The project "- A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER - Charity Project with Rakuten Rakuma ~ A 'Better' Future Weaved by Sports~" involves athletes listing their used sports items for sale on "Rakuten Rakuma", with the proceeds donated to environmental conservation activities.The four athletes, Ryo Hatsuse and Daiju Sasaki from Vissel Kobe, Sae Takemoto, a Javelin Throw athlete, and Kazuhei Kimura, a Para-cycling athlete, spoke about the importance of environmental conservation in sports, respect for diversity, and their memories with the items, on the occasion of this exhibition.

Extreme heat and abnormal weather conditions impact the hosting of sports events, indicating a close relationship between environmental conservation and sports. Without a comfortable environment, it’s difficult to realize a better future for sports. The Rakuten Group is implementing the “Go Green Together” project to call for a green future that takes into consideration the environment, in order to connect a society where people can live with peace of mind to the next generation. This project allows for the use of Rakuten Points and contributes to environmental conservation efforts through the provision of the “Environmental Conservation Support Green Fund,” which allows for casual participation in donations.

On December 14, 2023, the four athletes who participated took the stage at the event. How do athletes who are actually participating in sports think about environmental conservation and respect for diversity? I conveyed my honest thoughts.

A valuable shot of four people who gathered across the boundaries of sports genres.

“I believe that there is an aspect where the circle expands easily by athletes like us conveying our efforts. In recent years, due to the effects of global warming, it has become difficult to maintain conditions in the midst of intense heat. I also hear that it is becoming difficult to cultivate natural grass. It would be nice if environmental conservation could create a slightly more conducive climate for sports, wouldn’t it? Vissel Kobe has a large number of foreign players, so it’s important to understand each other beyond nationality and culture. In order to strive for a better team, I feel it is important to respect diversity.” (Ryo Hatsuse)

“Vissel Kobe runs a soccer school and is implementing initiatives to build the future of children. As someone who came from the youth team of Vissel Kobe, I’m pleased that the entire club is undertaking this kind of project, and it would be great if we could connect it to their future. I have experience playing in Brazil, and even if we don’t speak the same language, we can still play soccer. The appeal unique to this sport, I feel, is being able to connect with the world through just one ball.” (Daiju Sasaki)

“I usually save Rakuten point, and it’s helpful to be able to use them for such Charity projects. I think that if it’s a bank transfer, the barrier to participation inevitably increases. However, if donations can be made with points, it allows for casual participation, which I find to be an interesting initiative. Personally, I am also very happy to be able to interact with athletes who engage in other sports. Javelin Throw is an individual sport, so the stories of athletes who engage in team sports like Soccer are very interesting. Through Javelin Throw, I was able to meet various people and it made me realize once again how great sports are.” (Sae Takemoto)

“It’s difficult to take action for environmental conservation on your own, isn’t it? I believe that having such events and colleagues to work together with makes it easier to participate. The Para-cycling in which I compete is divided into several categories such as visual impairment, limb disability, and cerebral palsy. The rules of the competition and the functions of the bicycles are customized according to each field. I feel that the beauty of diversity fostered by sports is that even people with disabilities can enjoy it just like able-bodied people.” (Kazuhei Kimura)

Daiju Sasaki (left) and Ryo Hatsuse (right), significantly contributed to Vissel Kobe’s victory in 2023.

Sae Takemoto, who holds the fourth best record in Japan’s history of women’s Javelin Throw (62m39).

Kazuhei Kimura, a player who is active as a representative of Japan in the Para-cycling MB class (visual impairment).

Furthermore, for this event, each player exhibited items they held sentimental value for. Each one of those is a valuable item that the athletes actually use in practice and games. He also talked about his memories with the items.

“These are the spikes I cherished using for training and games during the 2023 season. In fact, it is a valuable item that you can’t find in sports shops, as it is processed to prevent slipping during play. The team manager polishes these spikes before every game, and they carry the thoughts and support of those people.” (Ryo Hatsuse)

“These are the spikes I’ve been using in practice all along. It’s already worn out, but I’ve used it so much, it has supported my growth. I believe they can still be used, so I’d love for you to wear them and give them a try  (laughs).”  (Daiju Sasaki)

“These are the spikes that I used when I came in 11th place at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon. The spikes for Javelin Throw are distinctive, with an asymmetrical shape on the left and right. When throwing a spear, you step forward with one foot, so it is designed to be high-cut to prevent sprains. This is an item that supported my performance at the world championship, so I have a special attachment to it.” (Sae Takemoto)

“What I am selling is winter training wear. The winter off-season becomes a time for physical strengthening, so I have been practicing for a long time on the road, and that’s when I was using it. The uniform prominently displays the word “Rakuten”, and its design gives a sense of representing the company in competition, so I felt supported by this uniform.” ( Kazuhei Kimura)

Athletes who talked about environmental conservation and the future of the Earth. The proceeds from the sale of items will be donated to “WWF Japan (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation World Wildlife Fund Japan)” through the “Environmental Conservation Support Green Fundraising” in the future. The event demonstrated that even if each individual’s effort is small, when gathered together, it can become a great force.

TEXT: Kodai Wada
PHOTO: Ryo Kuzuma