Rugby Team "Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay"

Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay, which belongs to Japan Rugby League One, the premiere rugby league in Japan, conducts social contribution activities linked to the SDGs in various regions, primarily in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, Japan, one of its host areas. Having adopted the team vision of "’Proud Billboard’ - Aiming to be a strong, well-loved team, worthily embodying stakeholder pride," the team endeavors both to win matches, and through their social contribution activities, to become a valuable presence for the local community and residents.

As well as particularly around Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, with which a partnership agreement was signed in 2020, and Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture, where their home ground is located, Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay social contribution activities are carried out in different localities including the Kansai region, where Kubota's headquarters are located.By proactively engaging in activities related to the SDGs at various locations, including match venues, Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay, one of the Kubota entities closest to the general public, hopes to make the SDGs more accessible to citizens.

The wide range of social contribution activities that Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay is involved in includes the following examples.

As its name indicates, Tambo Rugby is an event for local residents to enjoy playing rugby in tambo rice paddies before rice has been transplanted. As an activity to cheer up the community, the first event was held in 2015 by rugby fans and local farmers in Fukuchiyama City in Kyoto Prefecture, which had been severely damaged by a typhoon, and it is now played throughout Japan.

Because of its connections with Kubota's business areas, the fields of food, water, and the environment, Kubota Spears continues to play Tambo Rugby throughout Japan, contributing to the spread of rugby and the revitalization of local communities.

Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay holds tag rugby classes at various locations, primarily in host areas, with the aim of popularizing rugby and promoting sports.

Tag rugby, which is also part of elementary school physical education classes, and our aim in having students experience it under the guidance of current players and staff, is to provide them with an opportunity to realize the importance of team play in which they work together to carry the ball as well as rugby’s appeal and the fun of moving their bodies.

In fiscal 2024, we taught approximately 4,500 students in 68 classes at 57 schools. Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay will continue to contribute to the further popularization of volleyball, the healthy development of children.

*Tag rugby is a sport in which players pull off tags attached to their waists instead of making dangerous tackles, that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, genders, and experience levels.

Based on the SDGs "Leave no one behind" theme, and with the aim of supporting the healthy development, independence, and growth of students with diverse personalities through sports, we collaborate with Kubota Inclusion Works Co., Ltd., a special Kubota subsidiary that promotes the employment of people with disabilities, to hold tag rugby classes every year at special needs schools in Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

Every year, current and former players participating as instructors directly teach the rules and how to move their bodies. According to each team’s proficiency level, instructors strive to convey information in a concise manner from the students' perspective, so that they can gradually understand the rules and movements.

By continuing to hold tag rugby classes at special needs schools, we will contribute to the healthy development of all young people while conveying the fun of rugby.

Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay will continue to contribute to the local community and strive to become a team that is loved by all stakeholders.