Exploring the Future of Digital Sports at Kamiyama Technical College

On May 8, 2026, the Kamiyama Technical College in Tokushima Prefecture hosted an exciting event that introduced students to a next-generation digital sport called Cyber KASSEN. This initiative was made possible by the Japan Sassen Association, aiming to integrate innovative IT technologies into physical education.

The session was designed to explore the potential of digital sports, not just through e-sports but also by encouraging students to experience physical movement alongside technology. By incorporating e-sports into their health and physical education curriculum, the college aims to provide a modern approach to sports education.

During this two-part, 90-minute class, approximately 40 students participated in the Cyber KASSEN experience. The goal was to investigate a variety of sports experiences that promote lifelong engagement with physical activity. Special attention was given to ensuring that students had easy access to participate in and continue these new sports.

In the first session, each group of students used Cyber KASSEN devices and foam swords to engage in traditional gameplay settings such as team battles and survival modes. This was not merely about competition; it allowed students to hone their strategic thinking and decision-making skills, all while being physically active. The Cyber KASSEN experience was designed to keep safety a priority, with specific activities that minimized physical contact among participants.

The second part of the class focused on proposing ideas that encouraged community engagement and aimed at fostering a long-term affinity for sports. Students were tasked with creating rules accommodating various physical abilities, ages, and genders, which helped to develop a more inclusive environment for all.

In addition to the main activities, the class featured recreational match formats that emphasized quick responses in a safe manner, ensuring participants didn’t physically strike one another. These innovations were introduced to maintain a secure and enjoyable atmosphere.

The activity was facilitated by instructors from the Shiga branch, who were responsible for explaining the rules, managing equipment setup, and ensuring safety protocols were followed throughout the event. The Japan Sassen Association envisions that these types of classes will expand the horizons of digital sports in educational settings, paving the way for a future where technology and physical activity coexist harmoniously.

What is Cyber KASSEN?

Cyber KASSEN is an innovative team-based digital sport that uses a wearable sensor device attached to players' arms. Participants engage in gameplay using foam weapons while targeting opponents' devices. The actions are monitored by a specialized application that provides real-time feedback through visual and audio cues, enhancing the overall gaming experience. This sport can accommodate different types of matches — traditional, survival, and commander modes — allowing it to be utilized in various settings including schools, corporate training sessions, community events, and commercial promotions.

This digital sport stands out for its ability to blend physical activity with digital assessments, promoting fairness and engaging gameplay. It not only emphasizes physical fitness but also fosters skills such as collective strategy development, quick thinking, communication, and rule design.

Future Scope in Education

The Japan Sassen Association sees great potential in integrating Cyber KASSEN within educational frameworks that emphasize interest in e-sports and technology education. Moving beyond simple athletic experiences, it aims to offer a new learning opportunity that incorporates digital technology and physical activity into a cohesive educational experience.

The Japan Sassen Association is committed to collaborating with educational institutions to promote digital sports as tools for modern physical education, inquiry-based learning, career education, and STEAM education initiatives.