Father's Day Special: Crafting Memories with Gunma Crane Thunders
On June 15, 2025, a special event called the "Parent-Child Woodcraft Workshop" was held at Sanden Forest in Maebashi City, Japan. This initiative, aimed at promoting health for both the mind and body, was organized by Ajinomoto AGF Inc. and the Gunma Professional Basketball Commission, actively engaging in community contribution activities. Fourteen pairs of participants, totaling 28 individuals, were welcomed to enjoy a day filled with crafting, nature, and bonding with professionals from the Gunma Crane Thunders basketball team.
This unique workshop follows a growing partnership between Ajinomoto AGF and the Gunma Crane Thunders, solidified by an official partnership agreement in July 2024. Just two months earlier, they hosted their first community event, a basketball experience for students from Ota Special Needs School alongside 55 general public participants. The workshop serves as the second community engagement, aiming to further connect with local families.
The participants began their experiential journey by learning about the significance of nature, specifically the forests and water resources in the Akagi Mountain range, which plays a crucial role in preserving water sources for the AGF group. Following this, they had the chance to create their very own photo frames with the assistance of Ikki Hosokawa from the Thunders and assistant coach Yoshihiro Ikeda. Participants expressed their excitement, sharing memories such as learning about the local ecosystem, using a branding iron for the first time, and the joy of crafting with their favorite basketball players. Many also discovered for the first time that they lived near an Ajinomoto AGF factory, enhancing their appreciation for local resources and industry. Endearing reactions included comments like, "It was a memorable Father's Day," and a desire to support both the Thunders and Ajinomoto AGF in the future.
Ikki Hosokawa, one of the conditioning players, expressed that this was a rare opportunity for fathers and children to bond, emphasizing the joy of interacting directly with fans. Maebashi City Council member Moe Akuzawa shared her enthusiasm about experiencing the workshop first-hand, appreciating the connection between the community and nature. CEO of the Gunma Professional Basketball Commission, Tsutomu Akuzawa, also remarked on the successful collaboration with Ajinomoto AGF, pledging to continue similar community events in the future.
Furthermore, Masanori Nakazawa, an executive at Ajinomoto AGF, highlighted the importance of creating unforgettable memories for participants through nature and sport collaboration.
Ajinomoto AGF Group will keep fostering their partnership with Gunma Crane Thunders, focusing not only on supporting basketball games but also driving constructive initiatives around sustainability and community engagement, including ongoing forest activities that contribute to water conservation.
Through the "AGF® Blendy® Forest" initiative, which aims to cultivate the rich natural resources of the region, Ajinomoto AGF is committed to educating the next generation on environmental stewardship, having engaged over 1,600 participants in sustainable practices so far.
In summary, the "Parent-Child Woodcraft Workshop" not only strengthened community ties but also provided an invaluable experience for families to connect with nature and learn about sustainable practices, creating cherished memories that will last long after the day has ended.
This unique workshop follows a growing partnership between Ajinomoto AGF and the Gunma Crane Thunders, solidified by an official partnership agreement in July 2024. Just two months earlier, they hosted their first community event, a basketball experience for students from Ota Special Needs School alongside 55 general public participants. The workshop serves as the second community engagement, aiming to further connect with local families.
The participants began their experiential journey by learning about the significance of nature, specifically the forests and water resources in the Akagi Mountain range, which plays a crucial role in preserving water sources for the AGF group. Following this, they had the chance to create their very own photo frames with the assistance of Ikki Hosokawa from the Thunders and assistant coach Yoshihiro Ikeda. Participants expressed their excitement, sharing memories such as learning about the local ecosystem, using a branding iron for the first time, and the joy of crafting with their favorite basketball players. Many also discovered for the first time that they lived near an Ajinomoto AGF factory, enhancing their appreciation for local resources and industry. Endearing reactions included comments like, "It was a memorable Father's Day," and a desire to support both the Thunders and Ajinomoto AGF in the future.
Event Highlights
- - Date: June 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- - Location: Sanden Forest, Maebashi City.
- - Participants: 14 father-child pairs, including prominent figures such as Ikki Hosokawa and Yoshihiro Ikeda.
- - Focus: Participants engaged in learning about local nature and environmentally sustainable practices, culminating in crafting a unique photo frame.
Participant Testimonials
Ikki Hosokawa, one of the conditioning players, expressed that this was a rare opportunity for fathers and children to bond, emphasizing the joy of interacting directly with fans. Maebashi City Council member Moe Akuzawa shared her enthusiasm about experiencing the workshop first-hand, appreciating the connection between the community and nature. CEO of the Gunma Professional Basketball Commission, Tsutomu Akuzawa, also remarked on the successful collaboration with Ajinomoto AGF, pledging to continue similar community events in the future.
Furthermore, Masanori Nakazawa, an executive at Ajinomoto AGF, highlighted the importance of creating unforgettable memories for participants through nature and sport collaboration.
Future Initiatives
Ajinomoto AGF Group will keep fostering their partnership with Gunma Crane Thunders, focusing not only on supporting basketball games but also driving constructive initiatives around sustainability and community engagement, including ongoing forest activities that contribute to water conservation.
Through the "AGF® Blendy® Forest" initiative, which aims to cultivate the rich natural resources of the region, Ajinomoto AGF is committed to educating the next generation on environmental stewardship, having engaged over 1,600 participants in sustainable practices so far.
In summary, the "Parent-Child Woodcraft Workshop" not only strengthened community ties but also provided an invaluable experience for families to connect with nature and learn about sustainable practices, creating cherished memories that will last long after the day has ended.
Topics People & Culture）
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