We are dedicated to popularizing FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition in Japan.
Currently, our activities are led primarily by alumni of Japan’s FRC/FTC teams, with the goal of hosting the FTC Japan Regional in 2028.
Furthermore, we believe that increasing the number of FTC teams in Japan will directly contribute to the future spread of FRC.
Main Activities
FTC Popularization
1. FTC Support Program: Empowering New Teams
As the backbone of our efforts to grow the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) community in Japan, our Support Program provides crucial assistance to new teams through two primary avenues: reducing financial hurdles and offering comprehensive mentorship.
- Reducing Financial Barriers
- To ease the initial investment, we loan essential hardware vital for building a competitive robot.
This includes drive base kits, lift kits, full control system sets, batteries, and assembly guides.
By providing these core components, we ensure teams begin with the necessary resources for a strong start.
- To ease the initial investment, we loan essential hardware vital for building a competitive robot.
- Comprehensive Mentorship & Development
- Beyond equipment, we provide structured mentorship focused on long-term success. Launched on the 2024 season, this program includes monthly online meetings and summer workshops covering robot design (Fusion 360), programming (Android Studio), and team organization.
This integrated approach aims not just to launch teams, but to foster their growth and competitiveness while promoting team sustainability throughout the season and beyond.
- Beyond equipment, we provide structured mentorship focused on long-term success. Launched on the 2024 season, this program includes monthly online meetings and summer workshops covering robot design (Fusion 360), programming (Android Studio), and team organization.
FTC Support Program Overview
FTC Support Program – Kit Overview
2. FTC Japan Community & Knowledge Sharing
To foster a robust and supportive ecosystem for FTC teams in Japan, we have established a dedicated Slack community and an online Wiki:
- FTC Japan Community on Slack：https://zfrmz.com/S20ikLz1favweaI086XK
- This workspace connects all FTC teams across Japan, serving as a primary hub for exchanging practical advice, sharing technical resources, and organizing collaborative sessions.
This ongoing dialogue empowers teams to overcome operational challenges together and promotes the spirit of “coopetition” that is central to the FIRST ethos.
- This workspace connects all FTC teams across Japan, serving as a primary hub for exchanging practical advice, sharing technical resources, and organizing collaborative sessions.
- FTC Japan Wiki：https://wiki.ftc.sakura-tempesta.or.jp
- Functioning as a centralized knowledge base tailored for the Japanese context, the Wiki provides localized guides on technical setups, best practices in team management, and logistical information such as coordinating joint parts orders. This platform significantly aids new teams in navigating FTC requirements by leveraging the collective experience of veteran teams.
3. FTC Japan Scrimmage
In December 2024, we hosted Japan’s first FTC Japan Scrimmage. The event brought together all FTC teams from Japan as well as teams from Korea, and more than 100 children visited to watch the competition. In addition, FRC teams and other robotics contest teams from Japan showcased their displays, providing a valuable opportunity for exhibitors to interact and promote both FTC and FRC. We are planning to hold the event again in December 2025.
FRC Popularization
We aim not only to increase the number of teams but to build sustainable, strong ones. Currently, FRC teams in Japan struggle with funding and a lack of mentors. By first promoting FTC and securing graduates as future mentors, we strive to make FRC’s growth enduring rather than transient.
1. FRC Japan Community
We are building a network of experienced teams, mentors, and newcomers to share best practices and foster collaboration.
2. FRC Japan Wiki：https://wiki.sakura-tempesta.org
We maintain a concise, continuously updated resource offering technical guides, management tips, and case studies tailored for Japanese teams.
3. Mentoring Programs
Our seasoned mentors provide direct coaching and workshops, helping new teams overcome challenges and succeed.
Together, these initiatives create a solid foundation for long-term FRC sustainability in Japan.
FRC / FTC Team SAKURA Tempesta
As one of our key promotional initiatives, the operation of the middle and high school organization SAKURA Tempesta plays a vital role in expanding the robotics culture across Japan. SAKURA Tempesta is the most experienced and accomplished FRC/FTC team in Japan—with a track record that includes participation in the world championships five times. Their longevity and success not only serve as an inspiration to upcoming teams but also actively contribute to the growth of the FRC/FTC community by showcasing excellence in robotics, teamwork, and innovation. Through their ongoing activities and high-profile competitive presence, SAKURA Tempesta continues to promote STEAM values and encourages young learners to explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
FRC 2025 Season – Engineering Inspire Award
FTC 2023-2024 Season – 2’nd Inspire Award
SAKURA Tempesta Website ： https://www.sakura-tempesta.org/en/about-sakura-tempesta/
STEAM Promotion
In addition to promoting FRC/FTC, we are also deeply committed to STEAM promotion. We host a variety of events designed not only to support robotics programs but also to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics among elementary, junior high, and high school students. These initiatives include interactive workshops, hands-on experiments, and engaging demonstrations that encourage young learners to explore the world of STEM and manufacturing.
Jera Family Day 2024
Riko-challe 2024
