In Odawara City, MIKUNI CORPORATION and Kubota Spears report on a co-creation initiative aimed at supporting children's development and revitalising the community by providing a company-owned ground and clinics led by top players.
MIKUNI CORPORATION and Kubota Spears have begun working with the Odawara City Rugby Association on initiatives aimed at community development and the healthy development of children. MIKUNI CORPORATION is providing its own ground as the home ground of the Odawara Rugby School, supporting the spread of rugby in the community. Local stakeholders, including Odawara City and the chamber of commerce, are also strengthening their system of cooperation. Through a joint programme, Spears invited active players and staff to conduct full-scale rugby clinics.
The programme subsequently included coaching by active players and local events. Interaction with the players created an emotional impact across the community. Efforts were also made to develop a support structure involving local companies and organisations, including a talk event at a summer festival.
As a result, children's motivation to participate in practice increased, while parents' and local residents' understanding of and support for rugby also deepened. The initiative has been recognised in IR and CSR/ESG materials as an activity for developing the next generation, helping communicate the company's social value.