#Japan #Tokyo #MUSUBI Initiative #Liverpool FC Foundation #Leaders of Tomorrow

MUSUBI Initiative Partners with Liverpool FC Foundation

On January 28, 2026, the British Embassy in Japan announced an exciting partnership between its MUSUBI Initiative and the Liverpool FC Foundation (LFC Foundation) to implement the Leaders of Tomorrow program, which is supported by the Nippon Foundation. This collaboration aims to broaden the possibilities for youth and communities throughout Japan by harnessing the power of sports and education.

Leaders of Tomorrow: Cultivating Future Leaders

The Leaders of Tomorrow program focuses on building confidence, leadership skills, and teamwork among children and youth while strengthening community ties. Utilizing methodologies developed by the LFC Foundation in the UK, the program will initially be launched in Kawasaki and Tokyo, paving the way for future expansions across various regions of Japan.

This partnership signifies a commitment from MUSUBI to support the implementation and amplification of the Leaders of Tomorrow program within Japan. By investing in the next generation, the initiative fosters deeper exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and the UK, contributing to building a stronger and more sustainable relationship between the two nations.

Groundwork for Collaboration

The LFC Foundation and the Nippon Foundation have built a strong foundation through efforts aimed at creating inclusive environments across Japan, empowering youth, and enhancing community resilience. On the other hand, the MUSUBI Initiative acts as a partnership framework connecting government, industry, academia, and civil society, with a focus on nurturing the next generation of leaders.

The integration of the Leaders of Tomorrow program into the MUSUBI Initiative is set to add new value by leveraging the robust network and communication capabilities that MUSUBI possesses between Japan and the UK. This collaboration anticipates delivering a synergistic effect from an international perspective, enhancing the program's impact.

Endorsements and Comments

Julia Longbottom, the British Ambassador to Japan, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are honored to join the Leaders of Tomorrow program, representing the UK along with the MUSUBI Initiative. This marks our first venture into engaging youth through this program, and I am confident it will create new avenues for the future of our younger generations.”

Matt Parish, CEO of the LFC Foundation, shared, “We are thrilled to participate in this collaboration with the British Embassy’s MUSUBI Initiative. Partnership and collaboration are key to the success of our program. Last season alone, we engaged with 145,000 participants across five countries, and we are eager to empower Japanese youth through the Leaders of Tomorrow program.”

Gaku Uemura, Director of the Management Planning and Public Relations Department at the Nippon Foundation, stated, “The Leaders of Tomorrow program, in partnership with the UK’s LFC Foundation, aims to cultivate children’s agency and collaboration skills through sports, producing future talents who will support communities and society.” Uemura emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting that it reflects the shared importance of youth development across borders.

About the MUSUBI Initiative

Launched as part of a pioneering public-private partnership aimed at promoting goodwill between Japan and the UK, the MUSUBI Initiative draws its essence from the Japanese term “musubi,” symbolizing connection. This initiative emphasizes long-term, meaningful relationships, aiming to bridge government, industry, academia, and civil society. The initiative also advocates for developing leaders across diverse areas such as education, sports, cultural exchanges, and women’s empowerment.

About the LFC Foundation

As the official charity of Liverpool Football Club, the LFC Foundation has over 20 years of established community contribution experience. The foundation runs programs not only in the Liverpool area but also internationally, particularly in communities with significant social challenges. Its mission centers on combating social inequality and fostering change by promoting health, education, and job creation. With a proven track record of impact, the LFC Foundation continues to expand its reach, preparing to engage with young people in Japan as well.

The partnership launched with this agreement represents a pivotal moment for the youth in Japan, encouraging the birth of tomorrow's leaders. As the program unfolds, it is poised to nurture dedicated individuals to forge meaningful paths in their communities and beyond, embodying the essence of the MUSUBI Initiative's vision.

For more information, visit the official websites: MUSUBI Initiative and LFC Foundation.