#Japan #Deaflympics #Mishima #Para-Sports #KIAI Group

Thriving with Sports: Mishima City's Para-Sports Experience Event

On July 26, 2025, at the Mishima Citizens' Gymnasium, some notable events took place, celebrating the arrival of the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics. The KIAI Challenged Athlete Team sent its representatives, including Na-na Kawabata, Kana Shoji, and the head coach Yoshiki Yamamoto. They all participated as instructors during the Para-sports experience event, showcasing their skills and passion for sports.

An Eventful Day of Activities

During the experience event, various activities attracted participants of all ages, from children to adults. The event featured interactive games designed to increase awareness and understanding of sports for individuals with disabilities. Participants engaged in activities like the “whisper game” — learning to read lips to guess what was being said — and the “gesture game,” which involved communicating without spoken words. One highlight was the “color dribble” game, where players dribbled a ball while identifying colors directed by instructors using sign language. They also experienced “Boccia,” a sport included in the Paralympics.

A significant number of attendees were familiar with the upcoming Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, paving the way for a deeper understanding of physical and hearing disabilities while bolstering excitement for the event.

The Spirit of Sports and Wellness in Mishima City

The event was part of a broader initiative launched by Mishima City in March 2025, when they declared their dedication to becoming a “Healthy Sports City.” The vision emphasizes enhancing citizens' health and well-being through sports, encouraging community engagement and active lifestyles.

The declaration promotes numerous activities such as hosting events, enhancing sports facilities, and creating health programs, all to boost the spirit of sportsmanship in the community. As stated in their declaration, Mishima desires to create a place where every individual can thrive through sports, reflecting a commitment to fostering health, joy, and community bonds.

Event Participation Highlights

KIAI Challenged Athlete Team members expressed their enthusiasm regarding the event upon interacting with participants.

• - Na-na Kawabata stated how pleasantly surprised she was by the turnout and how wonderful it felt to engage with attendees. "We had a perfect time throwing a Boccia match against the staff; winners or not, we shared lots of laughter! Everyone's enthusiasm was contagious!"

• - Kana Shoji added that she loved kicking the ball with kids and those with disabilities, creating memorable moments. “Playing Boccia provided an accessible sport for everyone present, allowing us to bond through fun.”

• - Yoshiki Yamamoto highlighted the experience: “Coming back to Mishima, where we've held Deaf Futsal trainings, makes it fulfilling to educate the community about the Deaflympics, blending communication with signs and games infectious with joy and laughter.”

The KIAI Challenged Athlete Team, fostering a community spirit, was formed in 2019 and aims to inspire others through their journey as para-athletes. With various sporting activities ranging from Deaf Futsal to wheelchair basketball, they have continuously promoted inclusivity and awareness around disabilities in sports. They conduct training programs, host experiential events, and engage positively with community partners. Their passionate approach ensures recognition for para-sports, impacting thousands in the process.

Official website: KIAI Challenged Athlete Team

About KIAI Star Real Estate Group

Founded on the philosophy of creating comfortable living environments, KIAI Star Real Estate Group is committed to providing affordable, high-quality homes. They believe in the vision that everyone deserves a home of their own. With an innovative business model, they have expanded their market share in the housing sector, engaging continuous sales activities across Japan. The company stands as a beacon of quality and creativity, enabling community, health, and sport-focused initiatives.

• - Company Name: KIAI Star Real Estate Co., Ltd.
• - Ticker: 3465, Tokyo Prime Market
• - Location: 762-1 Nishi-Tomita, Honjo City, Saitama, Japan
• - Capital: 4,818 million yen (as of March 31, 2025)

With the participation of local communities, organizations, and athletes, events like this continue to play a crucial role in building understanding and accessibility for all in sports, advocating for a vibrant, inclusive future.