IZUMISANO, Osaka — Aiming to become a leading city in esports, or competitive gaming, this west Japan city on Aug. 25 announced a project running through fiscal 2024 that includes the establishment of facilities to experience esports, competitions with training camps, and professional player development.
The Izumisano Municipal Government in Osaka Prefecture planned the “esports MICE content demonstration project” centered on the city’s Rinku Town area with its convenient transportation access.
Four companies including Nankai Electric Railway Corp. have been commissioned to promote the project. As a starting event, an “esports camp” was held from Aug. 22 to 25. Forty-four high school students from across Japan participated in the camp, practicing and playing games over the four-day program. From next fiscal year, the camp will be held three times a year with different age groups.
In addition, “estadium Izumisano” will open in Rinku Town on Nov. 28. There will be an area to experience games equipped with computers and other devices, as well as an area for children, both of which are free. There is also a store selling related items.
Moreover, a program for player development will be created together with a V team targeting players of high school age and above who aspire to become professionals.
At a news conference, Izumisano Mayor Hiroyasu Chiyomatsu said, “esports can be played both in person at the venue and online. There are many commercial and lodging facilities here, and we hope people will enjoy the various aspects of the city.”
According to the operators, the domestic market for esports is expected to grow from 6.7 billion yen (about $48 million) in 2020 to 18.4 billion yen (approx. $132 million) in 2024.
(Japanese original by Toru Ikeda, Planning Department)
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