An expert panel from the Japan Sports Agency and the Agency for Cultural Affairs has compiled a reform proposal to expand the “community transition” currently being implemented on weekends to weekdays. The club activity reform, which began in fiscal year 2022 under the name “community transition,” will enter its second phase in fiscal year 2026, changing its name to “community development.” Kobe City, which is leading the way in this area of reform, has received many inquiries. Various reform proposals are likely to emerge in different regions. In the case of community development, there are several challenges. The first is securing space (grounds, gymnasiums, swimming pools, classrooms, music rooms, art rooms, etc.). The second is securing teammates (club members). The third is securing coaches. The fourth is operating funds.
Kobe City will end club activities at municipal junior high schools in August 2026. Local clubs, known as “Kobekatsu,” will take over the role of providing opportunities for after-school sports, culture, and the arts. Kobe City announced the results of the first round of applications for the “Kobekatsu Clubs” in March. 526 organizations were approved for registration after a screening process. Sports activities include baseball, soccer, and soft tennis, as well as rugby, karate, yoga, and bouldering. Cultural and artistic activities include drone piloting, hula dancing, and board games. Club activity frequency will range from five days a week to once a month, and students will be able to participate in multiple activities. As the current system is insufficient to accommodate the approximately 1,100 clubs, a second round of applications is planned.
This may lead to a trend toward considering the regional expansion of elementary and high school club activities, not just junior high school. Another trend is the choice to entrust the development of non-cognitive skills in education to the local community. Companies are also beginning to understand that non-cognitive skills influence improved performance. Non-cognitive skills have been shown to improve management and investment results. One of these is the attitude of learning from failure and trial and error. It requires an attitude of gradually approaching one’s best over time. Little by little, learning and improving through trial and error is important. In a sense, it would be good if there were places around oneself that tolerate this kind of trial and error. Currently, club activities are places that students are forced to focus on one sport with the goal of winning a match. Focusing on one sport alone is insufficient to foster curiosity, a spirit of inquiry, perseverance, and the opportunity to learn from failure without fear of failure. A place that fulfills these needs may be a local sports or cultural group, with participation from children to the elderly.
