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JPI Seminar: Unpacking Japan's Sports Business

On June 4th, 2026, the Japan Planning Institute (JPI) will host a stimulating seminar titled "Exploring the Growth of Sports Business in Japan and the Value of Stadiums and Arenas." Led by Sakai Yoshino, the Deputy Head of the Industrial Research Department at the Development Bank of Japan, this seminar promises to offer comprehensive insights into the evolving landscape of the sports industry in Japan.

Understanding the Seminar's Focus

The seminar will delve into critical themes surrounding the growth of Japan's sports business, including:
1. The structural challenges hindering rapid growth in the sports industry.
2. Redesigning funding circulation models for sustainable growth.
3. Key strategies for achieving consensus and profitability in stadium and arena projects.
4. Utilizing public-private partnerships (PPP) and private finance initiatives (PFI) for sustainable facility operations and investment returns.

Sakai Yoshino brings a wealth of experience in evaluating the economic scale of the sports industry and making the value of stadiums visible. With the sport's societal impact acknowledged in Japan, the seminar will explore why this potential has not fully translated into profitability for leagues, clubs, and facilities, resulting in confined growth investments.

Practical Knowledge Gained

Attendees can expect invaluable practical insights, such as:

• - Sports Industry Growth Obstacles: Understanding what stands in the way of growth and how to innovate funding models.
• - Stadium and Arena Commercialization: Key points for forming agreements and generating revenue.
• - PPP/PFI Strategies: Frameworks for structuring sustainable operations and ensuring return on investment.

Target Audience

This seminar is tailored for individuals and organizations deeply invested in Japan's sports sector, including:

• - Corporate strategy teams focused on sports business growth.
• - Real estate and construction sectors involved in stadium and arena development.
• - Financial institutions and investment sectors engaged in sports facility investment and operations.
• - Companies considering entering the sports business arena.

Key Topics Covered

The seminar is structured around six main topics:
1. Current Developments in Stadium and Arena Construction: Exploring ongoing trends in stadium developments across the country.
2. Overview of Sports Business Growth Theory: A fresh perspective on Japan's sports industry and its growth cycle hypothesis.
3. Approaches to Stadium and Arena Development: A thorough process from conceptualization to commercialization.
4. Business Models for Stadiums and Arenas: Examination of representative business schemes such as PPP and PFI.
5. Social Value of Stadiums and Arenas: Techniques for organizing and visualizing social values and translating them into business opportunities.
6. Interactive Q&A session: Allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker and network.

Unique Networking Opportunities

Participants will gain a rare opportunity for direct dialogue with the speaker, fostering a rich Q&A session. Furthermore, the event encourages networking among attendees from various sectors, providing a platform for sharing practical information and forging new collaborative relationships.

Seminar Registration Details

The seminar offers multiple participation options:

• - In-person attendance (not including archive access)
• - Live online participation (not including archive access)
• - Archive viewing availability for those who register after.

Special rates apply to add archive access for those attending in person or online. The seminar fee is set at 37,660 JPY (tax included), with discounted rates for groups.

This seminar not only presents insights from experienced professionals but opens pathways for partnerships and innovative business ideas. Following the seminar, participants can still submit questions and engage with both the speaker and fellow attendees, allowing for the building of valuable networks.

For more details and registration, please visit JPI.