7th Initiative of the “EN Project,” a Community Engagement Initiativeby the 3×3 Professional Basketball Team ZIGExN Updaters: After-School Basketball Program Launched at Notre Dame Elementary School,a Private Elementary School in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Active Professional Players Provide Direct Instruction Through an Original Program Focused on Skills, Physical Development, and Non-Cognitive Skills
ZIGExN UPDATERS.EXE (hereinafter referred to as “ZIGExN Updaters”) (https://zigexn.co.jp/updaters/), a professional 3×3 basketball team based in Kyoto City, Kyoto, and owned by ZIGExN Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, Operating Officer, and CEO: Joe Hirao; Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime: 3679; hereinafter referred to as ZIGExN), has been participating in the “EN Project” since last season, with the aim of promoting sustainable regional development and creating opportunities for people to take on new challenges. As the seventh initiative under the EN Project, ZIGExN Updaters launched an after-school basketball program at Notre Dame Elementary School, a private elementary school in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City.
■About the Basketball Program at Notre Dame Elementary School
Notre Dame Elementary School is a private elementary school founded in 1954, with “Virtue and Knowledge” as its founding principles.
The school places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with a focus on developing students’ ability to think independently and face and overcome challenges. It also offers a comprehensive range of after-school programs, providing children with diverse learning opportunities and new experiences.
ZIGExN Updaters has also built partnerships with educational institutions in Kyoto, including a collaboration with the Rakunan High School basketball team, under its team slogan, “UPDATE the YOUTH — Supporting Young People in Taking on New Challenges.” The initiative with Notre Dame Elementary School is a continuation of these ongoing efforts.
Following ZIGExN Updaters’ participation in the school’s annual “ND Fest” event last fall, both parties found common ground in the shared desire to bring the authentic skills and mindset that only active professional athletes can offer into children’s everyday learning environment. This shared vision led to the launch of the after-school basketball program as a partnership that leverages the respective strengths of both organizations.
For the program, active professional players from ZIGExN Updaters have designed an original curriculum tailored to the children’s developmental stages and aligned with the educational philosophy of Notre Dame Elementary School. The players themselves will provide direct instruction, using basketball to foster non-cognitive skills, including the ability to think and act as a team, consideration for others, and perseverance.
■About the ZIGExN Updaters “EN Project”
nder the team slogan “UPDATE the YOUTH — Supporting Young People in Taking on New Challenges,” ZIGExN Updaters has been developing the “EN Project” since last season to foster sustainable regional development and create opportunities for people to take on new challenges, while valuing the connections and relationships built with the many people involved in the team’s activities.
As part of its initiatives to date, ZIGExN Updaters has undertaken a wide range of activities, primarily in Kyoto, including forming a partnership with the Rakunan High School basketball team, participating in “SHIMOGYO URBAN SPORTS CHALLENGE,” a child-rearing support project in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, and organizing the “3×3 Campus Cup,” a western Japan student 3×3 basketball tournament. In the 2025–2026 season, ZIGExN Updaters will continue to work with local governments, educational institutions, and community organizations to build connections with more people through 3×3 basketball.
For more information about the EN Project, please visit: https://zigexn.co.jp/updaters/en/
■About the “ZIGExN UPDATERS.EXE” (ZIGExN Updaters)
ZIGExN Updaters is a professional 3×3 basketball team based in Kyoto City, Kyoto, established in 2022 and operated by ZIGExN. Through 3×3 basketball, the team values its connections with local governments and communities and is committed to building and operating the team with a focus on sustainable development. The team name reflects its commitment to helping “Update” (evolve) the lives of its stakeholders through its activities.
Team Website: https://zigexn.co.jp/updaters/
Online Shop: https://zigexn3x3.official.ec/
Official Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigexn_updaters.exe/
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/ZIGExN_UPDATERS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZIGExNUPDATERS
［Slogan］
“UPDATE the YOUTH — Supporting Young People in Taking on New Challenges”
Through sports promotion, regional revitalization in Kyoto, career support for athletes, and team management that involves students, ZIGExN Updaters is committed to creating sustainable initiatives that place young people at the center and engage a wide range of stakeholders in Kyoto, a city that attracts students from across Japan.
