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ATHLETE NEXT LAB Vol.1: Shaping the Future for Athletes

As we enter an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), the value of athletes is more significant than ever. To explore the paths athletes can take beyond their competitive careers, CoBREW Inc. and ASHIRO, a nonprofit organization, will host a dialogue event named "ATHLETE NEXT LAB Vol.1" on July 31, 2026, at CoBREW KICHIJOJI in Musashino, Tokyo.

An Important Dialogue for Current and Former Athletes

The event features Yusuke Shimizu, a former member of Japan's water polo national team, who will share his career experiences. Additionally, Eiji Fujiwara, the founder of CoBREW, will discuss the theme "The Value of Talent in the Age of AI." This will lead participants through conversations about what comes next after their athletic careers.

For many athletes, contemplating their career post-retirement has always been fraught with uncertainty. Questions about whether to continue in sports, what kind of employment to pursue after retirement, and how their skills translate into the workforce loom large. Recently, however, a growing number of active athletes have begun to think about their career development alongside their sports commitments. With the rapid evolution of AI, attention has also turned to the non-cognitive skills that athletes possess, such as resilience, teamwork, and goal-oriented performance. This event creates a platform for attendees to interactively discuss the next chapter of their lives, taking into account these social trends.

A Discussion-Focused Environment

ATHLETE NEXT LAB is not just another lecture series. It fosters an environment where participants can communicate and connect with others. Throughout the event, attendees will delve into topics like their unique strengths cultivated through sports, potential career opportunities outside athletics, the skills that are increasingly relevant in the AI era, and their vision for themselves five years down the line. The diversity of experience among various athletes presents a unique opportunity for fresh insights.

Messages from the Organizers

Yusuke Shimizu emphasizes the importance of community: "The competitive life of an athlete eventually concludes; however, the experiences and values gained are everlasting. I hope this event provides a space for athletes harboring similar uncertainties to share their thoughts together, rather than grappling with their worries alone."

On the other hand, Eiji Fujiwara points out the distinctive value of athletes in the workplace: "As AI progresses rapidly, the skills and values that individuals bring to the table are being tested. The tenacity, perseverance, and collaborative success demonstrated by athletes are qualities that cannot be replicated by machines. I want the participants to understand that there are many opportunities waiting for them beyond their athletic careers."

About ATHLETE NEXT LAB

ATHLETE NEXT LAB functions as a dialogue-based community focused on the theme of "thinking about life after sports together." It provides a space for current athletes, students, and retired athletes to unite, sharing their experiences and thoughts while contemplating future careers and their relationship with society. The event is planned to continue in the future as well.

Event Details

• - Event Title: ATHLETE NEXT LAB Vol.1
• - Theme: Exploring the Future for Athletes in the AI Era
• - Date and Time: July 31, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00
• - Location: CoBREW KICHIJOJI
• - Address: 1-20-13 Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
• - Target Audience: Current athletes, former athletes, student-athletes
• - Capacity: 15 Participants
• - Participation Fee: Free

For more details and to register for the event, please visit: ATHLETE NEXT LAB Registration

About ASHIRO

ASHIRO is dedicated to expanding the possibilities of athletes within society. Their initiatives include supporting career transitions after sports retirements and collaborating with local communities to contribute the value of sports back to society.
Web: ASHIRO Website

About CoBREW

CoBREW operates a community-centric coworking space called CoBREW KICHIJOJI based on the principle of "co-creation." Their mission includes fostering entrepreneurial support, building community relations, and creating spaces for learning, all aimed at empowering diverse individuals to pursue their challenges.
Location: 1-20-13 Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
Web: CoBREW Website