SOXAI Partners with Japan Blind Soccer Association to Enhance Athlete Performance

SOXAI's Exciting Collaboration with the Japan Blind Soccer Association

In a significant move for technology and sports, SOXAI Inc., led by CEO Tathiko Watanabe, has entered into a strategic performance enhancement partnership with the Japan Blind Soccer Association (JBFA), based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, under the leadership of President Hisako Kaneko. This partnership aims to bolster the competitive edge of Japan's blind soccer teams, particularly in light of the upcoming IBSA Blind Football Asia Championships 2026, set to take place from April 15 in Umeikata.

Background of the Partnership

The driving force behind this collaboration is the rising spotlight on parasports and the increasing recognition of technology’s role in improving athlete performance. With the 2026 championships on the horizon, there is heightened anticipation for effective conditioning management for the national teams.

SOXAI will provide its flagship sleep management smart ring, the SOXAI RING 2, to Japan's designated athletes in both men's and women's teams. This advanced technology aims at comprehensive condition management, focusing on sleep health, which is crucial for athletic performance.

Support Offered by SOXAI RING 2

The SOXAI RING 2 will enable the athletes to monitor their overall quality of life (QoL) scores derived from three critical indicators: sleep score, health score, and exercise score. Blind soccer players, who rely on their other senses, can gain valuable insights into their body’s condition through quantifiable metrics, allowing them to optimize training intensity and recovery processes effectively. Equipped with the world’s smallest width of just 6.7mm and boasting an impressive battery life of up to 14 days, the ring can seamlessly collect data throughout daily life, training, and competitions.

Comments from Tathiko Watanabe

CEO Tathiko Watanabe expressed his pride in signing the partnership with JBFA, emphasizing the importance of the SOXAI RING in helping athletes measure and manage their sleep and activity levels without adding unnecessary burden. He noted the essential nature of maintaining high-quality conditioning in blind soccer, a sport that demands acute focus and reliance on senses other than sight.

"Our mission is to provide customized condition management and recovery support based on the data acquired from the SOXAI RING, contributing to enhanced athletic performance," Watanabe stated. He also expressed a commitment to leveraging insights gained from top athletes to refine their products and services, ultimately benefiting a broader audience seeking to improve their health and performance, regardless of athletic involvement.

Insights from Hisako Kaneko

JBFA President Hisako Kaneko shared her positive sentiment towards the partnership, recognizing the vital role of sleep in supporting athletes' performance. She highlighted that while conditioning methods have historically depended on subjective measures, utilizing the SOXAI RING 2 to objectively analyze sleep and activity levels could lead to a more scientific approach tailored to each athlete’s needs. This initiative not only aims at enhancing athletic performance but also holds promise for improving quality of life among visually impaired individuals by creating a clearer understanding of their health metrics.

Future Perspectives

Through this partnership, SOXAI will also engage in JBFA's corporate training program, "OFF T!ME biz," and participate in collaborative networking events, enhancing collaboration between the sports and healthcare sectors to promote broader health initiatives.

The SOXAI RING 2, released on December 10, 2025, is the third generation of their sleep management smart ring, featuring cutting-edge patented technologies for improved accuracy in capturing physiological changes. The cutting-edge ‘Deep Sensing™’ technology greatly enhances data visualization about body conditions. Users can comfortably wear the ring for extended periods without feeling encumbered, ensuring that vital health data is always at hand.

For a closer look at the SOXAI RING 2 and its features, visit here.

About SOXAI

Founded in 2021 with the vision of integrating healthcare into lifestyle, SOXAI aims to apply vital sensing technology to various life scenarios. By doing so, the company seeks to help people naturally engage in health enhancement activities. For further information, check here.