Based on the "Shibuya Ward Sports Promotion Plan", Japan women's professional soccer signed an agreement with Shibuya Ward to promote mutual cooperation and cooperation with the aim of realizing a society where everyone can be involved in sports. League (WE League).
We asked Mr. Takada, who is the chairman of the same league, to talk about it again.
Using the development of women's soccer as a role model for a society where women can actively participate
——The agreement concluded with Shibuya Ward this time is not limited to the promotion of sports and the popularization of women's soccer in Shibuya Ward, but also includes the scope of aiming to realize a diverse society through it. It's becoming
Takada: I believe that sports associations can do things such as maintaining the health of everyone involved in Shibuya Ward and enriching their lives through sports. We are tackling problems and promoting the realization of a society with diversity and a society where women can play an active role. It is a part that Shibuya Ward is also very advanced about it. I would like to actively work with the ward on such initiatives while being a sports organization.
INTERVIEWER For example, the significance of the establishment of the WE League is to “lead Japan’s women’s society” above the “development of women’s soccer”.
TakadaThe number of women playing soccer in Japan is about one-twentieth that of men. I believe that if women are more active in the soccer world, it will become a role model for women to play an active role in society.
To that end, I would like to raise the social standing of women's football.
——Are there any specific actions that you would like to take in the future through this agreement?
Takada: For example, I think we started by holding soccer classes and health-related events in Shibuya Ward.
Also, the Women's World Cup will be held from July, and the Olympics will be held after that. I think that by working together with Shibuya City to create excitement for such occasions, it will be a fun and energetic event for everyone in Shibuya City. I hope that it will be an initiative that will receive a lot of support for us.
Also, every year, we carry out an initiative called "WE ACTION" in which everyone involved in the WE League thinks about and acts on social issues such as gender issues in order to realize a diverse society. I would like to realize this "WE ACTION" together with everyone in Shibuya Ward as soon as possible.
There are several forms of "WE ACTION" initiatives, but the representative one is "WE ACTION DAY." Until this season, there were an odd number of 11 clubs, so we set the day when each club had no matches as "WE ACTION DAY," and focused on the players to bring out the colors of each club and come up with a plan to solve social issues. Running
Starting next season, we are planning an event called "ALL WE ACTION DAY," where players from all clubs will gather, and I hope that we will be able to bring together various stakeholders in Shibuya.
Significance of enlivening women's soccer from the city of Shibuya
——At that time, you also moved your office to Shibuya, right?
Takada Yes. I would like to take this opportunity to further collaborate with Shibuya Ward and Future Design Shibuya.
——You are participating in Future Design Shibuya as a public partner. What do you expect from Future Design Shibuya?
TakadaI was able to participate in SOCIAL INNOVATION WEEK last year, and I was impressed by the people who were able to think about social issues together with various friends. Because that is also what we want to do.
The WE League is still in its third season since it was launched, and we are still in the phase of expanding our circle, so I would like to work with Future Design Shibuya to increase the number of friends who can sympathize with us. increase.
——What do you think about Shibuya itself?
TakadaI think Shibuya is a very open place, a free space.
Previously, when I participated in the activity report meeting of Future Design Shibuya, the speaker said, "Shibuya is a city where men can hold hands without feeling uncomfortable." I thought. I think that's very close to the space we're aiming for.
As we aim to make soccer more casual and enjoyable for all kinds of people, we want to create a more positive atmosphere from Shibuya that says, "We can be who we are." I would like to receive it, and I would be happy if everyone could spread it together from the city of Shibuya.
——As you mentioned earlier, the Women's World Cup will start on July 20th...
Takada: I hope there will be a lot of support in Shibuya as well. Our problem is that women's soccer is still rarely covered in the media, but the city of Shibuya gets really excited on the days of international soccer tournaments. I want more people to know that there will be a women's soccer World Cup this year.
——Of course, I would like to see the streets of Shibuya excited by women's soccer, while keeping good manners.
TakadaAnd at that time, I would be happy if you could use it as an opportunity to think about diversity and improving the status of women.
--That's right. It's a waste to just have fun.
Takada: Japan's women's team won the World Cup in 2011, so it's been 12 years since then, but they're still very respected and strong around the world. However, in Europe, women's soccer is currently gaining momentum, and the social status of the players has risen, which has led to the development of even stronger players. Conversely, I think that it is possible to strengthen them through changes in society. That's why I want everyone to support Nadeshiko Japan, and that's exactly what I expect from the city of Shibuya.
