Rakuten Mobile Launches New eSports Program in Shimane to Foster DX Talent by 2025

A New Era of Education: Rakuten Mobile's eSports Initiative in Shimane

In April 2025, a significant educational endeavor will unfold in Shimane Prefecture, where Rakuten Mobile aims to play a pivotal role in fostering digital transformation (DX) talent through an innovative eSports program. This initiative aligns with the Japanese Ministry of Education's NEXT GIGA project, which advocates for the digital transformation of educational institutions. The newly established correspondence course by Shonan Gakuen High School in Matsue City will leverage eSports as a medium to develop students' skills in this increasingly vital field.

Expanding eSports Market in Japan

The eSports market in Japan is growing rapidly, with projections indicating that it will surpass 20 billion yen by 2025, reflecting an annual growth rate of over 20%. Notably, the number of eSports enthusiasts is anticipated to exceed 10 million by the same year. High school participation has also surged, highlighted by a record attendance of 7,692 participants in the national high school eSports tournament "STAGE:0." As the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo approaches, further enthusiasm for the eSports sector is expected.

Establishing a DX Talent Development Program

The introduction of the eSports-focused correspondence course at Shonan Gakuen High School stems from a growing need to provide adaptive learning environments for students. Naoki Kitamura, the school's principal, noted that insights gained from a visit to Atlanta inspired him to create a space where students could choose their own learning paths. As a response to the rising trend of school refusal among young people, the course aims to instill collaboration through eSports, while also nurturing students' character in line with the school's longstanding values.

The Role of Technology and Collaboration

The program will begin in the 2025 academic year, supported by Rakuten Mobile’s advanced "KŌSOKU Access" network service. This high-speed connectivity is crucial for the smooth operation of eSports activities, allowing students to engage in competitive gameplay without interruptions.

The problem of school refusal among high school students poses serious challenges, with a record 68,770 students unable to attend school in 2023, according to the Ministry of Education. This situation is deeply intertwined with issues such as anxiety and social struggles—areas where eSports can play a transformative role. Through collaborative teamwork in gaming, students who find traditional communication challenging may boost their self-esteem and reconnect with their peers.

Addressing Challenges in eSports Education

1. Ensuring Quality Communication: In eSports, instantaneous decision-making is crucial, and any delays in communication can significantly impact outcomes. For seamless lessons and student skill enhancement, a steady and fast internet connection is essential. Rakuten Mobile's provisions will support high-level competitions and ensure that students can focus solely on improving their skills without connectivity worries.

2. Cost and Accessibility: While high-speed connections are essential for eSports, the expenses associated with exclusive lines often limit accessibility. Rakuten's offerings are tailored to balance cost and performance, ensuring that students nationwide can enjoy reliable online learning and competition.

3. Future-Proof Planning: New programs often come with unpredictable enrollment and network usage, which may lead to capacity challenges. Flexible connectivity solutions that accommodate fluctuations in student numbers will be vital for maintaining operational stability in the eSports program.

The implementation of dedicated lines by Rakuten Mobile, utilizing dark fiber, promises unparalleled stability and speed—integral features for successful eSports outreach and engagement within the educational landscape.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Education with eSports

As Rakuten Mobile continues to enhance digital learning encounters across Japan, its collaboration with educational institutions like Shonan Gakuen signifies a shift toward impactful, tech-supported learning. This eSports initiative not only aims to cultivate DX talent but also reinforces the importance of nurturing resilient students ready to confront modern-day challenges. The future is indeed bright for eSports as a legitimate avenue for education and personal growth.