Empowering Families: Join Our Summer Workshop with Para Athletes

This summer, take part in an exciting opportunity for families with the Japan Foundation's first-ever summer workshop, “Break Down Barriers with Para Athletes and Everyone’s Ideas!” set to occur on August 9, 2026 (Sunday), at the Japan Foundation Para Arena. This event aims to promote understanding and engagement with barrier-free philosophies and universal design principles through direct interaction with para athletes.

As educational institutions and businesses increasingly focus on diversity and fostering an inclusive society, this workshop provides an invaluable opportunity for children to actively consider these important topics. Parents and children alike are invited to join this engaging event, which fits perfectly within the traditional summer holiday activity of “freedom research”.

Event Details

Event Name: “Break Down Barriers with Para Athletes and Everyone’s Ideas!”

- Date: August 9, 2026
- Time:

- Morning session: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
- Afternoon session: 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

- Location: Japan Foundation Para Arena

Address: 3-1 Higashi-Hachioji, Shinagawa, Tokyo
Closest Station: Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station, Yurikamome

- Parking: Free parking available on-site (please inform us if you require parking during registration).

Who Can Join?

This event is intended for families, allowing one adult (18 years or older) and one child (between grades 4 to 9) to participate as a maximum of three people per group.

Para Athlete Instructors:

- Ryōhei Ariyasu (Paralympic Rowing / Para Cross-Country Skiing)
- Tomoe Takada (Goalball) - Afternoon session only
- Makoto Majima (Para Powerlifting / Para Ice Hockey)
- Hiroaki Mori (Para Cross-Country Skiing)
- Eri Yamamoto (Para Powerlifting)
- Go Watanabe (Para Table Tennis)

Please note that the event content and instructors may change. Media coverage and filming by the Japan Foundation Para Sports Support Center may occur on-site, so we appreciate your understanding.

More About “Asu Challe!”

The “Asu Challe!” program, provided by the Japan Foundation Para Sports Support Center, consists of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) educational and training initiatives. Over 80 instructors, primarily para athletes, make this program accessible across Japan, offering affordable and impactful learning experiences in schools and corporate settings.

Since its inception in April 2016, the Asu Challe! program has organized over 6,470 workshops and reached more than 660,000 participants, adapting to the diverse needs of educational institutions and training organizations. The educational programs for schools are endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

Vision of the Japan Foundation Para Sports Support Center

Founded in May 2015 with support from the Japan Foundation, the Japan Foundation Para Sports Support Center aims to strengthen the management of competitive sports organizations through shared resources and a focus on social change via sports. The center also hosts the dedicated para sports facility, the Japan Foundation Para Arena, opened in June 2018 and utilized by over 83,000 para athletes.

As part of a broader push for inclusive education, the “Para Support! Inclusive Sports Day” program launching in May 2024 will introduce inclusive activities, fostering a deeper understanding of inclusive principles among students and educators alike.

Take this chance to participate in an enriching workshop this summer—explore the world of para sports, learn from inspiring athletes, and foster creativity in making our society more inclusive for everyone.