#Japan #Tokorozawa #Nana Kawabata #Deaf Futsal #KEIAI Group

Warm Welcome from Mayor Onozuka

On May 30, 2025, Nana Kawabata, a member of the KEIAI Challenged Athlete Team, paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Masatoshi Onozuka of Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture. This visit was meant to announce her selection for the Japanese national team for the Women’s Deaf Futsal World Championship, to be held in Montegildulvano, Italy, from June 14 to June 27, 2025.

During the visit, Kawabata excitedly reported her selection for the championship, expressing her determination to aim for consecutive victories following Japan's triumph in the previous tournament held in San Jose dos Campos, Brazil, in 2023. She mentioned that Japan would be facing tough competitors, including Germany, Poland, and Hungary, in the preliminary round of Group C.

A Message of Encouragement

Mayor Onozuka expressed gratitude for Kawabata's visit, emphasizing the importance of her achievement as a representative of Tokorozawa. He stated, “We are all looking forward to your participation in the upcoming Women's Deaf Futsal World Championship 2025. Following your previous victory, we hope for a groundbreaking consecutive win. The entire city of Tokorozawa stands behind you and wishes you success.”

Kawabata thanked the Mayor for his encouragement and expressed her passion for futsal. "I had a productive conversation with Mayor Onozuka regarding my ambitions for the Women’s Deaf Futsal World Championship 2025 and futsal in general. Receiving such warm support and words of encouragement motivates me to give my all in the championship. I hope to bring the best news back to Tokorozawa, so I appreciate everyone’s support!"

KEIAI Challenged Athlete Team: Pioneers of Inclusive Sports

The KEIAI Challenged Athlete Team was established in April 2019 with the mission of being ‘the most challenging athlete team in Japan.’ This team not only overcomes disabilities but also continually strives for higher achievements. Currently, nine athletes are part of the team, competing in various sports, including deaf futsal, deaf soccer, judo for the hearing impaired, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair badminton.

The team actively participates in high-level training while also contributing to community awareness of para sports through workshops and events. They have successfully organized numerous events in collaboration with local businesses, municipalities, and educational institutions, introducing over 3,000 participants to para sports.

Insights into KEIAI Group

KEIAI Group, which oversees the KEIAI Challenged Athlete Team, operates under the philosophy of ‘creating rich, enjoyable, and comfortable living.’ Their vision focuses on providing home ownership for everyone while aiming to deliver high-quality yet affordable design houses through their unique business model. With a commitment to expanding their share in the market, KEIAI Group executes all aspects of housing from procurement to sales within the Greater Tokyo Area and beyond. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, they achieved a revenue of 342.5 billion yen.

As the world watches these remarkable athletes, Kawabata's journey not only exemplifies individual perseverance but also shines a spotlight on the dedication and efforts of the KEIAI Challenged Athlete Team and its commitment to promoting inclusive sports. The upcoming tournament provides an opportunity for Japan to showcase its talent and determination in the world of deaf futsal.

For more information on the KEIAI Challenged Athlete Team and to follow their journey, please visit the official website: KEIAI Challenged Athlete Team.

For further inquiries, media representatives can reach out to the KEIAI Group's Public Relations Department at:

• - Phone: 03-5299-7575
• - Fax: 03-5299-7562
• - Email: press@ki-group.co.jp