In recent years, the boys' basketball team of Kurashiki's junior high schools has been participating in the National Junior High School Sports Festival (Zenchu) and the Junior Winter Cup (JWC) almost every year, achieving remarkable results.
Although I am not very knowledgeable about basketball, I have been curious about why public junior high schools continue to maintain such strength.
I thought that this event aimed at elementary school students might be related to that strength, so I went to see it for myself.
What is "ONE PROJECT"
ONE PROJECT is an initiative where active professional basketball players contribute to the local community by conveying the "fun of basketball," the "importance of sportsmanship," "what to learn at this age," and "skills needed now" to elementary school students (grades 4 to 6) in Okayama Prefecture from a professional perspective.
This year marks the second event, following last year (2024), and it was held on July 12, 2025 (Saturday) at Kurashiki Gymnasium, organized by the General Incorporated Association NSE.
What is the General Incorporated Association NSE
The General Incorporated Association NSE (hereinafter referred to as "NSE"), which organized this event, was established in April 2025 under the following principles.
- To "discover," "develop," and "strengthen" the infinite potential of children through basketball.
- To strive to create an environment for the next stage (category).
- To dedicate efforts to community-based activities and second career support activities.
Specifically, the following activities are conducted.
- U15
As the Kurashiki Minami Junior High School Boys' Basketball Team, aiming for the top of the "Zenchu" and "Junior Winter Cup," not only improving skills but also enhancing human qualities and stepping towards the next generation. - U12
Holding the "NSE Academy" for elementary school students. Improving individual skills. Fostering a love for basketball. - Top Athlete Development Project
- Community Contribution Project
- Second Career Support Project
It is said that ONE PROJECT was held as one of the "community contribution projects."
The enthusiasm and energy of the children that blow away the heat of the gymnasium
On this day, four active B League players, Tsuchiya Daiki, Oguri Akitoshi, and support players Tsuchiya Takuto and Ishihara Shiryuu (all from Tamashima Kita Junior High School in Kurashiki City) came to provide guidance.
The capacity of 50 children each for the morning and afternoon sessions was fully booked in just a day and a half after the recruitment started, which made me realize the rising enthusiasm for basketball among the children of Kurashiki, and I was surprised even before the start.
When the start time arrived and the signal to gather was given, the children quickly assembled and lined up, and their eagerness was palpable.
During the opening ceremony, Coach Akira Tsuboi, the representative director of NSE, said, "Today, let's learn about the fun and important aspects of basketball from the perspective of professional players. Everyone loves basketball, right? If you do, don't hesitate to ask anything and challenge yourselves."
Next, the instructors for the day were introduced. The professional B League players, who are also seniors to the participating children, drew everyone's serious attention.
Finally, the activities began.
The state of practice
After about 30 minutes of warming up, activities using basketball began.
The players walked among the practicing children, praising good plays and giving one-point advice. The delighted expressions of the children who were called out to were impressive.
Another impressive aspect was that the junior high school seniors participating that day were supporting the children.
At first, the junior high school students seemed a bit nervous, but as time passed, they actively moved their bodies, called out to the children, and counted numbers, enjoying themselves together. Watching them, I felt that they too must have been nurtured by their seniors in this way.
During the closing ceremony after practice, there was also a question corner from the children, and finally, each player delivered a message to the children before concluding.
Impressions from participation
After the activities, there was time for the participating children to interact with the players.
At first, the children seemed shy.
However, as they took turns getting autographs on balls and shoes and taking photos together, their eyes sparkled with joy.
I asked the participating elementary school students about their impressions of the event and what they want to work hard on in the future.
Tanabe Kaya (5th grade)
I have been doing it for a long time, and although there were times when I got tired, I think I have become better at dribbling. I enjoyed making shots, and I want to continue playing basketball when I enter junior high school.
Mother
I am participating in the Tamakita Academy. Coach Tsuboi's guidance is wonderful. His teaching style is very easy to understand, and he creates an atmosphere that makes you want to listen carefully as his words resonate in your heart.
Takaya Osuke (6th grade)
It was very fun. I want to continue playing basketball from now on.
Mother
I participated in this event last year and wanted to come again this year, so I signed up as soon as I heard the information about the event.
I also used to play basketball, and since I have been playing with my child since they were small, we were both really looking forward to today. I am truly grateful for such opportunities.
Interview with player Tsuchiya Daiki
After the event, we spoke with player Tsuchiya Daiki on behalf of the team.
Please share your thoughts on this activity.
Tsuchiya
We are doing this with the hope that we can give back what we have experienced and learned through our professional careers to the next generation of children in our local community.
I imagine that carrying out this activity while also participating in professional activities and matches can be burdensome, but is it still an activity you want to pursue?
Tsuchiya
Of course. It is because I met Coach Tsuboi, who is organizing this event, that I have my current career. While it is important for us to succeed, I also think that if we can convey even a little of what we have experienced to the children of Okayama Prefecture, it will be a way to repay the favor to the coach.
Please tell us about your time in junior high school in Kurashiki.
Tsuchiya
I used to commute early every morning for practice, but more than that, I really enjoyed playing basketball under Coach Tsuboi at Tamashima Kita Junior High School. Winning matches and seeing results was incredibly fun, and those three years made me truly fall in love with basketball. I have nothing but happy memories from that time.
If you could say something to elementary and junior high school students today, what would you like to convey?
Tsuchiya
As I mentioned today, even if you fail, if you keep trying, you will definitely grow. I hope that even if you can't do something now, you will continue to have goals and put in the effort.
That will ultimately help you grow as a person, and I want to convey that through the clinic.
Conclusion
I wasn't very familiar with basketball, but I was surprised to learn that public junior high schools in Kurashiki win the China Championship almost every year and achieve good results in national competitions, and I have always wondered, "Why is that?"
Through covering this event, I realized that it is the result of the dedication and enthusiasm of Coach Tsuboi, who has been involved in coaching for many years.
After working for many years as a physical education teacher at junior high schools in Kurashiki City, Coach Tsuboi retired in the spring of 2025 and established NSE.
The boys' basketball teams at Tamashima Kita Junior High School and Kurashiki Minami Junior High School, which he coached during his time at the junior high school, have participated in the national tournament a total of nine times, achieving a remarkable record of two second-place finishes and two third-place finishes.
Currently, in addition to coaching at NSE, he continues to serve as a club activity instructor at Kurashiki Minami Junior High School.
Additionally, while continuing the "ONE PROJECT" from next year onward, NSE's biggest goal is to establish a gymnasium.
"I think it will be difficult to have a gymnasium exclusively for NSE, but we aim to create a gymnasium that can be used by other sports organizations and local people as well. We will continue to work hard, so we hope for your support,"
says Coach Tsuboi.
From the perspective of transitioning club activities to the community, I felt the significance of organizations like NSE continuing to engage in activities rooted in the community with the understanding and cooperation of local people, nurturing many children.
NSE, which was just established this year, is looking for official sponsors to cooperate in supporting children's activities and promoting sports in the community.
I hope that companies and individuals who agree with this purpose will support the further development of basketball in Kurashiki.
Data for ONE PROJECT 2025 IN OKAYAMA
| Name | ONE PROJECT 2025 IN OKAYAMA |
|---|---|
| Date | July 12, 2025 (Saturday) Morning session: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Afternoon session: 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
| Location | 1-8 Kamitomi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki Gymnasium |
| Participation fee (including tax) | 3,000 yen |
| Homepage | Official Homepage of NSE |
