Creating Inclusive Sports Experiences for Visually Impaired Kids in Tokyo

On August 20, 2025, Open House Group, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, held a special baseball viewing experience for children facing visibility challenges. This event, part of their ongoing community support initiative called "O-EN HOUSE PROJECT," emphasized their commitment to supporting individuals and organizations that strive for better opportunities.

The initiative also marked a milestone as it was conducted through the "TEAM BEYOND Paralconnect," an online platform launched by the Tokyo government aimed at enhancing corporate support for parasports.

As part of the event, four elementary school children, accompanied by their parents, were invited to the Meiji Jingu Stadium to watch the exciting match between the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and the Yomiuri Giants, using state-of-the-art visual support equipment called "RETISSA ON HAND" developed by QD Laser, headquartered in Kawasaki, Kanagawa.

The children were thrilled to experience live baseball, many of them seeing their favorite players for the first time. Kenta Nakashima, a lifelong Swallows fan who usually relies on monoculars, expressed his joy at being able to clearly see players’ numbers and distant details with the new technology. “Everything was clearer than with my monocular,” he said, highlighting how the experience ignited his enthusiasm.

Parents echoed these sentiments, sharing that the ability to see better would encourage their children to engage more with activities that they previously found challenging. They noted how meaningful it was to have their children included in such a festive occasion, allowing them to enjoy sports in a way they had never before experienced.

Before the game, the children had the opportunity to participate as "Starting Kids," warmly welcoming the players as they entered the field. This role allowed them to feel a deeper connection to the event and to the sport itself.

Open House Group's O-EN KIDS Challenge aims to nurture children's curiosity and enthusiasm through various experiential events. This initiative also continues to promote inclusivity within sports, as evidenced by previous events focusing on baseball and athletics held in the previous months for children with disabilities.

The baseball viewing event was a remarkable attempt to introduce visually impaired children to the joys of sports—specifically, the excitement of watching a real-life baseball game, an experience that many had thought was out of reach due to their visual challenges.

The use of the RETISSA ON HAND visual support device played a crucial role. This innovative device utilizes a camera to capture high-definition images and projects them directly onto the retina using a safe laser, drastically enhancing the viewing experience for those who struggle with sight. With its ability to zoom in up to seven times, the technology allows spectators to see the gameplay in a way that was previously inaccessible.

Open House Group's commitment to supporting the disabled community extends beyond sporting events. Their initiatives have contributed significantly to the establishment of an inclusive environment for all. They are also a registered company under Tokyo’s TEAM BEYOND initiative, which champions the advancement of parasports and inclusivity.

In conclusion, the innovative baseball viewing experience marked a significant step in promoting accessibility within sports, providing visually impaired children with opportunities to partake fully in social events that many take for granted. The hope is that these efforts will continue to inspire and pave the way for future events and technologies that further empower children facing visual challenges.

This event is not just a moment of joy but a movement towards brighter, more inclusive sporting opportunities for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Open House Group remains committed to nurturing children's potential through unique and supportive experiences, strengthening their belief in the power of perseverance and community.