Johan Cruyff Institute has signed a collaboration agreement with EPG Ltd., a prominent football training company in Tokyo. This agreement marks a new phase in sport management education in Japan and expands the international presence of the academic institution
The football industry in Japan has experienced exponential growth in recent decades. With the professionalization of the J. League and continuous investment in infrastructure and youth development programs, Japan has established itself as a football power in Asia. The league has seen an increase not only in the number of teams but also in the quality of play and fan participation. Furthermore, the growing export of Japanese talent to European clubs reflects the improvement in the quality and international visibility of Japanese football.
The collaboration between Johan Cruyff Institute and EPG is expected to set new standards in sport education and professional development in Japan, reinforcing both entities’ commitment to excellence. The agreement includes the distribution of online educational content tailored to the needs and preferences of Japanese students.
The Master in Football Business Online will be offered in Japanese, leveraging EPG’s knowledge of the local market. This program is designed to provide essential tools and administrative concepts necessary for effective management within the football sector. The master will be available from early July, allowing participants to access interesting educational resources.
An agreement aimed at enhancing the quality and visibility of Japanese football
Kenichi Tsuji, CEO of EPG, expressed his optimism about this collaboration: “With the increasing globalization of the Japanese football market, there is high demand for online training from Europe. Language barriers, however, have been a significant obstacle. Our partnership with Johan Cruyff Institute will enable us to offer online programs in Japanese to the 90,000 licensed coaches of the JFA, thus enhancing their understanding of the football industry. This effort not only maximizes our joint experience in sport management training but also opens up new opportunities to effectively interact with the largest market in Asia.”
Similarly, Cristina Palés, marketing director of Johan Cruyff Institute, commented on the Japanese market: “Japan has always been an interesting market for us, but as Mr. Tsuji says, the language barrier has hindered synergies. With this collaboration, we will be able to continue our mission to professionalize the football industry through training in such an attractive industry as the Japanese one.”
This joint effort aims to further the knowledge and development of sport management practices in Japan, significantly contributing to professional growth in the sports industry in the country.
