#Japan #Gender Equality #Aichi #Women Soccer #FOOT HOPEs

Women's Soccer Paving the Way for Gender Equality

The special program titled FOOT HOPEs – A Future Opened by Women's Soccer highlights how women's soccer can effectively contribute to gender equality. Leveraging the power of sports to tackle social issues, this program delves deep into the American women's soccer landscape through on-site reporting. The show aims to spread awareness of the strides being made in women's soccer and the vision for a more equal society ahead.

Program Overview

• - Title: FOOT HOPEs – A Future Opened by Women’s Soccer
• - Air Date: February 14, 2026, from 4 PM to 5:15 PM (Nationally broadcasted on six channels in the TX Series)
• - Streaming: Limited miss-watch availability on TVer and Locipo
• - URL: FOOT HOPEs
• - Hosts: Karina Maruyama and Anna Nakagawa
• - Narrator: Makoto Oba

Highlighting the Next Generation

The program will provide insights into the initiative known as OUR STORIES, championed by the WE League. This project focuses on offering support to young female soccer players, particularly those from Fujieda Junshin High School, who face various challenges. By investigating their “little worries”, adults seek solutions to ensure these young athletes can enjoy soccer throughout their lives, fostering a more inclusive society.

A Small but Passionate Team

Located in the southernmost part of Japan, Yaeyama High School boasts a mere seven members in its girls' soccer team. Nevertheless, these young athletes unite with players from nearby schools to participate in official matches. Despite numerous challenges they face, they embody the pride and joy that sports brings, showcasing the essence of passion in soccer.

Pursuing Opportunities Abroad

As participation in women's soccer continues to decline at various educational levels in Japan, the allure of American universities becomes more pronounced. With roughly 1,400 to 1,500 schools in the United States fielding women's soccer teams, many Japanese athletes choose to study abroad not only for an athletic career but to secure scholarships that cover tuition and even provide financial support for living expenses. Among these athletes is Wakaba Kogure, currently studying at the University of Hawaii. The program will follow her closely as she prepares for her final collegiate game, showcasing the opportunities that await young talents.

A Leading Force in Women's Soccer

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States has rapidly grown into one of the premier leagues globally, characterized by high competition standards, increasing broadcasting revenues, expanded sponsorships, and soaring attendance figures. The establishment of dedicated women's stadiums reflects this growth, as seen with the Kansas City Current. Their upcoming CPKC Stadium, slated for completion in 2024, will be the world's first stadium exclusively for women's soccer. With an average of 12,000 spectators and significant local support, the franchise's market value has surged to approximately $275 million, exemplifying a promising future for women's sports.

Celebrating the Heroes of the WE League

In tribute to the remarkable talents within the WE League, well-known sports photographer Atsushi Kondo will capture the story of players and coaches through his lens. This coverage will feature notable personalities, including Yuzuki Shiokoshi from Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Belessa and Tomomi Miyamoto, the head coach of INAC Kobe Leonessa.

Through initiatives like FOOT HOPEs, the drive for gender equality within soccer continues to progress, showcasing inspiring stories that underscore the vital role women play in the sports world, while paving the way for future generations.

For further excellence in sports and sustainable development goals (SDGs), TV Aichi supports various campaigns aimed at social improvement and community engagement. Explore more at the TV Aichi Sports SDGs Portal.