Sharing the joy of sports regardless of disability. Report on the 4th "IncluFES 2026"

The 4th "IncluFES" was held on January 24, 2026, at Toyo University's Akabane-dai Campus in Kita Ward, Tokyo. This event is a festival designed to allow people to enjoy sports regardless of the type, severity, or presence of a disability.On the day of the event, a total of 470 people—including athletes, chaperones, and volunteers—attended, with a focus on children with severe disabilities enrolled in special needs schools. Various programs, such as “hand soccer,” were held, and the venue was filled with excitement.

What is “IncluFES”?

"IncluFES" was first held in 2023 as a project commissioned by the Japan Sports Agency, produced and planned by Dentsu Live Inc. Since the following year, Dentsu Live Inc. has served as the organizing company, with an executive committee comprising various dentsu Japan companies overseeing operations. This year marks the fourth edition, with a record 12 companies from dentsu Japan participating.

Many volunteers, including executives and employees from various dentsu Japan companies, gathered at the venue. Through their respective roles—such as directing buses, wiping wheelchair tires, and keeping score during competitions—they supported the children on this special day.

A Ceremony Highlighted by a Guest MC and Para-Athletes

At the ceremony, TV personality Kii Kitano took the stage as the guest MC. In addition to a performance by “Purple Dancers 321,” who served as the opening act, a talk session was held with three para-athletes affiliated with Dentsu Digital Inc.Goalball player Yuta Kawashima spoke about the novelty and joy of playing amid cheers, while para-surfing athlete Kentaro Kondo expressed empathy for the efforts of athletes striving to overcome challenges. Track and field athlete Atsuro Furuhata mentioned that his own journey into the sport began with a trial event and offered words of encouragement, saying, “Let’s all challenge ourselves as we strive toward our respective goals.”

"Hand Soccer": A Game Where Everyone Can Be a Star, With Rules Tailored to Each Individual

The highlight of the event was the “Hand Soccer” exhibition match held throughout the day. Hand Soccer is a sport devised at a special needs school for students with physical disabilities in Tokyo, and its defining feature is the ability to set different scoring conditions tailored to each player’s specific disability.This time, 14 teams participated, primarily from special needs schools in the eastern area of Tokyo. A sense of unity emerged as participants cheered for one another, transcending the boundaries between teammates and rivals. Between matches, trial sessions were held in which guests and volunteers also participated.

Diverse Play Expanded Through Technology and Creativity

At the experience booths inside the venue, a variety of programs featuring technology and ingenuity were on display.

eSports Experience: An experience booth in collaboration with GLOE. A variety of controllers tailored to physical abilities—such as those allowing players to control characters with their gaze or move them with a single button—were provided, and many children enjoyed playing.

Crane Game: Customized with large switch buttons and built-in timers to make it easier for those who find it difficult to operate small buttons or coordinate complex timing.

CYBER BOCCIA: Presented in collaboration with One-Two-Ten. This content fuses technology with the Paralympic sport of boccia, allowing many visitors—regardless of the presence or severity of a disability—to deepen their connections through boccia matches.

Para-Sports Simulation (ParaRing): A booth was set up in collaboration with Recruit. Participants experienced the world of para-sports through “ParaRing,” a VR experience using a smartphone and a scope, and many expressed surprise and excitement.

Mascot Creation: At the Dentsu Solari Inc. booth, the "Mascot Creation" activity allowed even those with weak grip strength to decorate a mascot simply by pressing paper onto an adhesive sheet. The experience was designed with accessibility in mind, accommodating those with mobility challenges.

Moving forward, “IncluFES” aims to continue evolving beyond the scope of a mere event, serving as a space where all participants respect one another’s individuality and share moving experiences together.

Event Overview
Name: IncluFES 2026
Date and Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Toyo University Akabane-dai Campus, HELSPO HUB-3 Arena
Organizer: IncluFES Executive Committee
In cooperation with: Tokyo Metropolitan Federation of Physical Disabilities Special Support Schools Sports Association / Japan Hand Soccer Association /General Incorporated Association QOL Support Lab for Children and Adults with Disabilities (CIAO) / DENTSU CORPORATE ONE INC. / Dentsu / Dentsu Digital Inc. / Dentsu I&C Partners Inc. / Dentsu Live Inc. / Dentsu Promotion / PR Consulting Dentsu Inc. / Dentsu Casting and Entertainment Inc. / Dentsu Creative Pictures Inc. / Dentsu Solari Inc. / Dentsu Event Operations Inc. / CAPMAN / One to Ten / GLOE / Recruit
Click here for details on IncluFES 2026:https://inclufes.jp/