#Japan #esports #Yokohama #VARREL #Sony Marketing

The Inauguration of eSports Education at Yokohama Minato High School

In a groundbreaking move for educational institutions in Japan, Yokohama Minato High School will become the first public high school in the country to offer a dedicated eSports curriculum starting in the 2026 school year. This innovative initiative is supported by the professional eSports team VARREL, managed by CELLORB Co., Ltd., and Sony Marketing Co., Ltd. Together, they will provide both technical and logistical support to the school’s eSports program.

Overview of the eSports Curriculum

The new eSports course will cater to third-year students, offering one credit (equivalent to 35 hours of instruction) over a two-term academic year from April to September. The curriculum aims to educate students on the mechanics of the gaming industry while exploring various career paths that eSports can lead to. Importantly, the course will not only focus on gaming as a competitive sport but will also delve into the surrounding industries and related job opportunities, helping students understand the larger frameworks of society and their future career choices.

Additionally, guest speakers from the entertainment industry's forefront, including active marketing professionals, are expected to share their insights, enriching the learning experience.

Unique Learning Environment

To ensure a robust and immersive educational experience, Sony Marketing has generously donated five advanced gaming monitors (INZONE M10S) and five wireless noise-canceling gaming headsets (INZONE H9 II) to the school. For the upcoming academic year, these high-quality devices will enhance the learning environment and will be featured in an eSports experience event during the school's culture festival on September 20, 2025.

This event, known as the Minato Festival, provides a platform for current eSports club members to showcase their activities. The eSports club, consisting of 11 students from the first to third grades, will team up with VARREL's staff to conduct a fun and informative workshop for middle school students and their parents.

Event Details:

• - Date: September 20, 2025
• - Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• - Location: Yokohama Minato High School, 231 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama
• - Entrance: Open only to middle school students and their guardians (pre-registration required)

City of Yokohama's Commitment to eSports

Yokohama is making significant strides in promoting eSports within the community. The city aims to host the Japan eSports Awards and create opportunities for residents to participate in eSports activities. This initiative is expected to not only enhance the city’s vibrancy but also foster community engagement and recreational opportunities accessible to people of all ages, genders, nationalities, and abilities. By implementing programs like this, Yokohama is committed to fostering international exchange, education, and welfare through the medium of eSports.

Looking Ahead

This initiative at Yokohama Minato High School is just the beginning of a growing trend in Japan’s education system. Following closely, Karatsu Seisho High School in Saga Prefecture has announced plans to establish an eSports department starting in the same timeframe, indicating a nationwide interest in formalizing eSports education.

For the students at Yokohama Minato High School, this pioneering course will offer valuable skills and knowledge about the burgeoning eSports industry, preparing them for future opportunities in an ever-evolving job market. The intersection of education and eSports opens a new horizon for young learners, ensuring they are equipped with not just gaming knowledge but also an understanding of the broader implications of their interests.

As the popularity of eSports continues to surge globally, Japan is poised to cultivate a generation of informed and skilled individuals ready to contribute to this dynamic field.