#Japan #Liverpool #Nagasaki #Sports SDGs #Tottenham

Harnessing the Power of Sports for a Sustainable Future

In a groundbreaking special program titled "Hayashi Osamu x Sports x SDGs: Changing the Future with the Power of Sports!", scheduled to air on June 14, 2025, various social challenges will be addressed through the lens of sports. This fifth installment of the series brings forth a comprehensive discussion on crucial topics such as climate change, regional revitalization, the issue of closed schools, coexistence in society, and the significance of partnerships in sports. The program will be narrated by the renowned actor Ryuta Fujiwara and features notable guests including the education expert Osamu Hayashi, actor Hayato Kakizawa, actress Rika Adachi, and Waseda University honorary professor Munekazu Harada.

Climate Change and Sports

The Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, based in London, strives to be the world's most sustainable football team. With ambitious goals set for 2030 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, and a target to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, the club is leading the charge in sports sustainability. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, inaugurated in 2019, embodies these environmental commitments and serves as a model for future venues. The program will shed light on the extensive sustainability initiatives undertaken by Tottenham, emphasizing how football can contribute to combating climate change.

Partnerships and Sports

Liverpool Football Club, a powerhouse in the English Premier League, implements its social initiatives through the framework known as THE RED WAY. This initiative focuses on three pillars: Planet, People, and Communities, and aims to tackle various social issues. A crucial supporter of this initiative is Kodansha, a major publishing house, which leverages its expertise in editing and publishing to address challenges within the Liverpool region. The program will dive into the symbiotic relationship between sports and partnerships, showcasing how collaborative efforts can create meaningful social change.

Regional Revitalization through Sports

In Nagasaki Prefecture, declining birth rates and population exodus are pressing social issues. The newly established "Nagasaki Stadium City," a multi-use facility centered around a stadium, aims to revitalize the area by becoming a year-round hub of activity rather than just a place for sports. This forward-thinking approach to community engagement through sports is highlighted in the program.

Addressing School Closures through Sports

In Okinawa, a region known for its year-round tourism, socioeconomic challenges such as an aging population and declining birth rates have led to school closures. The former Hamaka Junior High School in Uruma City, which closed 46 years ago, has been repurposed into a facility that offers work and accommodation but is still struggling to thrive financially. To address these challenges, new initiatives are launching to breathe life into this space, demonstrating how sports can play a key role in community development.

Promoting Coexistence through Sports

The program also highlights a Thai professional futsal team training in Okinawa City, where many members have disabilities. This initiative promotes a vision of coexistence within society, showcasing how sports can act as a powerful tool for inclusivity and social harmony.

For those interested in exploring these themes further, the TV Aichi Sports SDGs portal offers a wealth of video content, including conversations between top athletes and discussions on solving social issues through sports. More information can be found at TV Aichi Sports SDGs Portal.

TV Aichi is a proud supporter of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discover more at TV Aichi SDGs.