Rakuten
Stephen Curry
Takayuki Kishi
Daichi Suzuki
Chen Kuan-Yu
Lin Hung-Yu
Kazuhei Kimura
Sae Takemoto
Daiya Maekawa
Yoshinori Muto
Yuya Osako
Gotoku Sakai
Tetsushi Yamakawa
Hiroto Kobukata
Takero Okajima
Steve Kerr
Takahisa Hayakawa
Kai King
WE ENVISION A FUTURE
Where sports are enjoyed by all people
In their own unique way.
And where sports act as a catalyst
For a more sustainable world.
TOGETHER, AS ONE TEAM
We can unlock the power of sports
To inspire positive change
And foster innovation
From the ground up.
Powered by Sports.
Playing for All.
A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER
WE ENVISION A FUTURE
Where sports are enjoyed by all people
In their own unique way.
And where sports act as a catalyst
For a more sustainable world.
TOGETHER, AS ONE TEAM
We can unlock the power of sports
To inspire positive change
And foster innovation
From the ground up.
Powered by Sports.
Playing for All.
A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER

MY
BETTER
FUTURE
IS...

Messages from various athletes on their ideas of 'A Better Future'
and how sports can contribute to people and society.
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A Society That Empowers People to Take on New Challenges

Playing abroad, I faced communication barriers. I tried to communicate as best as I could, but my German was often laughed at. I spent more time studying than practicing soccer to overcome those tough days. Drawing lessons from my experiences abroad, I want to continue being someone who supports others taking on new challenges.

Yoshinori Muto
Vissel Kobe
Yoshinori Muto
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A Society Where Everyone Supports Each Other

In our team, where blending Japanese and international players is key, nationality doesn't matter; what's crucial is supporting each other. It's not about race, nationality, or even being a soccer player; what really matters is ensuring communication goes both ways. It's vital that everyone engages in real dialogue, not just one-sided conversations.

Gotoku Sakai
Vissel Kobe
Gotoku Sakai
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A sustainable planet where the next generation can thrive in sports

There are many threats to sports today, like global warming and natural disasters, caused by human actions. Yet, I believe we have the power to shape a future where we can still enjoy sports. I'm thankful for the opportunity to play sports today and am motivated to start making small changes to help preserve this for the future.

Yuya Osako
Vissel Kobe
Yuya Osako
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Celebrating Individuality and Uniqueness

I see sports as a place where everyone's unique traits are not just accepted, but celebrated. Personally, I've always felt a bit different from others, but in sports, even those rough edges can become strengths. I envision a future where everyone can pursue what they love without being stereotyped and where each person's individuality can thrive.

Daiya Maekawa
Vissel Kobe
Daiya Maekawa
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Fostering Growth Through Sports

I want kids to embrace challenges and not be afraid to fail. Even if they fail, those experiences can fuel their personal growth. By creating an environment where kids can experience the impactful moments that sports provide, we can help them grow not just as athletes, but as people.

Tetsushi Yamakawa
Vissel Kobe
Tetsushi Yamakawa
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Taking the First Step and Embracing Opportunity

Through sports, I have grown as a person and I feel fortunate to be able to continue to compete. I believe that giving my best effort is a way to repay those who have supported me. I dream of a future where sports are accessible to all kids, and I encourage them to just take the first step and try it out.

Sae Takemoto
Track & Field
Sae Takemoto
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Embracing Inclusivity in Sports

Sports have taught me valuable lessons about inclusivity. Regardless of age or disability—sports are about supporting each other. It's about finding what you can do and contributing, enjoying the game together rather than focusing on winning or losing. I look forward to a future where everyone can experience and enjoy sports in this inclusive way.

Kazuhei Kimura(Rakuten Socio Business)
Para-Cycling
Kazuhei Kimura
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A place to learn not only sports, but life.

I learned a lot more than basketball at the recreation center I went to as a kid. How to do homework, communicate, overcome setback, and more. I would like to create an environment where everyone regardless of gender, can experience sports in various ways, learn about life and grow.

Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors (NBA)
Stephen Curry
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Enriching Family and Community in Taoyuan

Our home, Taoyuan, offers easy access to the ballpark and shopping mall right from the subway. We see it as a place that's not just for watching baseball but also where families can spend quality time together and enjoy the whole city. We're planning to host events that encourage fans to get active and also create opportunities for kids to try different sports.

Lin Hung-Yu
Rakuten Monkeys
Lin Hung-Yu
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Better Support for Young Athletes

From my own experience playing in Japan, I've learned a lot about how we can better support young athletes. This includes everything from improving the conditions of the fields to setting up systems like scholarships and sports recommendations. I believe that Taiwan still isn't as well-equipped as Japan in these areas, so I'd like to focus on improving these things to help young athletes pursue their dreams.

