Innovative Crowdfunding Initiative for Frescoball Rackets in Nagano Prefecture

In a unique venture aimed at bridging the human-nature relationship, the Frescoball ALPS club, recognized by the Japan Frescoball Association (JFBA), has kickstarted a crowdfunding campaign themed “Creating Frescoball Rackets to Build a New Relationship Between Forests and People.” This initiative takes place in the scenic Komagane City, Nagano, where the natural beauty has inspired many, including the club's founder, Shota Mabuchi, who relocated with his family from the Kanto region.

Mabuchi, who has fallen in love with the life in the city famously known for its breathtaking Alps, witnessed firsthand the challenges many localities face, such as population decline and the aging demographic. The forests, once an integral part of the community's lifestyle and culture, are increasingly neglected, leading to degradation. This social issue became the catalyst for the current project, which aims to use local timber for crafting original frescoball rackets.

The project aspires to turn this “forest issue” into an opportunity for community connection. By engaging locals in the process of creating these rackets, they can develop a deeper understanding of the timber, its stories, and the significance it holds for the community, ultimately linking their memories and aspirations to the future of the area.

With a funding target of 500,000 yen, the campaign is reportedly nearing 30% of its goal, and supporters are invited to contribute before the deadline on February 15th. Contributors will have the chance to receive special rewards, including original stickers, shirts, and personalized frescoball rackets, serving as a token of appreciation for their support in this meaningful endeavor.

The funds raised will directly cover costs related to tree harvesting, lumber processing, and other necessary expenses to ensure the timber can be transformed into high-quality rackets. This project reflects the essence of “thoughtful sports,” highlighting how frescoball, described as a communication design sport, can bring communities together while fostering a favorable relationship with nature.

Discover Frescoball

Frescoball originated on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1945 at Copacabana Beach. It has since gained popularity worldwide, known for its cooperative gameplay where two participants rally the ball back and forth rather than competing against each other. The game is played over a distance of 7 meters for a duration of 5 minutes, emphasizing companionship and sportsmanship, which is why it's often referred to as “the sport of empathy.”

As part of its growth strategy, the JFBA is actively working on establishing the world's first international organization for frescoball, named UAFI, in collaboration with the Rio Frescoball Federation (FEFERJ). The goal is to unify the global community around the sport by 2025. Domestically, the JFBA has 28 recognized regional clubs and 6 registered student organizations dedicated to promoting frescoball throughout Japan.

Isn’t it time to get involved in this exciting project and experience what frescoball has to offer? If you're interested in supporting this initiative, visit the crowdfunding page here for more details and updates on their activities.