In recent years, boys’ basketball teams from Kurashiki junior high schools have been competing in the National Junior High School Physical Education Tournament (Zenchu) and the Junior Winter Cup (JWC) almost every year, achieving outstanding results.
I’m not very familiar with basketball, but I’ve long wondered how public junior high schools have managed to remain so strong.
I thought this event for elementary school students might be connected to the secret behind their success, so I went to see it for myself.
The information presented was current when this article was published in July 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is “ONE PROJECT”?
ONE PROJECT is an initiative by active professional basketball players as a local contribution project. It is aimed at elementary school students in Okayama Prefecture (boys and girls in grades 4–6), and shares, from a professional perspective, “the joy of basketball,” “the importance of sportsmanship,” “what to learn at this age,” and “the skills needed now.”
Held for the second time following last year (2024), this event was organized by the NSE General Incorporated Association and took place at Kurashiki Gymnasium on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
What Is the NSE General Incorporated Association?
The NSE General Incorporated Association, which organized this event (referred to below as “NSE”), was established in April 2025 under the following principles.
- To discover, nurture, and strengthen children’s limitless potential through basketball.
- To work toward creating an environment for moving on to the next stage (category).
- To devote itself to community-based activities and second-career support.
Its specific activities include the following.
- U15
As the boys’ basketball team of Kurashiki Minami Junior High School, aim for the top in the “Zenchu” and “Junior Winter Cup,” while improving not only basketball skills but also personal qualities and preparing for the next generation. - U12
Hold the “NSE Academy” for elementary school students. Improve individual skills and foster a love of basketball. - Top Athlete Development Program
- Community Contribution Program
- Second-Career Support Program
ONE PROJECT was held as one of the “Community Contribution Programs.”
The Children’s Enthusiasm and Energy Overcome the Heat in the Gym
On this day, four people came to coach: active professional B.League players Tsuchiya Daiki and Oguri Akitoshi, along with Tsuchiya Takuto and Ishihara Shiryu, who provided support. All four are graduates of Kurashiki Municipal Tamashima Kita Junior High School.
The capacity of 50 participants for each of the morning and afternoon sessions filled up just a day and a half after registration opened. I was surprised even before the event began, and could feel the growing enthusiasm for basketball among Kurashiki’s children.
When the start time arrived and they were called to gather, the children quickly assembled and lined up, their anticipation clear.
At the opening ceremony, Coach Tsuboi Akira, representative director of the organizing group NSE, said, “Today, let’s learn about the fun and important aspects of basketball from the perspective of professional players. You all love basketball, right? If you do, don’t hesitate to ask anything and give it a try.”
Next, the coaches for the day were introduced. The children watched with even more serious expressions as the professional B.League players, who were also their seniors, took their places.
At last, the activities began.
Practice
After about 30 minutes of warm-ups, activities using basketballs began.
The players walked among the children as they practiced, praising good plays and offering brief tips. The children’s delighted expressions when the players spoke to them made a strong impression.
Another thing that stood out was that the junior high school students who took part that day supported the children.
At first, the students seemed a little nervous, but as time passed, they began moving around actively on their own, calling out encouragement and counting repetitions, helping everyone enjoy themselves and build excitement. Watching them, I felt that they too had been nurtured by their own seniors in the same way.
At the closing ceremony after practice, there was also a question-and-answer session with the children. The event ended with each player sharing a message for them.
Impressions from Participants
After the activities ended, the children had time to interact with the players.
At first, the children seemed shy.
But after getting autographs on their balls and shoes in turn and taking photos together, their eyes lit up with joy.
I asked some of the elementary school students who took part what they thought of the event and what they hoped to work on going forward.
Tanabe Kaya (fifth grade)
I’ve been playing for a long time, and there were times when I got tired, but I think I got better at dribbling. I had fun making shots, and I want to keep playing basketball when I start junior high school.
Mother
We take part in the Tamakita Academy. Coach Tsuboi’s instruction is wonderful. The way he teaches is very easy to understand, and what he says really sinks in. He creates an atmosphere that makes you want to listen carefully.
Takaya Osuke (sixth grade)
It was a lot of fun. I want to keep playing basketball.
Mother
We took part in this event last year, and I was determined to come again this year, so I applied as soon as I heard it was being held.
I used to play basketball too, and I’ve played with my child since they were little, so we were both really looking forward to coming today. I’m truly grateful for opportunities like this.
Interview with Player Tsuchiya Daiki
After the event, we spoke with player Tsuchiya Daiki, representing the group.
Could you tell us how you feel about this initiative?
Tsuchiya (surname only)
We’re doing this because we hope to give back to the next generation of children in our hometown by sharing what we’ve experienced and what we’ve learned throughout our professional careers.
With your professional activities and games, I imagine taking part in this initiative can be a burden. Is it still something you want to do?
Tsuchiya
Of course. Our careers today are possible because we met Coach Tsuboi, who organized this event. Naturally, we want to do well ourselves, but I also think that sharing even a little of what we’ve experienced with children in Okayama Prefecture is a way to repay our teacher.
Could you tell us about your time at junior high school in Kurashiki?
Tsuchiya
We went to practice early every morning, but even more than that, I loved playing basketball under Coach Tsuboi at Tamashima Kita Junior High. Winning games and getting results was so much fun, too. Those three years made me truly love basketball. I have nothing but happy memories.
If you could say something to the elementary and junior high school students here, what would you want to tell them?
Tsuchiya
I told them today, too: if you keep going even after you fail, you’ll definitely grow. So even if you can’t do something now, I hope you’ll set goals and keep working hard.
That will ultimately help you grow as a person, and I want to share that message through these clinics.
From the Writer
I didn’t know much about basketball, but I had long been surprised that Kurashiki’s public junior high schools win the Chugoku tournament almost every year and achieve excellent results at the national tournament, and had always wondered, “Why?”
While covering this event, I learned that this success is the result of Coach Akira Tsuboi’s coaching ability and dedication, honed through many years of passionate instruction.
After working for many years as a physical education teacher at junior high schools in Kurashiki City, Coach Akira Tsuboi retired in spring 2025 and launched NSE.
The boys’ basketball teams at Tamashima Kita Junior High and Kurashiki Minami Junior High, which he coached while working at the schools, have made a combined nine appearances at the national junior high school championships, finishing as runners-up twice and third twice.
Today, in addition to coaching at NSE, he continues to coach extracurricular activities at Kurashiki Minami Junior High as a club activities instructor.
They also plan to continue “ONE PROJECT” next year and beyond, while NSE’s biggest goal is to “build a gymnasium.”
“I think it would be difficult to build a gymnasium exclusively for NSE, but we’re aiming to create one that other sports organizations and local residents can use together. We’ll keep working hard, so we hope you’ll support us.”
said Coach Tsuboi.
From the perspective of transitioning extracurricular school activities to community-based programs, I felt how important it is for organizations like NSE to continue activities rooted in the community, with the understanding and cooperation of local residents, and to help many children grow.
NSE, which was established just this year, is looking for official sponsors willing to support children’s activities and promote sports in the community.
I hope that companies and individuals who support its mission will lend their support so that basketball in Kurashiki can grow even more.
ONE PROJECT 2025 IN OKAYAMA Information
| Name | ONE PROJECT 2025 IN OKAYAMA |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, July 12, 2025 Morning session: 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Afternoon session: 2:00–4:30 p.m. |
| Location | Kurashiki Gymnasium, 1-8 Kamitomii, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation fee (tax included) | ¥3,000 |
| Website | NSE General Incorporated Association Official Website |
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