Itoguchi & Kansai Welfare
2025-07-16 06:47:35

Itoguchi Corporation Partners with Kansai Welfare University Basketball Club for New Sponsorship Initiative

Itoguchi Corporation and Kansai Welfare University



In a pioneering move, Itoguchi Corporation, which specializes in home care services for people with disabilities, has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Kansai Welfare University Basketball Club. This partnership not only aims to support the club financially but also aspires to bridge the gap between disability care and sports.

The Genesis of SPONSORS BOOST


Launched in March 2023, SPONSORS BOOST is a platform developed by Sponsors Boost Co., Ltd., based in Osaka, enabling companies to sponsor university clubs with small contributions starting from 30,000 yen per month. This initiative allows various businesses to support extracurricular activities while creating job opportunities for students in the future.

The Kansai Welfare University Basketball Club was established in 1998. Currently, the team comprises 16 members, including 11 players and 5 managers. They recently achieved a significant milestone by securing a spot in the top 36 of the Western Japan championship and an impressive 8th place in the Kansai League Division 4.

Challenges Faced by the Basketball Club


Before the sponsorship, club members faced significant financial challenges due to rising participation fees for tournaments. Many players either lived alone or paid for their studies independently, making it difficult for them to afford team travel expenses for away games.

Thanks to the support from Itoguchi Corporation, the club has seen a great improvement in their operational budget, allowing them to purchase necessary gear and supplies while boosting team morale. Their renewed spirit has motivated them to aim for promotion to Division 3.

A New Encounter Between Care and Sports


Itoguchi Corporation was founded in September 2023 by Naoko Miura, with a team of 13 employees. The company offers specialized care services for individuals with disabilities and, notably, aims to attract younger talent to their workforce. During a visit to observe practice sessions at the university, Miura was inspired by the youthful energy of the players and decided that forming a partnership would be mutually beneficial.

Miura explained, “Witnessing the talent and energy of these young athletes motivated me to support them. It also aligns with our goals of engaging with the younger generation and fostering a fresh perspective in our industry.”

Monthly Meetings and Motivational Workshops


Through the SPONSORS BOOST platform, companies and universities engage in 12 online meetings and 4 in-person meetings annually. The first physical meeting took place on June 11, 2025, at Kansai Welfare University, attended by 19 club members and 2 representatives from Itoguchi. In these sessions, Miura conducts motivational talks and workshops aimed at integrating sport and motivation, effectively providing a space for students to connect with the sponsoring company.

The Drive to Strengthen Connections


The initiative also serves to strengthen connections between corporate sponsors and the student-athletes. While online meetings had previously allowed for discussions with only the team captain, the face-to-face interactions enabled all players to get to know their sponsors more personally.

Personal Insights from the Founder


Motivated by his own college experience, Maiki Nishizato, CEO of Sponsors Boost Co., Ltd., noted that he witnessed fellow athletes struggling with finances and leaving the club. He also recognized the advantages high-performance athletes had during job hunting due to their sports backgrounds. His personal journey fueled his desire to create a platform that addresses these challenges while connecting talented students with potential employers.

Benefits of SPONSORS BOOST


For Club Members:


  • - Financial Support: With sponsorships, teams can alleviate financial strains and secure resources necessary for their activities.
  • - Increased Visibility and Motivation: Leveraging the sponsorship boosts the club's visibility, improving recruitment efforts and motivation among members.
  • - Career Development: Engaging with sponsors allows students to gain insights about career opportunities early in their academic lives.

For Companies:


  • - Targeted Recruitment: Engaging with active, capable students through sponsorships enables companies to identify and connect with potential candidates who exhibit strong work ethics and teamwork capabilities.
  • - Cost-Effective Recruitment: Investing in club sponsorship is often more economical compared to traditional hiring methods, especially considering the long-term benefits of nurturing young talent.
  • - Community Engagement: Participating in university sponsorships enhances a company's image by contributing to local communities and promoting social responsibility.

Itoguchi Corporation and SPONSORS BOOST collectively represent a commitment to not only uplift disabled individuals through care but also to nurture sports talents, creating a vibrant loop of support and development that benefits both sectors. The collaboration underscores a forward-thinking approach toward creating meaningful connections that empower students while fulfilling corporate social responsibilities.


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Topics People & Culture)

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