Masashi Hioki, SASUKE Regular, Appointed Official Ambassador for 'Nin-JAPAN Cup' – Yaruki Switch Group's Sports Tournament for 10,000 Children Nationwide

Masashi Hioki, SASUKE Regular, Appointed Official Ambassador for 'Nin-JAPAN Cup' – Yaruki Switch Group's Sports Tournament for 10,000 Children Nationwide!

Yaruki Switch Group Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Naoji Takahashi), a comprehensive educational service company, has appointed Masashi Hioki, a regular competitor on the popular TBS program "SASUKE," as the official ambassador to enliven the "Nin-JAPAN Cup." The cup is a major event where students of the "Ninja Nine®" sports class for toddlers and elementary school students compete to show the results of their daily lessons.

The "Nin-JAPAN Cup" is a passionate competition where children compete for the fastest time in a circuit format, based on the Ninja Drills they have practiced in their Ninja Nine lessons! A heated battle will unfold as children aim for the pinnacle of ninjas, conquering the top spot among 10,000 participants nationwide.

The "Nin-JAPAN Cup" has a very high affinity with "SASUKE" in terms of "challenging one's limits" and being a "one-shot match." This ambassador appointment was realized out of a strong desire to have Mr. Hioki—a SASUKE regular and part of the "dad generation" to Ninja Nine students—help elevate the children's challenges.

Ninja Nine is a sports class for toddlers and elementary school students that provides exercise programs based on sports science.

From "Nin-JAPAN Cup" Ambassador Masashi Hioki, to the Challengers of the Future! Mr. Hioki, newly appointed as the ambassador, will appear as a guest at the national tournament held in August, witnessing the children's serious challenges up close.

Comment from Mr. Hioki

I felt it was very SASUKE-like to put everything on the line in a one-shot match. It's a wonderful place where the skills everyone has practiced come together to be tested. The actual performance carries a tension that can affect you mentally, which is exactly why it's important to be conscious of the real thing during practice. I'm cheering on everyone's challenge!

Profile of Mr. Hioki A regular competitor boasting 18 appearances on TBS's "SASUKE" (as of the end of the 43rd tournament). He holds astonishing stability, having advanced to the 3rd STAGE 9 times so far, and was also selected to represent Japan (JAPAN Blue) in the "SASUKE World Cup 2024." In his private life, he is a father of three, and his family enjoys sports and challenges together, with his eldest daughter also participating in SASUKE.

Mr. Hioki Takes on the Challenge for Real! Original Web Videos Released

On the official "Nin-JAPAN Cup" website, we will release Mr. Hioki's inauguration greeting and his course challenge videos. Pay attention to what kind of time Mr. Hioki achieved when he actually took on the courses for the qualifiers and the national tournament. In the first installment, his greeting and the qualifying course challenge video will be released. The video also hides hints for passing the qualifiers, making it a must-see not only for SASUKE fans. In the second installment, a video of him taking on the national tournament course will be published. Please view them on the official website.

What is the "Nin-JAPAN Cup"? It is a passionate tournament where children compete for the fastest time in a circuit format, based on the Ninja Drills practiced in Ninja Nine lessons. Participants continuously challenge 7 events utilizing 9 movements that form the basis of all sports, such as "running, jumping, and throwing," testing their well-balanced abilities. A heated battle unfolds as children aim for the peak of ninjas among 10,000 participants nationwide. "Nin-JAPAN Cup" Official Website: https://www.ninja9.jp/fs/lp/nin-japan-cup/

The First Step of the Challenge Starts with "Ninja Nine"! Free Trial Lessons Now Available

Participation in the "Nin-JAPAN Cup" requires attending Ninja Nine. However, children who enroll now can also enter the qualifiers (Lab Tournaments) rolling out sequentially from June! For those thinking, "I want my child to like sports more" or "I want to give them confidence," why not start a new challenge at Ninja Nine? Currently, we are offering free trials to support a smooth start to the new school year (*excluding some classrooms).

Apply for a free trial here: https://www.ninja9.jp/

3 Features of Ninja Nine

1. The "Ninja 300" Program Based on Sports Science Where Anyone Can Improve

Children acquire "correct body mechanics and form" and accumulate successful experiences in small steps. They learn how to use their bodies through "Drills" and joyfully solidify movements through "Games." With over 300 types of drills and games combined, anyone can acquire correct body mechanics and confidence while playing.

2. "Ninja Battle" that Fosters Social Skills Through Team Play

Forming teams with mixed grades and gam