The Small Things Announces New Sports Business Initiative
The consulting firm The Small Things, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has received a significant contract from Aichi Prefecture to facilitate a training program designed for the development of talent in the sports business sector. This initiative is part of the "Aichi Sports Innovation Project," aimed at nurturing the human resources critical to supporting the sports industry.
Having successfully managed the Aichi Sports Future Co-Creation Lab last year, The Small Things will leverage its expertise in co-creative development and education in the sports domain. Collaboration with sports teams will be a key component of the continuous courses that will provide comprehensive insights into various aspects of the sports business.
Last Year's Successful Program
Last year, The Small Things was responsible for the organization and management of a series of lectures aimed at professionals and students interested in sports business. The program included seminars led by industry experts from both domestic and international backgrounds, fostering dynamic discussions among participants. It also involved substantial activities centered on drafting business plans in collaboration with sports teams and culminated with fieldwork and a final presentation of results, allowing attendees to oscillate between theory and practice effectively.
Goals for This Year
For the upcoming year, The Small Things aims to build upon the valuable experiences and networks developed through last year's program. The organization plans to cultivate individuals who are eager to create new value starting from sports. Details regarding the course specifics, registration commencement, and program content will be shared once preparations are finalized.
According to Etsushi Tagami, President of The Small Things, "We are tremendously honored to be given the opportunity to continue our involvement in Aichi Prefecture’s initiative for nurturing sports business talent. Last year's lectures brought together professionals, sports teams, companies, students, and local government representatives to ideate new values stemming from sports. This year, we intend to enhance that experience further, aiming to enable each participant to implement the potential of sports in their own business, region, or organization. Through our company philosophy, 'Small actions change the world,' we strive to contribute to the development of Aichi's sports industry and regional revitalization through sports."
Last Year's Highlights
The program delivered a broad spectrum of topics, including the fundamentals of sports business, marketing strategies, sponsorship trends, and the crafting of business plans in association with sports teams. The speakers included prominent figures such as Taro Ogawa from Fighters Sports & Entertainment and Seiya Takano from SPORTFIVE, alongside various industry leaders who brought their expertise to the classroom.
Participants engaged in discussions, group work focusing on co-creation with sports teams, experiential fieldwork in professional sports settings, and culminated in their final presentations. This comprehensive approach ensured that attendees gained practical knowledge alongside theoretical insights.
About The Small Things
The Small Things is a consulting firm specializing in co-creative production within the sports domain. The company designs environments for dialogue and cooperation that bring together diverse stakeholders, ranging from local governments to non-profit organizations, thereby ensuring effective project management and implementation support throughout various initiatives. Their focus is on creating new sports experiences, enhancing fan communication, and developing collaborative projects that leverage the power of sports to drive innovation.
Contact Us
For more information about The Small Things, visit their website at
The Small Things where you can also find a contact form to inquire about their services.