On the 22nd, a kickoff press conference for the "General Incorporated Association Sports Pro Bono," a project launched by former Japanese national soccer team player Go Kitazawa to contribute to society through sports, was held at the TOD'S Omotesando Building in Omotesando, Tokyo. In addition to Kitazawa, other attendees included Yoriko Takuma, CEO of Tod's Japan; Noriko Suzuki, Director of Public Relations at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); and Kunio Senga, Executive Director of Save the Children Japan. Since 2004, Kitazawa has visited 14 developing countries, including Cambodia, Laos, and Timor-Leste, as an official JICA supporter. He will put this experience to good use in this project. "When I asked myself, 'What can I do, someone who has only ever played soccer?' I wanted to give back to the people who have supported me. I want to connect my 10 years at JICA to the next 10. Social contribution may sound difficult, but I think it's something that lies hidden in our everyday lives and activities," Kitazawa said enthusiastically.
The Sports Pro Bono Association is a community where athletes and sports enthusiasts interested in social contribution activities share their knowledge and experience and carry out activities. "It's important to give them the feeling of taking a step forward. You can't do anything alone. I hope this feeling can be conveyed to as many people as possible," Kitazawa said.
Tod's Japan has supported Kitazawa and produced three hand-sewn soccer balls. They will also hold soccer workshops on the 29th and 30th of this month in Kamaishi City and Yamada Town, Iwate Prefecture, areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Kitazawa is scheduled to visit the area on the 30th to provide on-site instruction. During the press conference, Kitazawa signed one of the soccer balls. Signed balls from players who played in the Japan-Italy alumni soccer match held on June 9th were also on display at the venue. "We'd like to get people who support the project to sign them, and if the opportunity arises, we'd like to auction them off and use the proceeds for support," said Takuma.
Tod's Japan donated 100 million yen following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and has worked with Save the Children Japan to provide support to the affected areas, including repairing schoolyard equipment at Hakusan Elementary School in Kamaishi City, building Shikazuma Nursery School, and rebuilding the Yamada Kindergarten building. Takuma said he has visited the affected areas many times. "I believe that if children are healthy, Japan will be healthy. We would like to continue to help in any way we can for a long time to come," said Takuma.
