Global Festa Japan 2022, one of the largest international cooperation events in Japan, will be held on October 1 (Sat.) and 2 (Sun.). The event will be held in a hybrid format, with the Tokyo International Forum as the venue and online streaming.
The theme of this year’s event is “The World Connected from Here. Creating the future together from here. International Cooperation with Everyone’s Participation. Various organizations working on international cooperation and the SDGs will exhibit. There will be talk shows and panel discussions with celebrities, workshops for children, and many other events to learn about the world while having fun. As global issues such as poverty, climate change, and conflicts become increasingly serious, why don’t we all think together about international cooperation and the future of the earth? All events are free of charge.
Click here for the official program
Toshiro Hirose speaks at JICA-sponsored event! Mr. Hirose’s vision of “the power of sports
One of the JICA-sponsored events, the talk session “Changing the World through Sports,” will feature Toshiro Hirose, a former member of the Japanese national rugby team. Mr. Hirose has a strong captaincy, having served as captain of his junior high school, high school, university, and adult team, as well as the Japanese national team. Since his retirement, he has continued to take the lead in promoting rugby and other sports in Japan and abroad. Prior to the event, we interviewed Mr. Hirose, who continues to connect with the world through sports, about the possibilities of sports and international cooperation.
Toshiro Hirose：Former captain of the Japanese national rugby team. He was a member of Japan’s high school and U19 national rugby teams before joining the Toshiba BlazBlue Pass. After retirement, he obtained an MBA, and as the representative of HiRAKU Corporation, he is involved in various social contribution activities focusing on education, food, and health, in addition to the promotion of sports.
–The Japanese national rugby team has been a source of inspiration for many years, with players of various nationalities competing as “One Team”. Having lived in a multinational environment, could you tell us about your experience of “connecting with the world through sports”?
My first international experience was in elementary school when I went to Australia to play in a rugby school. When I went overseas as captain of my high school rugby team, I actively communicated with the local people, including incorporating the local language into my speeches. Thanks to sports, I was able to have opportunities for international exchange from childhood.
In the multinational Japanese national team, it was sometimes difficult because members came from diverse customs and cultural backgrounds. As captain, I was conscious of “people” rather than nationality in order to unite the team. We were able to unify our feelings by respecting each other and communicating carefully.
Now that he is retired, he still wants to “connect with the world in many ways.
–Since your retirement, you have been working diligently to promote the sport outside of Japan. What kind of activities have you been involved in?
We provided rugby instruction to children in Thailand and Hong Kong. We also held a sports festival in Ghana, Africa, through the connection of an NPO of which I am a board member. The experience in Ghana left a very strong impression on me. It was an area that did not have well-maintained running water or electricity like Japan, but both children and adults were cheerful and outgoing. I was amazed at how fast the two pairs of runners jumped over the finish line with only one leg. I was surprised at how fast they jumped. I realized that it is not necessary to use the Japanese method of alternating both legs, and I was reminded of the importance of thinking outside the stereotypes.
Mr. Hirose (back center) at a sports festival with Ghanaian children.
–You have also launched various other social contribution projects related to sports, haven’t you?
Scrum Unison is an “international hospitality professional” that was started in the wake of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
project”. Everyone gathered at the venue shouldering shoulders to sing the national anthems and anthems of the participating teams.
This activity is to provide hospitality to players and fans visiting Japan and to deepen their connection with the world. In addition, we are also involved in co
Don’t Stop Sports,” a project to support student athletes who have suffered due to the Rona disaster,
NPOs working to link various types of rugby, including wheelchair rugby and blind rugby
In addition to One Rugby, in 2020 we launched Team Fair Play, a platform for athletes to address the SDGs.
Scrum Unison in action.
–What does Mr. Hirose think is the power of sports?
We have seen many lives changed through sports. Sports have the power to “break through” difficulties and obstacles. There are many countries in the world where sports are not yet widespread, but I believe there are social issues that can be solved through the power of sports. I would like to continue to work on human resource development through sports both in Japan and overseas, such as by supporting the second careers of rugby players who have studied in Japan from overseas.
–Please give a message to all participants in the Global Festa, including high school students, university students, and other young people who will be responsible for the future.
I would like you to keep challenging yourself to do what you want to do and to take opportunities that push you beyond your boundaries. If you take the plunge, it may lead you to the next step. I would also like you to feel free to visit Global Festa. You may unexpectedly make a great discovery or have a life-changing encounter. Let’s take action first!
Global Festa JAPAN 2022″: 2 days to connect with the world: Introduction of JICA-sponsored events
JICA will be hosting a variety of events where you can enjoy learning about the future of the earth with a wide range of guests, including athletes and celebrities from Japan and abroad. We look forward to seeing you at the event, both at the venue and online!
■”Changing the World through Sports”
Everyone has been moved by sports. There are people who are trying to change the world through sports. The speakers who are struggling to open up the future through sports have gathered to talk about whether sports really have the potential to change society and the world! They will give passionate talks!
Saturday, October 1 / 11:15 – 12:15
Venue: Tokyo International Forum, Hall E2
(from left to right) Toshiro Hirose, former 800m Olympian and representative of TWOLAPS, Masato Yokota, and Olympian Guem Abraham of South Sudan. Other speakers include former Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in Physical Education (JOCV) member Moeko Masuda (JICA staff member).
URL for viewing:
How to Protect Lives, Livelihoods, and Dignity of People around the World” – Knowledge and Ability to Communicate Move People
How can we “protect the lives, livelihoods, and dignity of people around the world” in a rapidly changing world? We are looking for messages based on the concept of “the power to know and communicate moves people”.
On stage, we will discuss this major theme with the contest’s top contenders. Also, your vote, along with a special jury, will determine the best entry! We look forward to your participation!
October 2 (Sun) / 12:30 – 14:00
Venue: Tokyo International Forum, Hall E2
（The MC is Takashi Yoshimura of the comedy duo Heisei Nobushi Kobushi, and judges include Shingo Ito, Editor-in-Chief of AFPBBNews, and Aisako Tsuji, CEO of arca, Inc.
URL for viewing:
South Asia Wonder Discovery!
An interesting trivia quiz will introduce you to the fascinating South Asia!
Why don’t you take a look at the dynamic and dynamic countries of South Asia and their challenges through quizzes? We welcome those who would like to participate in a quiz showdown with the performers on stage on the day of the event!
October 2 (Sun) / 14:30 – 15:30
Venue: Tokyo International Forum, Hall E2
(From left to right) Ms. Kainae Takeuchi, a reporter, will be the quiz questioner, and Takashi Yoshimura of Heisei Nobushi Kobushi and three members of Boru Juku will try to answer the questions.
URL for viewing:
A Guide to the Earth: What Developing Countries Do and Don’t Do
JICA Chikyu Hiroba’s Global Guides (JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers) will introduce unforgettable local events they have experienced in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Mongolia, and the charm and richness they have felt in developing countries in a talk session format.
Saturday, October 1 / 15:45 – 16:45
Venue: Online venue
© Source JICA
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.