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Latest Developments from the STAGE:0 Esports High-School Championship

The STAGE:0 Esports High-School Championship Executive Committee, composed of TV Tokyo and Dentsu, proudly presented its future initiatives and the implementation of an "International Co-Creation Program" at the Japan-Saudi Entertainment Forum 2025, held on December 2, 2025. This landmark event attracted approximately 180 participants, including officials from both Japan and Saudi Arabia, media representatives, IP holders, and business executives, gathering to discuss current situations and future possibilities in entertainment, education, culture, and business collaboration between the two nations.

During the opening session of the forum, Ganki Kanbara, co-chair of the STAGE:0 Executive Committee, outlined the philosophy of nurturing youth through the challenges faced by high school students, as well as detailing the direction for their upcoming international initiatives.

Key Points from the Announcement

1. The Journey of STAGE:0 and Its Contribution to the Formation of 'eSports as Culture'

Launched in 2019 with the vision to establish eSports as a next-generation culture in Japan, STAGE:0 has grown into the country’s largest high school eSports tournament. The committee showcased how the platform aims to provide a space for high school students to take center stage, while also taking on the role of a cultural creation project. It detailed the evolution from the inception phase—when the term 'eSports' was still relatively unknown—into a massive nationwide cultural initiative backed by sponsors, local governments, and educational institutions.

The presentation highlighted instances from the COVID-19 pandemic when the tournament continued to support the ambitious pursuits of youth and discussed the positive societal impact of students stepping up to the challenge.

2. eSports as an Educational Opportunity Supporting Youth Growth

Using experiences from the upcoming 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, where activities for the Grand Finals will be held at the EXPO hall, the presentation emphasized the universal appeal of high-school-level seriousness in gaming and eSports, transcending cultural, generational, and national boundaries. It underscored how eSports provides valuable educational insights that nurture youth growth while fostering global perspectives.

3. Perspectives for Japan-Saudi Cooperation: Exploring Collaborative Potentials

The committee enlightened attendees on Saudi Arabia’s national strategy 'Vision 2030', which includes the initiation of the Esports Nations Cup (set for 2026) and the hosting of the Riyadh Expo in 2030, as investments pour into future industries like youth, education, and eSports. The presentation emphasized the importance of nurturing youth and fostering international competencies, noting the necessity for high school students to gain cultural understanding through international experiences. Additionally, it shared thoughts on long-term relational possibilities between STAGE:0 and Saudi Arabia's initiatives.

Future Implementation Plans for the International Co-Creation Program (Education Program)

1. Introducing the Guiding Model for Youth Development: '3C'

The STAGE:0 team introduced the '3C' model, defining three critical competencies that are deemed essential for thriving in a global society, which Japan and Saudi Arabia can mutually aspire to:

• - Create (Creativity)
• - Connection (Interpersonal Skills)
• - Competition (Learning through Challenges)

They announced plans to launch educational programs beginning in 2026 that would foster these competencies.

2. Launching an International Education Program for High School Students from Japan and Saudi Arabia

Set to commence in 2026, an internationally-focused educational program will unify high school students from both countries under three main pillars:

• - Create (Collaborative Creation): Utilizing games for joint projects and creative work among students from both countries.
• - Connection (Engagement): Establishing dialogue opportunities between students and professionals to discuss industry and future trends.
• - Competition (Learning through Experience): Facilitating programs for students to visit each other’s countries, immerse in urban cultures, and learn about eSports and gaming.

Through these initiatives, they aim to create a growth trajectory for youth, encouraging meaningful engagement with the world around them. Please note that these plans remain in the conceptual phase and are subject to change.

Future Vision

The STAGE:0 Executive Committee intends to continue its past tournament efforts while promoting international co-creation programs, allowing young people from Japan and Saudi Arabia to learn, innovate, and jointly build a future. Leveraging areas like eSports and other creative fields, they plan to contribute to generating new values.

About the STAGE:0 Esports High-School Championship

STAGE:0 represents Japan's largest competitive eSports tournament where high schools compete against each other. The name 'STAGE:0' symbolizes the beginning of everything on this stage. It serves as a platform for high school students to connect, compete, and grow together through the medium of eSports. In this seventh tournament, a record of 2,575 teams and 8,293 students from all across Japan participated, culminating in a Grand Final at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, where the top high school team was crowned.

For more information, visit:

• - Official Website
• - Official X