Hiroshima Toyo Carps and Yomiuri Giants, Japan’s two leading teams in this year’s baseball Central League, teamed together to empower the youth at the Tokyo Sports Expo 2016, held in a simultaneous event at Komazawa Olympic Park and Koganei Park on October 8 and 9.

Tokyo Sports Expo 2016 official poster.

Carp’s manager, Koichi Ogata and Giants’ former star pitcher, Sadaoka Shoji, joined hands to teach some baseball secrets to aspiring players of baseball, aged 20 and above. In another baseball clinic, other Giants’ legends, Hiromi Makihara and Daisuke Motoki, had the chance to see pure talent and potential from the 150 primary school children who joined the event.

The Baseball Clinic.

There was also Yoshihito Yoshida of the Japanese national team, The Brave Blossoms, who facilitated a rugby classroom. Judo-ka or Judo master Shinichi Shinohara taught the basics of the Japanese martial art to kids 5 years old and above. Soccer legends Kunishige Kamamoto and Masakiyo Maezono of the national team coached another batch of primary school children on how to kick a ball.

The Judo Clinic.

Fencing expert, Kenta Chida also had a swordsmanship clinic, with the special participation of mixed martial artist, Akihiro Yamazaki. Ping-pong star, Naomi Yotsumoto and guest coach, synchronized swimmer Ai Aoki, also trained participants for table tennis. Mizutori Hisashi also shared his Olympic experiences to the aspiring gymnasts of Japan. Master badminton Olympian, Eriko Hirose, also had her own clinic.

Paralympic athletes also had the chance to meet the superstars of their field. Rio 2016 table tennis paralympian, Shinichi Yoshida, gave precious tips to his students. Amputee athletes Atsushi Yamamoto and Toru Suzuki also trained future para-athletics players.

The Wheelchair Basketball Clinic.

Wheelchair athletes, Kazuyuki Kyoya and Daisuke Tsuchiko, also demonstrated their skills in basketball.  Satoshi Saida, a pioneer in wheelchair tennis in Japan, also gave inspiration to future national team players.

The Wheelchair Tennis Clinic.

But the event was not just about getting your muscles toned. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the organizer of the event, also invited some comedians who infused more adrenaline into the event. Some of the known personalities who competed with each other were Sugi-chan, Tetsu and Tomo, Dandy Sakano and Foreign Love.

Bubble Jumper.

Aside from the sports clinics, there were also other recreational activities for the whole family. One of the most enjoyed was the Bubble Jumper wherein participants battled it out while wearing inflatable balls and jumping shoes. Another man-to-man battle activity was the Hover Cross wherein participants rode hover boards while having a sparring match.

The No Limits Challenge.

The organizers also sponsored a No Limits Challenge, which is a Paralympic powerlifting competition. There was also a rock-paper-scissors tournament for everybody. Character shows were also included in the general programme with Ultraman and Yokai Watch cheering up the crowd.

The Archery Clinic.

Other activities also included rock-climbing, archery, biking for kids, trampoline-jumping, and a gomi or trash tournament wherein kids, together with their families, who collected the most garbage from the premises won a prize.

The Gomi Tournament.

For more details, visit the official website here. All photos courtesy of Tokyo Sports Expo 2016.