October 13 is Sports Day in Japan, a holiday that celebrates the joy of sport and the wellbeing it brings. Yet for many girls with disabilities, opportunities to take part remain limited.
Through its “Push for Future” project – launched in 2024 with support from the Play Academy with Naomi Osaka – NPO J Camp is working to change that. The initiative empowers girls and young women with and without disabilities to step forward with confidence toward the future through sport, while building leaders who will support them.
Creating a Safe Space for Girls to Try
The sound of a ball hitting a tambourine hung beneath the basketball hoop echoes through the gym. Multiple basket heights and soft balls make it possible for each girl to succeed at her own pace.
Program leaders ask, “Which ball do you want to use?” or “Shall we try a new rule?”—inviting girls to make choices for themselves.
“Children with disabilities often spend their days being helped, or holding back,” says program manager Makiko Harada. “Here, they choose, decide and try on their own. Those small steps build self-confidence and self-efficacy.”
In this environment, girls surprise even the adults: daring themselves to take tougher shots, inventing unique rules, and encouraging younger or first-time participants.
From the Court to Wider Circles of Growth
The changes don’t stop with the participants. As part of Push for Future, J Camp also runs a leadership program for young women, including those with and without disabilities. After receiving training on topics including safeguarding and children’s disabilities, they step onto the court as program leaders.
One of the program leaders, Yume, was first introduced to wheelchair basketball by a J Camp staff member when she was in high school. While she also enjoys playing in another team, her desire to create more spaces where everyone can enjoy sports, regardless of disability, led her to join the J Camp’s leadership program in 2024.
“I was so nervous speaking in front of the kids at first. But little by little, I started to go up and talk to them and their parents, and I’ve become more proactive. I’ve gained confidence—even if it’s just a little.”
Her guiding principles are simple: “Always smile, and meet the kids at their eye level.” This attitude fosters trust and gives girls the courage to try.
Still, opportunities for women with disabilities—like Yume, who supports the participants—to step into leadership roles in society remain limited. That’s why Harada emphasizes that when girls see leaders actively taking charge within the program, it gives them a chance to think, “Maybe I can do that too.” She added that the hope is that such lessons don’t just stay within J Camp.
“Sport naturally brings people together. It lets them share joy, make choices and build confidence. We hope those experiences flow into everyday life, helping people with disabilities realize their potential.”
And the ripple effect is already clear. Some girls now say, “I want to be a program leader when I grow up.” Some leaders, in turn, have carried their experience into new arenas, leading diversity initiatives in their organizations and communities.
This year, J Camp expanded its efforts to include wheelchair rugby.
“Through these programs, we want children to feel that it’s OK to be themselves, that they can make their own choices, and that there are so many things they can do. We want to continue supporting them in that journey,” Harada said.
