#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Great Bears #Setouchi High School #Galileo Frame

Promoting Eye Protection in Sports: A Unique Collaboration

On July 5, 2026, the Tokyo Great Bears, a professional volleyball team, hosted the beach volleyball event “Sun Valley 2026” at Oomori Furusato Beach Park. This event showcased the collaboration between high school students from Setouchi High School’s boys volleyball team and the professional athletes, aimed at promoting eye safety in sports.

Background of the Initiative

In June 2026, Setouchi High School embarked on a mission to protect their students’ eye health by encouraging the wearing of sunglasses during school activities. This initiative primarily began with outdoor activities, including sports and physical education. The boys volleyball team, which regularly trains outdoors on the beach, integrated the Galileo Frame sunglasses into their training routines. This initiative caught the attention of the Tokyo Great Bears, leading to this important collaborative event.

Exciting Day of Activities

Introduction of the Setouchi High School Volleyball Team

The event opened with an introduction of the Setouchi High School boys volleyball team by the MC. The team captain and vice-captain shared their enthusiasm for the opportunity to engage with the professional players during the event, emphasizing the significance of eye safety in sports.

Exciting Matches: Setouchi High School vs. Tokyo Great Bears

The friendly matches featured students from Setouchi High School alongside professional players, Ryusei Kurokawa and Masato Katsuoka, who participated in the event. Together, they engaged in a 4-vs-4 match, allowing the high school players to receive direct advice from the pros and share high-fives, creating an atmosphere filled with smiles and excitement.

All participants donned the Galileo Frame sunglasses, illustrating the fun and importance of eye protection during sports. This event served as a fantastic reminder of how crucial a safe visual environment is, especially in outdoor sports.

Insightful Comments from Athletes

Ikki Ootake from Tokyo Great Bears:
“Summer can be extremely sunny, and I often feel strain on my eyes while playing beach volleyball. Wearing sunglasses helps reduce glare, allowing me to focus better on the game. Wearing the sunglasses during today’s event was a new experience for me, but I appreciated the decreased eye strain. I hope that more schools adopt the same awareness about eye protection as Setouchi High School.”

Setouchi High School Volleyball Team Member:
“Wearing sunglasses made it easier to keep track of the ball even in bright sunlight, allowing me to concentrate more on playing. They were lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to play without distraction. The opportunity to play alongside the Tokyo Great Bears athletes was invaluable, and I’ll carry the lessons learned today into upcoming competitions and practices. This experience made me realize how important it is to protect my eyes, especially during outdoor training.”

Commitment to Eye Safety

Intermestic Co., Ltd. (Zoff), the company behind the Galileo Frame sunglasses, intends to continue advocating for eye safety in collaboration with schools and sports organizations. Their mission focuses on creating an environment where children can engage in sports safely and confidently, highlighting the essential connection between eye health and athletic performance.

This event signifies a significant step forward in raising awareness about the importance of eye protection in sports, fostering a culture where both athletes and students prioritize their visual well-being.