Chen Kuan-Yu
Rakuten Monkeys
Chen Kuan-Yu
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Pursuing Dreams Without Fear of Judgement

Growing up, I felt like an outsider because I looked different from those around me. But sports changed my world completely. Through sports, I connected with more people, broadened my perspective, and learned to embrace who I am. Being different isn't a weakness - it's what makes each of us unique. I want to work towards a future where people from all backgrounds can come together and freely pursue their dreams.

Kai King
Professional Basketball Player
Kai King
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Sports bring people together. The game is always connecting people.

Sports is a vehicle for bringing people together and finding common ground, during a time in the world where people are very divided. I think sports can change the world and I think it’s very important for athletes, people in positions of notoriety, like myself or other coaches in different sports to remember this and to not just try to win the game but to understand the power of sports and how it can connect people.

Steve Kerr
Head Coach, Golden State Warriors (NBA)
Steve Kerr
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A Society Where Everyone Can Shine as Their True Selves

What does it mean to be yourself? I believe it means embracing your individuality. While rules are necessary to maintain order, losing yourself in the process makes you just another face in the crowd. It's important to have mutual respect and express your individuality within the bounds of order. Being yourself is challenging, but it would be wonderful if we could create a society where everyone can shine as their true selves.

Takayuki Kishi
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
Takayuki Kishi
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Ensuring Equal Access to Healthcare

I participated in a charity auction to support AIDS orphans in Africa, hoping to raise awareness and inspire action. If we can create a world where healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of country or gender, we can help so many people. Let's all come together and make a big difference.

Daichi Suzuki
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
Daichi Suzuki
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Creating an environment where talented individuals can thrive

I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to achieve your goals or deal with certain situations. However, I firmly believe that dedication and hard work always pays off in the end. So I encourage children to keep pursuing their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face. I am committed to helping create an environment where talented individuals can continue to thrive in sports without feeling the need to give up.

Ambassador, Takero Okajima
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
Takero Okajima
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Creating more opportunities to build ‘A Better Future’

I believe that the meaningful experiences and relationships made through sports can help create 'A Better Future'. That's why I am passionate about encouraging more kids to engage in sports. Given the decline in youth participation in sports due to the declining birthrate, I strive to spark greater interest in sports among young people.

Hiroto Kobukata
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
Hiroto Kobukata
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Creating Opportunities for Everyone to Experience Sports

During my teacher training, I visited a school for children with special needs. I thought it would be wonderful if there were better opportunities for these students to watch baseball. My charity work comes from this same desire—I want more people to experience the joy of baseball. Looking ahead, I'd like to work on creating environments where everyone can participate in sports, such as through baseball clinics.

Takahisa Hayakawa
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
Takahisa Hayakawa

OUR
BETTER
FUTURE
IS...

By embracing 'Sports for Everyone' and 'A Greener Future,'
we aim to create a future where
Rakuten sports fans, general sports fans, and anyone who enjoys sports
can continue enjoying sports in an inclusive and enriched environment,
for generations to come.

A better future for sports-loving Rakuten.
A better future for anyone involved in sports.

Join us in helping to shape 'A Better Future' for ourselves,
our loved ones, and sports fans everywhere.

Activity Overview

We will use the power of
'Technology' and 'Innovation'
to fuel our activities within two pivotal initiatives:
1. 'Sports for Everyone'
2. 'A Greener Future'
Through this
– together with our partners and the broader community –
we aim to create 'A Better Future' for all.

Method

Technology / Innovation
Technology / Innovation

Initiative 1

Sports for Everyone
To carry out initiatives that make sports more accessible
and inclusive for all individuals
to promote equality and reduce disparity
in the sports world.
Sports for Everyone
Examples
  • Creating sports opportunities inclusive of all individuals, regardless of race, nationality, or gender
  • Increasing awareness and recognition of athletes with physical challenges and their associated sports
  • Enhancing understanding and awareness of LGBTQ+ individuals within the sports world
  • Providing multilingual support in sports settings to ensure that language does not hinder participation or enjoyment
  • Facilitating opportunities for multi-cultural exchange through sports, enhancing mutual understanding
Sports for Everyone
Related SDGs

Initiative 2

Green for Future
To carry out sports initiatives
that address climate change and promote the circularity of resources,
ensuring the lasting enjoyment of sports
for future generations.
Green for Future
Examples
  • Conducting circularity analysis and identifying opportunities for responsible resource management at sporting events
  • Facilitating donations to environmental preservation projects and organizations through charitable initiatives
  • Carry out digital solution-led campaigns to promote sustainable practices among sports fans
  • Initiating carbon offsetting at large events
  • Installing designated Eco Station by Rakuten ( Recycling Box ) at Noevir Stadium Kobe
Green for Future
Related SDGs

Collaboration

Partnership
Community

Goal

Achieving
Powered by Sports. Playing for All.
A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER

ACTIVITIES