JPF Employees Engage Elementary School Students in Career Education Workshop

On June 22, 2026, employees from JPF, including former Japanese national cycling representatives, connected with elementary school students in Chiba City as part of their community outreach initiative. This innovative program aimed to inspire young minds to think about their future careers and the importance of pursuing dreams and goals.

Bringing Careers to Life

JPF holds a steadfast belief in nurturing connections with the community and supporting the educational growth of students. The outreach program was designed specifically for elementary and junior high schools. During this session, the team of three—led by its dedicated employee Kiyoshi Nakamura—shared personal experiences and insights relating to their professional lives. Each speaker discussed different aspects of their work, including their most significant influences, motivations for choosing their current paths, and what they hold dear in their respective jobs.

Kiyoshi Nakamura, who transitioned from being an athlete to a JPF employee, discussed the journey athletes take after retirement and how skills developed through sports play a crucial role in future careers. Nakamura's story resonated with the kids, emphasizing the continual pursuit of personal goals, no matter how far one has come in their professional journey.

Similarly, the session included Takeshi Ishigami, who explained JPF's role in supporting the cycling industry, including events and nurturing young talent. He expressed how numerous individuals collaborate to make sports thrive and how students can play a part in this ecosystem.

The third speaker, Kaito Shirai, detailed the event planning process at JPF and the creative strategies involved in crafting enjoyable experiences for participants. By emphasizing the complex preparation behind organizing events, Shirai revealed the exciting nature of transforming ideas into successful realities.

Interactive Learning Through Fun Activities

To keep students engaged, the workshop included a quiz segment, where children eagerly raised their hands to participate. The cheerful atmosphere filled with laughter turned the classroom into a lively learning arena. Besides questions related to careers, many queries focused on cycling sports and equipment. Students expressed deep interest, asking why competitive bicycles don’t have brakes and how much they weigh.

Through this interactive format, students developed a deeper appreciation not just for their potential jobs but also for the essence of sports and the thrill of challenges.

Nurturing Futures Through Community Engagement

JPF has continually aimed to foster strong community ties via various initiatives, one being this outreach program. By sending employees into schools to share their experiences, they help the younger generation ponder their future career paths. Moving forward, the company commits to collaborating with local schools and communities to create further opportunities that emphasize the joy of working and the spirit of challenge.

Our Inspirational Speakers

- Kiyoshi Nakamura: Joined JPF as an athlete employee in 2016 and competed in women's Madison cycling at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics before retiring. Currently involved in public relations and sporting initiatives to help promote cycling.
- Takeshi Ishigami: Joined JPF in 2023, focusing on youth cycling development at the Chiba JPF Dome while utilizing his experience in junior world championships to nurture future athletes.
- Kaito Shirai: Also joining JPF in 2023, he is involved in event planning and management and uses his passion for cycling to curate engaging community events to spread sport's charm.

About JPF

Founded in 1950, JPF became known for innovating slit cameras to judge finish orders in public sports like bike racing. Since 2010, JPF expanded its operations into total management of public venues across Japan, promoting regional growth and cycling sports. The company continues to uphold its mission to provide opportunities for personal growth and development while actively engaging in community enhancement and sports promotion.