The JRFU and PRFU shared their respective strategies. PRFU highlighted regional strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of different provinces. JRFU shared its development strategies and the critical role of Regional Development Officers (RDOs) in local communities.

The program emphasized the core philosophy: “Leadership is not a noun but a verb.” Facilitator Saif Ullah Khan challenged participants to distinguish between leadership and management, asking, "What does good leadership mean to you?"

The program in Japan was conducted from Wednesday, February 18, to Monday, February 23, 2026. The sessions were held in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, from February 18 (Wed) to February 21 (Sat), followed by programs in Kumagai City, Saitama Prefecture, on February 22 (Sun) and February 23 (Mon).

The Tree Model: Social Issues and Personal Passion 
Facilitated by Mr. Khan, Using the "Tree Model" method, participants explored the "roots" (their underlying passions and concerns) and the "fruit" (the resulting social outcomes) to confront the challenges they wish to address.

Mr. Masafumi Takeyama (Rugby Technical Operations Manager) and Mr. Takeki Kaneko (Service Manager) from the Asian Games Organising Committee delivered a lecture on the preparation and management of international tournaments. We learned that many departments function in coordination to ensure the success of a major event. Furthermore, they shared insights into how a "legacy perspective" is integrated into urban planning, providing a valuable learning experience from two individuals directly involved in the game preparations.

Toyota City’s Multicultural Coexistence Initiatives 
Toyota City is working to create a city where people with international roots can live comfortably. This includes awareness activities regarding diversity, the use of "Easy Japanese" (Yasashii Nihongo), the promotion of multicultural understanding, and providing information in multiple languages. We learned the importance of effectively promoting multiculturalism by vertically aligning local government policies with on-site practices. The session also shared expectations for the social role of sports, based on the belief that "sports have the power to connect people across nationalities, languages, and cultures."

Creating a "Sense of  Belonging" at Homi Danchi: JUNTOS 
We welcomed Mr. Shunto Yoshimura, representative of JUNTOS, an organization creating a community where people of all ages and nationalities can participate at Homi Danchi—a housing complex in Toyota City home to many residents with diverse international backgrounds. We learned about JUNTOS’s activities in the community and got advice on preparing "Rugby Night," an rugby event for kids with different ethnic groups led by youth leaders. 
Through questions such as "Aren’t you feeling I am doing something for' someone?" and "Are you enjoying yourselves as well?", participants deepened their thinking on how to engage with diverse communities. It was an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of enjoying the activities themselves, gaining motivation and energy for future projects.

In the final stage of the program in Toyota, participants utilized their learning to plan and implement "Rugby Night" at Nishihomi Elementary School. Under the guidance of JUNTOS, preparations included setting objectives, establishing "House Rules" for a safe environment, and receiving advice on how to reach out to the different communities.
The participants discussed how to encourage participation and ensure that children with no prior rugby experience could enjoy themselves within the limited time in their preparation.
On the day of the event, approximately 50 children with various backgrounds participated, most of whom were new to rugby. Through interaction, each Youth Leader demonstrated leadership and successfully delivered rugby session to the children and local residents

Team Building at Panasonic Wild Knights
In Kumagai City, Saitama Prefecture, Mr. Makoto Yazaki, International Relations Manager for the Panasonic Wild Knights, gave a lecture on the team's principles to become "the best in the world" and the business model of corporate sports. Through this lecture, participants deepened their understanding of the mindset and vision required as a team member, marking a precious opportunity to learn from one of Japan's top-level teams.

This week-long program provided opportunities for participants to reflect on themselves and their teammates while learning and practicing rugby development and tickling to social problem through exchange with local citizens and rugby stakeholders.
 Moving forward, the Youth Leaders will work on planning and implementing projects in their respective countries and communities based on the knowledge gained from this program.