#Japan #JBFA #Shinagawa #Work Arena #LIGA.i

A Unique Collaboration: Work Arena Tennozu at LIGA.i

On July 26, 2026, Work Arena Tennozu participated in the first match of the 2026 season of the LIGA.i, Japan's top league for blind soccer, hosted at the Shinagawa City Gymnasium. This event marked a significant step for Work Arena, a supported employment facility operated by Hashikake, as they showcased their members' handmade products and engaged with visitors through creative experiences.

A Meaningful Connection to the Japan Blind Soccer Association

The connection between Hashikake and the Japan Blind Soccer Association (JBFA) started during the opening ceremony of Work Arena Tennozu. The opportunity to exhibit at LIGA.i allowed the members to demonstrate their skills by creating unique products such as original cushion balls with bells and cans featuring designs based on blind soccer. On site, members actively promoted and sold their crafted items, creating a vibrant exchange with visitors.

Hands-On Product Experience

At the event, Work Arena Tennozu set up a booth offering various items related to blind soccer. The products included:

• - Original cushion balls with bells
• - Blind soccer-themed can badges
• - A participatory can badge-making experience led by members

Every one of the six cushion balls prepared for the day sold out. Many children engaged in the can badge-making experience, and members had the chance to interact and explain the production process, fostering a community atmosphere beyond mere sales.

New Endeavors in Crowdfunding Collaboration

Building on its existing relationship with JBFA, Hashikake also took on a new responsibility to manage the packing and shipping of rewards for a crowdfunding project by the association. This operation is an extension of the ongoing partnership and represents an exciting opportunity to broaden the scope of work for the members.

Voices from Participants

Feedback from members who participated in the booth was overwhelmingly positive. They expressed their enjoyment in selling products they had invested effort in creating, stating:

“It was fun to sell the goods we worked so hard on!”

Another added, “Teaching others how to make can badges was a great experience!”
Members attending blind soccer for the first time reflected on how they recognized their ability to contribute to the sport, noting: