In 2022, special stadium billboards engraved with messages of support from fans and supporters were displayed in the stadiums of the Rakuten Eagles and Vissel Kobe. Crossing over the years, billboards that would normally be discarded after their role is fulfilled.However, couldn't we upcycle this signboard instead of discarding it, both to carry messages from fans and supporters into the future, and to make that future more sustainable?"Powered by Sports. Playing for All."Introducing the project that sought what should be done and what can be done, precisely because it is Rakuten Group that raises the slogan "A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER".

How can we upcycle the 2022 sign, which is inscribed with messages from fans and supporters, to connect to the future?As a result of numerous discussions within the project team of Rakuten Eagles and Vissel Kobe, it has been decided to transform into cheer goods that fans and supporters can enjoy.The signboard’s waterproof and durable fabric was utilized to create a ‘fan-shaped seat cushion’ that can also be used when cheering in a stadium.

Cheer by clapping, watch by sitting.

The size of each signboard is approximately 30 meters (98 feet) wide and about 5.5 meters (18 feet) high.This was the production team’s first attempt as well, and they proceeded with commercializing the merchandise while navigating through trial and error.The sign that was removed from the stadium was meticulously cleaned, handed over to a specialist, and transformed into a finished product through cutting and sewing techniques.Through this manual process, new life was breathed into waste that was once destined for disposal.

The completed seat cushion is given to fans and supporters through a social media campaign, encouraging them to become part of creating a sustainable future.We encouraged fans and supporters to engage in sustainable actions such as waste sorting and using recycled products. For those who posted photos of their efforts on social media, we distributed seat cushions.

Furthermore, at Vissel Kobe, the emblem part of the message board was upcycled into a special tapestry.As a token of gratitude for the supportive messages carved into the signboard and the sustainable efforts of the supporters who participated in the project, signatures of Yamaguchi, Osako, and Muto were added.

This item is available for exchange with Rakuten points (by lottery), as part of the “Dreams Come True” project.We would love for you to apply and become a part of this project.

※Recruitment period is from September 1, 2023 to September 14, 2023