In recent years, modern society has been rapidly shifting toward an unpredictable future due to various factors. It has become evident that creating individuals who possess essential competencies is crucial in these uncertain times. Higher education institutions have taken to offering outdoor educational programs as a means to cultivate this competence. This study focuses on a group of students at Ritsumeikan University and aims to explore the psychological and educational impacts of an outdoor education program centered around canoeing. In results regarding the psychological effects of the program, an analysis using the short version of the Profile of Mood States 2 (POMS2) revealed that participants experienced high levels of “fatigue or inertia (FI)” as a result of tiredness stemming from the unfamiliar nature of the activity. However, significant positive psychological effects were noted in all other emotional measures, leading to an overall improvement in total mood disturbance (TMD). In terms of educational effects, an analysis of reflection sheets showed that participants gained insights into three key aspects of outdoor learning: awareness of the natural environment, cooperation with peers, and understanding the relationship between self and others.

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The concept of “Sport for Development” (SfD) has frequently been referenced in the context of international contributions. However, recent studies in Western countries have highlighted the significance of SfD in addressing domestic social issues. This study, therefore, examines the current state of SfD initiatives for Indigenous peoples in Australia. The research method involved an analysis of relevant previous studies and literature, as well as a field survey conducted in Brisbane, Australia. From the perspective of SfD policy, the inclusion and welfare of Indigenous peoples through sport were first advocated in the 1990s. Since the 2000s, various policies have been implemented at the municipal level, aimed at improving the health status and employment opportunities of Indigenous peoples. In terms of SfD practices, activities have not only focused on maintaining and improving health and social and non-cognitive skills, but also on providing educational opportunities for children and reducing crime rates among youth. Additionally, some activities offer opportunities for Indigenous people to reconnect with their cultural identity, which was eroded during colonization. However, several challenges were identified in the implementation of SfD initiatives for Indigenous peoples in Australia. Further discussion is needed on the potential risks of uncritically discrediting the value and effectiveness of sport as a tool for development.

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Previous studies on urban walkability have not identified the elements of attractive walking space in suburban residential areas, nor the relationships among these elements. In addition, the evaluation of walkability is based on individual experience and sensitivity, and is therefore uncertain. The use of Bayesian networks is considered effective in modeling such an uncertain subject. The purpose of this paper is to discover the components of space that residents of suburban residential areas find attractive when walking, and to clarify the relationships among these components by creating a model using a Bayesian network.

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This study examined the enhancement of experiential value for participants in triathlon events, focusing on LAKE BIWA TRIATHLON 2024. The study aimed to identify factors affecting participation decisions, analyze elements influencing repeat participation intention, and investigate the structure of emotional experiences. Through a survey of 294 participants (response and agree rate: 35.2%), the analysis revealed that participation decisions were primarily influenced by accessibility (24.3%), the challenge of middle-distance competition (17.3%), and Lake Biwa’s environmental characteristics (12.7%). One-way analysis of variance on 21 operational and service elements identified participation fee (η² = 0.172, p < 0.001) and post-finish hospitality (η² = 0.143, p < 0.001) as the strongest factors affecting repeat participation intention. Investigation of 19 emotional experience elements showed that interaction with Lake Biwa’s natural environment constituted a significant emotional experience alongside the sense of achievement at the finish line. Notably, Lake Biwa, as a regional resource, played a significant role as a participation motivation and an element of emotional experience. These findings suggest the importance of balancing practical factors, competitive elements, and experiential aspects for sustainable triathlon event operations. The cancellation of the swimming segment and replacing it with a duathlon format might have influenced participants’ emotional experiences and the factors associated with their motivation.

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Students with developmental disabilities face many difficulties in their school life, and physical education classes are no exception. Many students with developmental disabilities have difficulty with physical activities due to their characteristics such as hypersensitivity and difficulty with motor skills. The purpose of this study is to conduct interviews with a person with developmental disabilities and to examine how physical education classes should be and appropriate teaching methods to ensure that no student is left behind. A woman diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder when she was a junior in collage participated in the interviews of this study. The results of the interviews were categorized into (1) differences between elementary school and junior high school, (2) teaching and evaluation methods, (3) her own movements, (4) difficulties in physical education due to her own characteristics, and (5) her relationship with her surroundings. The study also suggests that the followings may be main considerations in physical education classes for students with disabilities: understanding of individual characteristics and appropriate multi-environment setting, small-step instruction, use of specific language, approachable teachersʼ responses and atmosphere, and moderate teacher intervention.

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The purpose of this study was to examine the current status of legally incorporated sports organizations and to identify challenges for their future development. A nationwide survey was conducted targeting 2,436 organizations affiliated with prefectural sports associations. The results revealed that only 18.4% of these organizations had obtained legal personality. Tokyo had the highest percentage of legally incorporated organizations at 50.0%, followed by Kanagawa and Aichi at 31.5%. In contrast, Akita recorded the lowest percentage at 7.0%, followed by Miyazaki at 8.7%. The sports environment involves diverse stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, tournament staff, fans, local governments (e.g., stadiums), media, sponsors, and others, each with their own interests that may sometimes compete. To navigate these complexities and fulfill their social responsibilities, local sports associations—whether professional or amateur—must operate with transparency. This study underscores the critical role of prefectural sports associations in promoting the incorporation of local sports organizations to strengthen their governance and accountability.

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The “body sphere” is a comprehensive concept of the interaction between the body and multi-layered environments (physical, social, internal, and informational environments) and aims to create a new academic field centered on the body. The body sphere analyzes the interactive relationship between the body and its environment, revealing a multilayered structure that includes physical, mental, social, and cultural elements. With the advent of Society 5.0, the body sphere is contrasted with the information sphere (digital environment), and a perspective that emphasizes physicality, freedom, and privacy (inviolability) is important. The study of the body sphere provides a framework for adapting to a rapidly changing multi-layered environment, utilizing both evolutionary and learning axes. It also aims to achieve well-being (a state of being well-filled) through a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between the body and the environment, utilizing the concepts of mesology and cognitive science. Furthermore, through interdisciplinary integration, the project is expected to address the complex challenges of contemporary society and contribute to building a sustainable and equitable society.

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The “body sphere” is a comprehensive concept of the interaction between the body and multi-layered environments (physical, social, internal, and informational environments) and aims to create a new academic field centered on the body. The body sphere analyzes the interactive relationship between the body and its environment, revealing a multilayered structure that includes physical, mental, social, and cultural elements. With the advent of Society 5.0, the body sphere is contrasted with the information sphere (digital environment), and a perspective that emphasizes physicality, freedom, and privacy (inviolability) is important. The study of the body sphere provides a framework for adapting to a rapidly changing multi-layered environment, utilizing both evolutionary and learning axes. It also aims to achieve well-being (a state of being well-filled) through a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between the body and the environment, utilizing the concepts of mesology and cognitive science. Furthermore, through interdisciplinary integration, the project is expected to address the complex challenges of contemporary society and contribute to building a sustainable and equitable society.

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