#Japan #Smile Project #Chigasaki #Ai Sugiyama #Kyoko Nagatsuka

The Inspiring Lecture on Professionalism by Legendary Athletes in Japan

On February 5, 2026, a special lecture was held by the General Incorporated Association Square Plus in collaboration with Smile Project, featuring renowned tennis figures Ai Sugiyama and Kyoko Nagatsuka. This event aimed to blend the experiences of professional sports with the realm of business, focusing on themes such as the 'Challenging Mindset' and 'World-Class Team Dynamics.'

Background and Purpose of the Event

This event served as a unique initiative aimed at sharing insights gained from the fast-paced world of competitive sports. As pointed out by Executive Director Kobayashi, it is crucial to extract learnings from the real-life experiences of these two legends and apply at least one concept to enhance modern business practices.

Key Highlights from the Lecture and Dialogue

During the dialogue session, Sugiyama and Nagatsuka shared personal stories that drew parallels between their athletic careers and effective business strategies. The discussion emphasized the importance of a forward-thinking mindset.

The Challenging Mindset

The conversation began with reflections on pivotal moments in their careers. Sugiyama recounted her struggle at the age of 25 when a severe slump had taken a toll on her performance. It was a probing question from her mother, who was her coach, that prompted a complete mental and physical reset, leading her to eventually break back into the top 10 rankings. On the other hand, Nagatsuka shared her experience of contemplating retirement after dropping out of high school. A coach's proposition to continue for three additional months allowed her to pivot from focusing on her weaknesses to honing her strengths, particularly in her powerful forehand, which opened new doors for her career.

Team Dynamics and Organizational Culture

Both speakers discussed the significance of building trust within a team. Sugiyama emphasized that shared values and honest communication are key components of effective teamwork. Nagatsuka added that Sugiyama’s tendency to express opinions constructively significantly strengthened their partnership, underscoring the need to highlight teammates' strengths and embody the behavior one wishes to see in others.

Career Evolution and Lifelong Learning

The former athletes also touched upon their career transitions. As Sugiyama matured, she reframed the pressures of aging as a 'challenge to conquer,' ultimately leading her to embrace the mantra 'BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.' Meanwhile, Nagatsuka discussed her path after retiring at 24, when she chose to pursue a university education before turning 30, which endowed her with varied perspectives and newfound confidence through experiences outside tennis.

Networking Event

Following the lecture, a networking event was held where attendees engaged directly with the speakers, asking questions and facilitating lively discussions across departmental boundaries. This interaction deepened the understanding of the lecture's content, providing a valuable opportunity for participants.

Future Outlook

The organization plans to continue providing such opportunities to foster individual growth and maximize team potential in the future.

Event Details:

• - Date: February 5, 2026
• - Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Office
• - Speakers: Ai Sugiyama and Kyoko Nagatsuka
• - Participants: All employees of Smile Holdings and Smile Project

About Smile Project

Since its inception, Smile Project has been continuously evolving, offering premium educational services and recognized childcare programs, along with international educational initiatives such as global schools and study abroad support, all aimed at fostering a community that aligns family happiness with personal fulfillment.

• - Corporate Purpose: A society where 'family happiness' and 'individual happiness' coexist.
• - CEO: Ayumi Doi
• - Headquarters: Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa, Tokyo
• - Parent Company: Smile Holdings (TSE Growth: 7084)

About Square Plus

Square Plus is a project team comprising nine legendary female tennis players who aim to contribute to society and shape the future through tennis. The organization supports not only athletes but also professional women and parents who aspire to achieve their dreams.

• - Members: Ai Sugiyama, Aiko Nakamura, Akiko Morigami and others.
• - Main Activities:

- Hosting tournaments and supporting young talents through events like the ITF World Tennis Tour.
- Organizing junior camps and clinics for next-generation development.
- Engaging in community service activities in cooperation with local businesses and organizations.

Official Website: Square Plus
Instagram: @squareplus_dream