On October 20, 2023, Rockwell Automation Japan Co., Ltd. held a “Sengoku Undokai” (Warring States Period-themed Sports Day) as part of their regular kickoff events. This article introduces the background of the event and the highlights of the day.
Event Overview
- Client: Rockwell Automation Japan Co., Ltd.
- Date: October 20, 2023
- Number of Participants: Approximately 90 participants (The scale was categorized as 51–100 people)
- Venue: Futsal Studio Rise Toyosu (Indoor)
Background: Creating a High-Impact, Uniquely Japanese Experience
Rockwell Automation Japan is a foreign-affiliated company that supports the manufacturing industry through industrial automation and IT power. While the company holds regular kickoff events globally, they wanted this Japanese edition to leave a lasting impact by showcasing local uniqueness.
The organizers chose IKUSA’s Sengoku Undokai because it offered a distinctly Japanese atmosphere that would appeal to their global team and provide a memorable, impactful experience.
What is “Sengoku Undokai”?
Sengoku Undokai is an innovative sports day that immerses participants in the extraordinary atmosphere of Japan’s Warring States period. The activities are designed to be inclusive, allowing people of all ages and fitness levels to succeed regardless of athletic ability.
Key elements include:
- Collaboration: Strategy meetings, known as Gun-gi, are held before events to encourage communication and team building.
- Diverse Activities: Traditional sports are reimagined with a samurai twist, such as Chanbara合戦 (Sword Battle) using foam swords and San-kin Kotai Relay (Daimyo’s procession relay).
Global Communication
As many participants traveled from overseas, the MC conducted the event primarily in English. Mr. Yada, President of the Japanese entity, delivered the opening remarks while dressed in full traditional samurai armor, which significantly heightened the authentic atmosphere.
Team Building in Action
Participants across all age groups engaged intensely in the competitions. The Tug-of-War saw teams giving their absolute all, while the final Sword Battle—consisting of both “Annihilation” and “General” matches—resulted in a thrilling 1-on-1 duel won by a female participant.
Custom Touches
To further unify the teams, Rockwell Automation Japan provided original company T-shirts. Additionally, IKUSA produced custom banners for the venue to enhance the historical ambiance. For lunch, participants enjoyed “Biz-Meshi” lunch boxes provided by IKUSA.
Event Highlights: A Day of Intense Competition and Cultural Immersion
The event brought together approximately 90 participants at Futsal Studio Rise Toyosu, divided into four competing armies: Green, Yellow, Blue, and Red. The day consisted of five unique Sengoku-themed activities.
Opening Ceremony: A Leadership Display in Full Armor
The ceremony set a powerful tone for the day. Given the high number of international visitors, the Master of Ceremonies (MC) conducted the proceedings primarily in English. A major highlight was the appearance of Mr. Yada, President of Rockwell Automation Japan, who addressed the participants while wearing full traditional samurai armor. This visual impact immediately immersed the global team in the historical Japanese atmosphere.
Strategic Battles and Physical Competitions
The “Sengoku Undokai” featured a series of events that required both physical effort and teamwork:
- Ojyama Tamaire (Interference Ball Toss): A twist on the traditional ball toss where teams had to overcome obstacles to score.
- O-tawara Okuri (Giant Rice Bale Carry): Teams worked in unison to transport large, heavy rice bales, symbolizing the importance of logistics in ancient warfare.
- Yotsudomoe Tsunahiki (Four-Way Tug-of-War): An intense test of strength where all four teams pulled against each other simultaneously. Participants were seen putting their full weight and effort into the struggle.
- Sengoku Relay: A high-energy race where participants of all ages competed seriously, showing great focus and determination.
The Grand Finale: SAMURAI BATTLE
The final event was the most anticipated: a battle using safe, foam-padded swords. Each participant wore a “life” (a ball) on their arm, and the goal was to strike the opponent’s “life” to eliminate them.
- Annihilation Match: Teams fought until one side was completely eliminated.
- General Match: Teams focused on protecting their leader while attempting to take down the enemy’s general. The competition concluded with a dramatic 1-on-1 duel between two formidable warriors, which was ultimately won by a female participant, drawing cheers from the entire crowd.
Conclusion
The kickoff event was a resounding success, providing international participants with a direct experience of Japanese culture while fostering team spirit. The organizers expressed high satisfaction, noting that the employees were delighted with the experience.
IKUSA offers various team-building programs that can be facilitated in English to support global companies and international exchange.
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