Aichi Sports Innovation Project: Exploring Future of Sports Business on December 15

Aichi Sports Innovation Project: Future of Sports Business

The Aichi Prefecture is set to host its fourth session in the Sports Business Personnel Training Course, known as the "Aichi Sports Future Co-Creation Lab," on December 15, 2025. This initiative, organized by The Small Things Co., Ltd., aims to foster talent in the sports business sector. The focus of this session will be on fan marketing and regional revitalization, featuring two esteemed speakers with profound knowledge in these areas.

Event Overview

- Date and Time: December 15, 2025 (Monday), from 18:30 to 20:00 (tentative)
- Venue: Wink Aichi (Aichi Industrial Labor Center)
- Theme: Fan Marketing and Community Revitalization (Hokkaido Ballpark F VILLAGE)
- Format: Seminar (In-person attendance only, no online streaming)
- Speakers: Taro Ogawa and Naoki Hase
- Participation Fee: General Admission 9,000 JPY (tax included)
- Capacity: Limited spots available
- Application Deadline: December 15, 2025, at 11:59 A.M.

Notable Speakers

Both speakers are pioneers in sports marketing and community engagement.
Taro Ogawa serves as the Director of Area Development at Fighters Sports & Entertainment and is responsible for the development of the new Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters stadium, "Escon Field HOKKAIDO," which aims to create a collaborative urban space through diverse partnerships.
Naoki Hase is the Executive Officer and Vice Head of Business Division at Sports Marketing Laboratory and has extensive experience in marketing, focusing on enhancing fan engagement and supporting local municipalities through sports-oriented urban development projects.

Significance of the Session

In recent years, the importance of building relationships with fans and co-creating with local communities has become increasingly vital in the sports business landscape. Unlike the past when the focus was primarily on competitive sports, there is now a demand for two-way interactions with fan communities and the value that sports can provide to their regions.

For instance, the "Hokkaido Ballpark F VILLAGE" has garnered attention not just as a new stadium, but as a comprehensive project aimed at regional development, engaging various public and private sector partners in its efforts. Such models can serve as an innovative approach to address challenges posed by an aging population and declining local economies.

During the session, both speakers will delve into their experiences and insights on fan marketing, including the critical aspects of community engagement and customer relationship management (CRM). Participants will learn about the innovative customer strategies implemented at F VILLAGE and explore the benefits that collaborative endeavors can bring to sponsors and the community.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the essence of fan business and regional co-creation, including the unheard-of challenges and creative solutions faced in on-ground scenarios. This event presents a valuable opportunity for businesses and municipalities in Aichi to tap into the latest trends in fan engagement and discover advanced examples of regional revitalization through sports, serving as inspiration for their marketing strategies and community initiatives.

How to Apply

To register for the seminar, please visit the following URL:
Apply Here
Note: Participants attending the entire series will not be able to participate in individual work or group discussions designed for single-session attendees.