Japan's Sports Agency Launches First Seminar on Sports and Space Exploration

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Sports Agency of Japan hosted its first seminar on sports and space from July 30 to August 1, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight during the SPORTEC2025 event. This seminar aimed to explore the diverse possibilities that sports can offer in the context of space exploration and human activity.

Expanding Knowledge Through Collaboration

The seminar featured three key speakers: Uchi Nakamura, Director of Health Sports Section at the Sports Agency; Professor Hidefumi Waki from Juntendo University; and Associate Professor Isamu Yatanda from Tokyo University of Science. The discussions were centered around a collaborative agreement signed between the Sports Agency and JAXA, Japan's space agency, in February 2025. This partnership emphasizes the importance of sharing insights regarding sports and space.

Potential Contributions of Sports in Space

One of the major themes of the seminar was how sports could contribute to understanding the effects of long-term human habitation in space. Participants showed significant interest in:

- The implications of sports in maintaining health for astronauts during extended missions.
- The potential for sports competitions in the microgravity of space.
- Applications of sensing devices for athletic performance in extraterrestrial environments.

Nakamura stated, "We are proactively engaged in creating new values by utilizing the knowledge acquired through sports in the realm of space."

Upcoming Events and Experiences

Looking ahead, the next stage event titled “Sports × Space – New Possibilities for Humanity” is set to be held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on September 6. This stage event will continue to explore the intersection of sports and space, mirroring the commitment of the Sports Agency to promote a healthier lifestyle, and demonstrating that sports can play a pivotal role beyond our planet.

Interactive Programs at SPORTEC2025

During the SPORTEC2025 event, the Sports Agency booth provided visitors with hands-on experience through programs like the 'Self-Check' body assessment and the 'Paper Balloon Exercise.' These interactive options allowed anyone to assess their physical state while enjoying physical activities. Many attendees expressed excitement about finally trying out exercises they had only seen in videos, saying, "I’ve seen the videos online, but this is my first chance to practice them." Additionally, the panel display showcasing the 'Four Key Elements for Enhancing Exercise and Sports Effects' attracted considerable attention and sparked dialogue among participants.

Introducing Cocospo: A New Portal for Sports

The Sports Agency has also launched 'Cocospo', a portal that consolidates information to help individuals enjoy sports in their daily lives. Designed to connect 'My Cocospo Users' who are seeking opportunities to engage in sports and 'Owners' who wish to provide such experiences, Cocospo showcases several key features:
1. Location-Based Search: Users can find nearby events and facilities utilizing GPS information from their smartphones or computers.
2. Sport Type Search: By selecting specific sports, users can easily find related information.

The agency continues its commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can enjoy sports. They encourage users to take advantage of Cocospo for gathering and sharing sports-related information, making engaging in physical activity more accessible to all. Overall, the seminar marked a significant step in making the world of sports more inclusive, not just on Earth but also in our journey into the cosmos.