Using Sports to Revitalize the Community and Foster Connections Among Families with Children

ZIGExN Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, Operating Officer, and CEO: Joe Hirao; Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime: 3679, hereinafter “ZIGExN”) and OVER THUMPZ Co., Ltd., Kansai Branch (Location: Kyoto City, Kyoto; Branch Representative: Yoshihiro Mishima; hereinafter “OVER THUMPZ”) are pleased to announce that they will once again jointly implement the “Shimogyo URBAN SPORTS CHALLENGE,” a childcare support project promoted by Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, that supports child-rearing through sports activities in the city center.

As part of this project, ZIGEXN UPDATERS.EXE (https://zigexn.co.jp/updaters/) (hereinafter “ZIGEXN UPDATERS”), a professional 3×3 basketball team owned by ZIGExN, and NEWTRAD （https://ov-t.com/newtrad）, a professional double dutch team operated by OVER THUMPZ, will collaborate with the cooperation of children’s centers, schools, and other organizations in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City to create diverse opportunities for children to experience urban sports.

＜Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City Press Release＞
https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/shimogyo/page/0000356809.html

■Background and Continuation of the Project

The “Childcare Support Project through Sports in the City Center” is an initiative aimed at fostering community connections among families with children in Shimogyo Ward and enhancing the appeal of the local community. Through collaboration between professional teams specializing in double dutch and 3×3 basketball, hands-on events that showcase the appeal of urban sports will be held monthly at various locations throughout Shimogyo Ward.

Launched in FY2026/3, this project has provided local families with children opportunities to interact directly with professional athletes, while fostering connections among parents and children and strengthening community ties through sports. Following the positive response to last year’s events and numerous requests from local residents to continue the initiative, the project will be held again in FY2027/3. This year, the programs and activities have been further enhanced, and participation is now open free of charge to those living outside Shimogyo Ward as well. We encourage families and friends to take this opportunity to join us and enjoy the program together.

■2026 Event Schedule

Events are scheduled to take place from the summer vacation period in August 2026 through January 2027.

(Note) The event times for sessions from November 14 onward will be announced through our official channels as soon as they are finalized.

■Event Overview

●Eligibility: Preschool-aged children through elementary school students residing in Kyoto City
●Programs:
・3×3 Basketball Session (for elementary school students)
・Double Dutch Session (for elementary school students)
・Parent-Child Stretching Session (for preschool-aged children and their parents)
●Capacity:
・3×3 Basketball: 40 participant
・Double Dutch: 30 participants
・Parent-Child Stretching: 10 parent-child pairs
●Participation Fee: Free

■How to Apply

Applications will open on Tuesday, August 4.
Application deadlines vary depending on the venue. Please check the details at the URL below and submit your application accordingly.
(Note) If the number of applicants exceeds capacity, participants will be selected by lottery.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LUDeHsncmr67tBkA3BcDKKWR34nvMTrj/view

■FY2026/3 Project Results

In the previous project, held from August 2025 through February 2026, a total of seven hands-on experience sessions were held for local families with children, with the cooperation of children’s centers and other organizations in Shimogyo Ward.
●Total Participants: More than 200 participants in total
●Media Coverage: The project received coverage from multiple television and media outlets, including J:COM and the sports segment of KBS Kyoto’s “Kyoto Days,” generating significant interest and attention.

Final Event: On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the “Shimo-Challe 2025 Final” was held at Shimogyo Regional Gymnasium. The event featured skill-recording sessions for 3×3 basketball and Double Dutch, as well as an exhibition match featuring professional athletes, bringing the season to an exciting close.

■ OVER THUMPZ Co., Ltd. Company Profile

OVER THUMPZ Co., Ltd. develops and operates a wide range of businesses with the aim of promoting and advancing the sport of Double Dutch. Its activities include event planning and management, professional performer management, casting for urban sports and street-based genres, operation of Double Dutch schools, as well as instructor dispatch, training, and support for coaches and instructors. In 2024, OVER THUMPZ entered into a partnership agreement with Kyoto City and the Kyoto City Sports Association to promote urban sports, with the aim of further advancing and developing urban sports in the region.

［Company Name］ OVER THUMPZ Co., Ltd. Kansai Branch
［Kansai Branch Address］ Nakakins Flat 201 417-1 Kaminocho, Kizuyabashi Agaru, Ōmiya-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
［Established］ September 2015
［Branch Representative］ Kansai Branch Representative: Yoshihiro Mishima
［Business］ Event planning and management; professional performer management; and other businesses related to the promotion and advancement of Double Dutch
［URL］ https://ov-t.com/

■Professional Double Dutch Team “NEWTRAD” — Team Profile

NEWTRAD is a professional Double Dutch team affiliated with OVER THUMPZ Co., Ltd. The team features a diverse lineup of members, including world champions, performers with experience appearing in Cirque du Soleil productions, mothers, and influential Gen Z members. In FY2024, the team won medals at international Double Dutch competitions. In addition to performing, NEWTRAD members also serve as instructors at Double Dutch schools, helping to promote and develop the sport.

Official Website: https://ov-t.com/newtrad
Official Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/newtrad_official/
Official YouTube Channel “Meccha NEWTRAD!!”: https://www.youtube.com/@mecchanewtrad425

■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.