Experience Sessions are aimed at elementary school students in grades 4 to 6, offering them the chance to try sports that they don't usually have opportunities to experience. Consultations with specialized instructors will also be provided.

Furthermore, a few students from the participating 4th graders will be selected to participate in the "Kanagawa Junior Stars 5th Term," challenging a two-year "Talent Development Program" with the goal of becoming top athletes.

Details of Sports Experience Sessions

Date and Time:

Sunday, August 30, Reiwa 8 (2026), from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Reception opens at 8:30 AM)

Venue:

Asante Sports Park (Prefectural Sports Center) (7-1-2 Zengo, Fujisawa City)

Experience Sports:

Weightlifting / Bouldering / Rugby Football / Handball / Badminton / Cycling (Note: Participants can experience three out of the six listed sports.)

Capacity:

170 people (Lottery will be held if applications exceed capacity)

Target Audience:

All elementary school students in grades 4 to 6 residing or attending school in the prefecture (including those in special needs schools)

Participation Fee:

Free

Application Period:

From 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 11, Reiwa 8 (2026) to 11:59 PM on Monday, August 3, Reiwa 8 (2026)

How to Apply:

Please apply through the electronic application system.

https://dshinsei.e-kanagawa.lg.jp/140007-u/offer/offerList_detail?tempSeq=125340

Inquiries:

0466-82-6395 (Prefectural Sports Center, Sports Activity Support Division)

(Note) Media coverage is possible for the Sports Experience Sessions. If you wish to cover the event on the day, please come directly to the venue and inform the reception staff.

2. Athletic Ability Measurement Sessions

In the Athletic Ability Measurement Sessions, children's physical strength and athletic abilities will be measured using various equipment. Based on the measurement results, approximately 30 individuals will be selected for the "Kanagawa Junior Stars 5th Term," who will challenge a two-year "Talent Development Program" aiming to become top athletes competing in international events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and national tournaments.

Athletic Ability Measurement Session (1st Session)

Athletic Ability Measurement Session (2nd Session)

Date and Time:

Tuesday, November 3, Reiwa 8 (2026) (Public Holiday)

Saturday, November 7, Reiwa 8 (2026)

Venue:

Asante Sports Park (Prefectural Sports Center) (7-1-2 Zengo, Fujisawa City)

Capacity:

Approximately 500 people per session (Lottery will be held if applications exceed capacity)

Target Audience:

All elementary school students in grade 4 residing or attending school in the prefecture (including those in special needs schools)

Participation Fee:

Free

Application Period:

From 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 11, Reiwa 8 (2026) to 11:59 PM on Wednesday, September 30, Reiwa 8 (2026)

How to Apply:

Please apply through the electronic application system.

https://dshinsei.e-kanagawa.lg.jp/140007-u/offer/offerList_detail?tempSeq=125359

(Note) Participants can only attend one of the two sessions.

Inquiries:

Regarding applications: 03-5939-8707 (Contractor: Wingate Inc.)

Regarding this project: 0466-82-6395 (Prefectural Sports Center, Sports Activity Support Division)

(Note) Media coverage is possible for the Athletic Ability Measurement Sessions. If you wish to cover the event on the day, please come directly to the venue and inform the reception staff.

The Prefectural Sports Center's initiatives are also regularly shared on the following social media accounts:

Asante Sports Park Official Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/pref.kanagawa_sc?igsh=MTFrYWk3b25xamt2OA==

Kanagawa Sports Division Official X

https://x.com/kanagawasports?s=21&t=_Dwy56AVV6z7a2jGrQKn0w

Contact Information:

Kanagawa Prefectural Sports Center

Kameya, Manager of Project Promotion Department Phone: 0466-82-6395

Kuroiwa, Head of Sports Activity Support Division Phone: 0466-82-6395

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Events
  • Products / services: Kanagawa Junior Stars Program / Sports Experience Sessions