#Japan #Kumamoto #Sports Day #Kumamoto Volters #Sakura Juji

Embracing Sports Day: A Union of Health and Passion

As the autumn sports season unfolds, October 13 marks Sports Day in Japan, a celebration dedicated not only to engaging in physical activity but also to cultivating both mental and physical health, enriching lives through sports and exercise. This year, the Sakura Juji Group echoes this sentiment with its slogan, "WELL-BEING FRONTIER — Enriching Lives in the Era of 100 Years," which embodies their commitment to fostering well-being. The excitement and passion that sports bring serve as vital driving forces that enhance a vibrant life, ensuring happiness and vitality for the community.

Operating Kumamoto's only professional basketball team, the Kumamoto Volters, Sakura Juji Group seeks to energize both individuals and the city itself, serving as a crucial "heat source" for the community. Through various initiatives, they aim to uplift spirits and promote health.

The Power of Support in Enhancing Quality of Life

According to a survey by the Japan Sports Agency conducted in 2022, nearly 70% of people who exercise at least once a week report feeling mentally liberated. Moreover, even those who don't engage in regular physical activity but support or watch sports tend to experience higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. This highlights that sports enrich not just the lives of players but also those who cheer, watch, and share emotional moments. Such shared experiences foster joy and fulfillment in everyday life, enhancing overall happiness.

Building Connections through Social Health

The World Health Organization defines health as not only being physically and mentally well, but also socially healthy. Recognizing the growing importance of social connections in today’s world, Sakura Juji Group focuses on cultivating social health. Isolation can deplete mental well-being, potentially leading to physical health issues. Thus, they strive to create a "well-being society" where every individual feels connected, fostering purpose and meaning in life.

One of their practices is through "supporting others." Engaging in sports creates a unique opportunity for people to connect, share, and cultivate mental health, bridging gaps in isolation especially prevalent in today's society. Sakura Juji Group believes in the potential of supporting Kumamoto Volters as a means to nurture this social health.

Transforming the Community with Sakura Juji Group and Kumamoto Volters

Sakura Juji Group believes that the positive energy generated from supporting sports can uplift individuals and enhance community well-being. Their collaboration with Kumamoto Volters began in 2023. They embarked on a unique challenge to leverage their knowledge from healthcare management to assist a team facing managerial challenges. This evolved beyond simple sponsorship into a range of initiatives, including a day service program called "Let’s Volriha!" and sports nutrition meals guided by nutritionists, showcasing their innovative ideas.

As they kick off another Volters season, Sakura Juji Group's initiatives are set to reach new heights, continuing to enhance the overall wellness of the region through sports.

A New Form of Well-being with Kumamoto Volters

The joint effort of "Sakura Juji and Sports" engages with Japan's pressing socio-economic issues, creating new values for people’s lives as the nation embraces an era of longevity. Through this partnership, Sakura Juji Group aims to create not just a healthier society, but a future filled with joy and connections.

Let’s Volriha! (B-League × Day Service)

In 2024, "Let’s Volriha!" opened in the JR Kumamoto Station Building, representing a collaboration between day services and a B-League team, aiming at promoting "active aging". This innovative initiative transforms care facilities into spaces where joy and well-being coalesce, conducting scientifically-backed rehabilitation sessions and organizing exciting gameday tours for residents and their families to support Volters live.

Basic Info

• - Location: 3-24-1 Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto 860-0047
• - Phone: 096-274-8940
• - Hours: 9:00 - 12:00, 13:30 - 16:30 (Mon-Fri, includes holidays)
• - Participants: 30 individuals
• - Eligibility: Those with care needs
• - Website: Let’s Volriha

Co-Creating Athlete Lunch Boxes with Students

In collaboration, students from Kumamoto University’s Sports Education Research Committee, Sakura Juji Group, and Kumamoto Volters created a nutritious lunch box for athletes. The menu, supervised by dietitians, includes high-protein and low-carb dishes featuring local ingredients to enhance athletes' performance, intertwining student research, professional expertise, and firsthand experience from athletes.

Introduction Details: Athlete Lunch Box

Expanding Circles of Communication through Healthcare

Healthcare facilities can be conduits that fulfill our essential needs beyond physical health. Sakura Juji Group aspires to engage with the community through sports support and establishing connections with fans (boosters) of Kumamoto Volters. Their venture, "Volcafe," in hospital cafes, allows patients, community members, and staff to connect over their shared interest in Volters, fostering positivity and pride among workers, thereby addressing industry challenges with innovative healthcare-sports solutions.

Details Page: New Healthcare-Sports Model

The Path of Sakura Juji Group: A Chain of Happiness Initiated by Healthcare

Starting from a single hospital, Sakura Juji Group has continually faced societal issues and regional needs. It became apparent that people’s well-being transcends mere medical treatment, emphasizing that support in various life stages—care, health promotion, and community engagement—are all vital ingredients for fulfillment in life.

Thus, their mission transformed beyond operating a hospital to encompassing a spectrum of services ranging from hospitality to sports. The management of a professional basketball team is a manifestation of their intention to harness the power of sports for health, emotion, and community.

Our Mission: "Everything That Brings Happiness"

Sakura Juji Group recognizes that the essence of their mission extends beyond curing illnesses to encompass everything that contributes to happiness. They strive to provide medical care, support living conditions, energize spirits, and create serene environments—increasing quality of life through interconnected services. This ambition encapsulates their new slogan, "WELL-BEING FRONTIER," aiming to spark a chain of joy throughout society. Their ultimate goal remains rooted in fostering a healthy and enriching future for all individuals.

About Sakura Juji Group
Founded in July 2005, Sakura Juji Group began with the pioneering Sakura Juji Hospital in Kumamoto. Expanding beyond healthcare, they deliver essential services that cater to various community needs while holding true to their commitment to societal well-being. Website: Sakura Juji Group