#Japan #Tokyo #Now Do #CORPORATE LEAGUE #SPORTS BULL

The Launch of the Corporate League: A New Frontier for Business Sports

In a unique collaboration, Now Do Inc.,運動通信社 (Undō Tsūshinsha), and パーソルイノベーション株式会社 (Persol Innovation) have announced the establishment of the Corporate League, a corporate sports league designed to revitalize employee engagement across companies. The league's core objective is to facilitate better communication within organizations and across businesses through the vehicle of sports competitions.

Background of the Corporate League's Creation

As workplaces evolve with diverse working styles and organizational structures, many companies face challenges such as poor internal communication, departmental silos, and decreasing employee affiliation. Additionally, there is a growing need for businesses to connect with others in their industry or beyond. Recognizing these issues, the Corporate League aims to leverage the excitement and shared experiences generated by sports to activate communication, business interactions, and employee well-being within companies.

What is the Corporate League?

The Corporate League is a competitive sports platform for business professionals, encouraging teams from various companies to represent their organizations and engage earnestly in matches. Employees form teams and compete under their company’s banner, fostering mutual understanding and respect that transcends mere competition. This experience has the potential to cultivate new inter-company relationships, leading to ongoing dialogue and connectivity.

The league is designed not just for fun, but as a catalyst to inject energy into companies, empower organizations, and redefine how businesses relate to each other, ultimately instigating positive societal change through collective sporting experiences.

The Three Pillars of Activation

The Corporate League focuses on three key areas of enhancement through engaging in sports:

1. Organizational Activation (Communication): Employees, fighting for their company's colors, engage in shared experiences that break down barriers between departments and generations, significantly boosting internal communication.

2. Business Activation (Inter-company Networks): Sports serve as the conduit through which companies establish connections, fostering respect and new relationships that can lead to collaboration and innovative ventures—a fresh landscape for business communities.

3. Well-being Activation (Vitality): Participation in competitive sports promotes physical activity, enhancing both mental and physical health. This increase in individual vitality translates into heightened overall organizational performance and energy.

Managing the Corporate League

The Corporate League will be jointly managed by Now Do,運動通信社, and パーソルイノベーション, each bringing their expertise and business infrastructure to the table to ensure the league's success.

Kickoff Event: Introducing “Corporate League 4v4”

As a thrilling inaugural event, the league will feature 4v4 soccer, a format innovated by former professional soccer player Keisuke Honda. Famous for its quick-paced games and intense competition, the 4v4 format fits well with the objectives of the Corporate League. Matches can be completed in a short time, maintaining high energy levels and engagement among players.

Starting in early 2026, a Proof of Concept (POC) phase will invite numerous firms to rally together and engage in these games, continually assessed for potential improvements.

Participating Companies in the POC

The upcoming POC will commence between January and March 2026 and is expected to feature prominent companies, including:

• - KDDI Corporation (Main Partner for 4v4)
• - Toyota Motor Corporation (Partner for 2025 4v4 JAPAN CUP)
• - AbemaTV, Dentsu, and others.

Throughout the POC, these firms will examine competition rules, league management operations, and the overall benefits to be gained such as enhanced inter-company communication, networks, and employee wellness.

Future Plans

The Corporate League intends to officially launch in 2026, with plans to expand nationwide and introduce additional competitive formats beyond 4v4, making engagement even more accessible. Furthermore, preparations are already underway for global expansion, signaling the league's ambition to introduce its model beyond Japan by 2028.

Collaborative Comments from Project Leaders

Keisuke Honda, CEO of Now Do:

Sports have the potential to not only cultivate individual growth but also enhance the relationships within organizations and society as a whole. In an era where workplace connectivity is diminishing, sports present a viable solution to engage with these pertinent challenges. Through the Corporate League, we aim to change workplace dynamics and create a new community of respect and collaboration among enterprises.

Yusuke Wakamura, CEO of Undō Tsūshinsha:

The Corporate League is an endeavor to harness the various powers of sports within a corporate framework, promoting respect and trust through genuine competition. Together with Now Do and Persol Innovation, we aim to unlock potential within companies and their employees.

Seiya Ōura, CEO of Persol Innovation:

Sports not only enhance health but also fortify teams through shared experiences, elevating organizational synergy. We’re inspired by Honda’s 4v4 concept to build this new community, driven by collaboration, participation, and employee well-being.

This initiative started as part of “SPORTS × HUMAN ENGINE,” a collaborative effort announced by the Persol group and Undō Tsūshinsha to promote sports wellness in the corporate realm.

Conclusion

The Corporate League represents a promising future for companies in Japan, bridging the gaps created by modern working conditions with the unifying power of sports. As anticipation builds for the inaugural matches, the league is set to create a revolution in corporate communities, unleashing untapped potentials and fostering a culture of collaboration.