#Japan #Tokyo #TEAM BEYOND #Shingo Katori #Winter Paralympics

A Collaborative Initiative: The 'Power of Support' Project

As Tokyo prepares for the upcoming 2025 Winter Paralympics, a remarkable initiative known as the 'Power of Support' project has been launched. This project aims to gather words of encouragement from the public to inspire and cheer on athletes representing Japan in the games. Led by the renowned actor and artist Shingo Katori, this heartwarming initiative also involves students from the Tokyo Metropolitan Mukoto Special Support School, who will collaborate on creating a unique piece of art that embodies the spirit of support.

How to Participate

Participants are invited to submit their messages of encouragement starting from November 30, 2025, until February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The process is simple and open to everyone with no restrictions. Interested individuals can visit the official project website to fill in their encouraging message (up to 70 characters) along with a nickname limited to 16 characters. Each message will contribute to an inspiring artistic representation that will be presented to the Paralympic athletes. The website for submissions can be accessed here.

As an added incentive, all participants will receive exclusive smartphone wallpapers featuring the popular figures Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori himself.

Call for Messages

The messages collected will be transformed into art by Shingo Katori, who plans to create a collage based on artwork titled 'The Seed of Support,' drawn by the students at the special support school. This artistic collaboration marks an intersection between creativity and sportsmanship, transcending the boundaries of traditional art.

On an exciting day in September, Katori visited the students at Tokyo Metropolitan Mukoto Special Support School. Engaging with the children and witnessing their creative process was a moment filled with joy and inspiration. This interaction not only energizes the students but also fosters a strong connection to the athletes they will be supporting.

Kick-Off Event Highlights

On the launch date of the project, a special kick-off event was held on November 30, which featured several notable figures, including Shingo Katori and special ambassador Goro Inagaki, along with athletes preparing for the Winter Paralympics. Among them were wheelchair curling athlete Aki Ogawa and coach Akiko Iino, showcasing the diverse range of talents participating in the games. This event served as a platform to discuss the project's vision and the collaborative art that will highlight the messages of support gathered from the community.

About Shingo Katori

Shingo Katori is not only celebrated as an actor and singer but also recognized as a talented artist, having held an exhibition at the Paris Louvre in 2018. Katori's artistic style is characterized by a focus on intuition and impulsiveness, utilizing various materials including paint and cardboard to create vibrant and expressive works.

Team Beyond: Supporting Para Sports

The 'Power of Support' initiative is part of the Team Beyond project in Tokyo, dedicated to rallying collective support for para sports. This project engages diverse participants—athletes, spectators, and supporters alike—to create a cohesive team spirit around para sports activities throughout the year.

Future events, such as the Team Beyond Running Workshop scheduled for January 17, 2026, will further enhance community engagement and support for para athletes. Additional details regarding events and updates are available on the official Team Beyond website and affiliated social media platforms.

This initiative aligns with the broader '2050 Tokyo Strategy,' emphasizing the importance of connection through sports.

For inquiries about the project or message submissions, please reach out to the relevant departments via the provided contact details in the official documentation.

In conclusion, the 'Power of Support' project represents a beautiful convergence of art, sports, and community spirit, inviting everyone to participate in supporting the athletes at the Winter Paralympics.