#Japan #Tokyo #ATHLETE VALUE #Asuyume Labo #Ryuusei Baba

ATHLETE VALUE FORUM 4 PITCH CONTEST

Event Overview

Asuyume Labo. will host the 4th ATHLETE VALUE FORUM 4 PITCH CONTEST on January 10, 2026, at docomo R&D OPEN LAB ODAIBA in Tokyo. This year's main event will spotlight a pitch contest featuring 10 active athletes who will articulate their personal experiences and the values they’ve gained through their sports journeys. The theme for their presentations is "My Value Gained from Competition."

Excitingly, new ambassadors have joined the forum this year, including professional boxer Ryuusei Baba, who is set to energize the event alongside returning ambassadors, Yu Yamada (fencing champion) and Kanako Morisaki (tennis champion).

Purpose and Background

Asuyume Labo. was founded by Kazumasa Okayasu, a former alpine racer, who sought to aid fellow athletes grappling with similar challenges of career transitions after competitive sports. Athletes often end their careers without fully realizing the wealth of skills and experiences they possess, leading to difficulties in finding new goals in life post-retirement. The organization recognizes that addressing these concerns requires collaboration and support from the communities surrounding athletes.

The first ATHLETE VALUE FORUM took place on February 19, 2024, and subsequent events were held on August 30, 2024, and February 22, 2025. This fourth iteration aims to help athletes—whether active or retired—discover their worth and step confidently into new career pathways. The event’s goals focus on the following areas:

1. Rediscovery of Athletes’ Value:
- Cataloging experiences and skills cultivated during their athletic careers.
- Clarifying strengths that can be applied in society.

2. Diverse Dialogue with Stakeholders:
- Fostering discussions among coaches, directors, and supporters.
- Creating networking opportunities with sponsor companies and various industry participants.

3. Future Planning in a Safe Environment:
- Facilitating exchanges in a psychologically safe setting.
- Sharing experiences among current and former top athletes.

Through this event, Asuyume Labo. hopes to cultivate new connections and perspectives that will significantly bolster the lives of participating athletes.

Event Details

• - Event Name: ATHLETE VALUE FORUM 4 PITCH CONTEST – Grab Your Future!
• - Date and Time: January 10, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM (free entry/exit).
• - Location: docomo R&D OPEN LAB ODAIBA, 12F, 2-3-2 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 135-0091.

Program Schedule:

• - 12:45-1:00 PM: Doors Open
• - 1:00-1:15 PM: Opening Remarks & Introduction of Judges
• - 1:15-1:25 PM: Ambassador Message
• - 1:25-4:20 PM: Athletes' Pitches (3 Groups)
• - 4:20-4:30 PM: Break
• - 4:30-5:00 PM: Athlete Lecture
• - 5:00-5:15 PM: Results Announcement and Award Ceremony
• - 5:15-5:30 PM: General Remarks
• - 5:30-6:00 PM: Closing Remarks
• - 6:00-8:00 PM: Networking Reception

Judges:

• - Kazutaka Yoshizawa (NTT Docomo Advisory Member)
• - Yuushi Noguchi (Director of Noguchi Happiness Research Institute)
• - Mamoru Horiguchi (Photographer)

Registration Fees:

Lecture Section:

• - Current Athletes & Students:

- Advance: ¥1,100, Day of Event: ¥2,200

• - General Admission:

- Advance: ¥4,400, Day of Event: ¥5,500

Networking Reception:
All-you-can-drink and light meals for ¥4,400 (payable in cash at the venue).

Register via the event page: Asuyume Labo Event Page.

Highlight of Participants

The pitch contest will see 10 active athletes from diverse sports discipline, such as soccer, tennis, field hockey, trampoline, MMA, wind surfing, beach soccer, paddle, and equestrian sports, including several representatives from national teams.

Additionally, a simultaneous photo exhibit titled HOPE FOR ALL 2026, featuring works from renowned photographer Mamoru Horiguchi will showcase powerful moments of athletes and dancers, further stressing hope and aspirations for the future.

About Asuyume Labo.

• - Location: 2-7-13-201 Sannou, Ota-ku, Tokyo
• - Business Overview: Specializing in athlete career counseling, coordination, coaching, life planning, development, and production.
• - Established: March 2022 by Kazumasa Okayasu, recognized as a certified athlete career coordinator by the Japan Sports Agency.

For more information, visit our official website.