#Japan #esports #NURO #REJECT #Kobe, Fukuoka

Supporting Future Creators: NURO and REJECT's Academic Partnership

In a groundbreaking initiative, NURO, the telecommunications service brand from Sony Network Communications, has joined forces with the professional eSports team REJECT. Their collaboration focuses on the "Corporate Project" — an academic program aimed at nurturing emerging talent in the eSports and creative industries. This partnership marks its second consecutive year, with programs set to continue into 2024, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering the next generation of creative professionals.

The growth of eSports relies on not only the talents of professional players but also the behind-the-scenes creators who support them. Recognizing this need, NURO offers practical education experiences tailored for students, enabling them to thrive in environments that simulate real-world production settings. This hands-on approach aims to equip aspiring creators with the skills necessary to excel in their future careers.

As part of the 2024 initiative, students generated ideas leading to the event "Kugutsu Cup Powered by NURO Hikari." Here, students took charge of everything from production to management and creative design. The event featured a unique match where a blindfolded streamer followed the directions of a VTuber, showcasing their innovative spirit.

In the latest 2025 project, students conceptualized promotional videos centered on their assignments. They received direct insights from both NURO's marketing team and REJECT's professionals throughout the creative process, enriching their understanding and experience. Comprising six teams from the Fukuoka and Kobe campuses, participants from various majors — eSports Management, Video Content Creation, and CGI & Film Creation — collaborated successfully across disciplines. After two months of presentations and evaluations, students advanced to the finals, employing streamer YAS from REJECT for their promotional video shoots. They managed every aspect, from planning to execution and editing, honing their creativity and practical skills aimed at advancing the eSports landscape.

During this project, students learned to balance their creative expressions with client expectations. They experienced the importance of adapting filming techniques for future editing, an essential lesson grounded in professional practices.

NURO remains dedicated to supporting younger generations in exploring their potential while also pursuing innovations that advance societal progress.

Project Highlights

In the recent rounds of the Corporate Project, two teams excelled, focusing on creative video production to foster NURO's branding and broaden its recognition among new demographics. Ongoing over a five-day intensive retreat at the REJECT office, students received consistent feedback from both NURO and REJECT's professionals. This environment mirrored real-world production pressure, cultivating invaluable insights.

Fukuoka Campus Team

Title: Incongruity
Video link: Watch Here
The Fukuoka team targeted light gamers and creators, aiming to establish the image that “if you play games, the internet is NURO.” Embracing a stylish aesthetic, they utilized a vintage 4:3 screen ratio to create a pleasant sense of unease. Their metaphorical approach to creating imagery sparked the audience's imagination, proving to the professionals their keen artistic sensibilities.

Kobe Campus Team

Title: The Moment You Switch Off
Video link: Watch Here
The Kobe team, appealing to everyday gamers, created a relatable vision of the duality of work and play, using YAS's experience as a bridge. By altering lighting and sound rhythms during edits to reflect this switch, they captured daily transitions, portraying NURO as a key support in moments of leisure. Despite technical editing challenges, their commitment to detail exemplified the high standards of modern creators.

Reflections and Commitments

Leaders from both campuses expressed immense growth and learning from their experiences. The students appreciated the dedication and insight from REJECT's creative professionals, which solidified their goals of becoming impressive figures in their fields.
NURO is excited to continue supporting creators and contributing to meaningful developments in eSports and beyond, ensuring that everyone involved in this vibrant community has the resources to flourish in their careers. This partnership is not simply about education; it’s a collaborative effort aimed at energizing and advancing the eSports ecosystem through innovative thinking and creative expression.