Kanagawa Soccer Team Takes a New Field: University Squad Moves Into Elderly Yokohama Community
Danchi public housing complexes were built across Japan during its postwar economic boom years; today they are a microcosm of the nation’s aging society. In Yokohama, 60 members of the Kanagawa University soccer club have moved into Takeyama Danchi, interacting with elderly residents and breathing new life into their community. The powerhouse team has spurred a series of changes within the danchi.
The Kanagawa University soccer team has become an integral part of the elderly community in Takeyama Danchi, a housing complex on a hilltop in Yokohama. The team moved into the danchi in 2020, as part of the prefecture's "danchi renewal" initiative, with the goal of tackling issues that private operators would not act on. The soccer team members interact with residents in various ways, including training together at the modern, glass-walled sporting facility, joining neighborhood festivals, giving smartphone classes, and tutoring children.
Over 440 people have joined the soccer team as residents, and the facility sees around 35 participants in calisthenics classes daily. Despite the high cost of membership, residents of limited means are also attending, thanks to the appeal of the energetic soccer players. The Takeyama Danchi project received an award from Yokohama City for its community building efforts.
Originally built in the 1970s to support rapid economic growth, the complex now has 47% of its residents aged over 65, with children having moved away. Health issues and weakened community bonds are becoming more prevalent, with cases of residents passing away unnoticed. The soccer team's presence has helped bridge the gap between the elderly and younger community members, creating a sense of renewed connection and engagement within the danchi.
Written by urgent.news from Nippon.com's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
