HPSC Launches “HPSC ESPORTS LAB” to Advance International Competitiveness in Esports Through Science, Technology and Innovation

Japan High Performance Sport Center (HPSC), operated by the Japan Sport Council (JSC), officially launched the HPSC ESPORTS LAB at the HPSC Ajinomoto National Training Center East. The new facility has been established to strengthen research and athlete support through the application of cutting-edge technologies, while enhancing Japan’s international competitiveness in Esports through evidence-based sport science, medicine and information.

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Facility Overview
The HPSC ESPORTS LAB is structured around three dedicated zones:

The facility is equipped with a range of advanced technologies, including eye-tracking systems, heart-rate monitoring devices, electroencephalography (EEG) equipment and thermography tools. These capabilities will enable evidence-based research and athlete support programmes for Esports across sport science, medicine and information.

Through collaboration with universities, research institutions and industry partners, the HPSC ESPORTS LAB will serve as a central hub for the advancement of Esports and high-performance sport research. In addition to supporting international competitive success, the laboratory aims to translate emerging knowledge into the wider society and life-performance applications.

Comment from Dr. KUKIDOME Takeshi, Director, Japan High Performance Sport Center and Vice President, Japan Sport Council
The establishment of the HPSC ESPORTS LAB represents a new frontier for HPSC, extending the expertise we have developed in sport science, medicine and information into the rapidly evolving field of Esports. By deepening collaboration with universities and research institutions, we will strengthen evidence-based research and athlete support to enhance international competitiveness in Esports. Furthermore, we aim to apply the knowledge and innovations generated through this initiative not only to traditional sport but also to broader life performance, advancing our vision of “from High Performance to High Performance” and “from High Performance to Life Performance”.

Background: Driving the Future of Esports and High-Performance Sport in Japan
Rapid advances in digital technologies are reshaping the global sporting landscape. International organisations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and various International Federations are actively exploring the role of Esports and virtual sport, while national governing bodies are expanding related initiatives.

In Japan, the Fourth Basic Plan for Sport, released by the Japan Sports Agency, highlights the importance of leveraging advanced digital technologies, including Esports, to support athlete development and performance enhancement in sport. At the same time, the growing prominence of international Esports competitions has underscored the value of sport science and medical support in achieving world-class performance.

In light of this situation, HPSC has expanded its expertise in sport science, medicine and performance analytics beyond its traditional Olympic and Paralympic sport. The establishment of the HPSC ESPORTS LAB marks a significant step towards accelerating research, innovation and athlete support in the high-performance Esports environment, while fostering new knowledge that can benefit sport more broadly.

HPSC ESPORTS LAB Logo Concept

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Capturing the dynamic world of esports, where competition unfolds within the digital arena, the logo conveys a powerful sense of speed, energy and momentum.

The logo is inspired by the letter “E”, representing the uniqueness of the Esports realm with its first initial letter. The “E” is composed of three distinct elements that reflect the discipline's three core pillars:
-Virtual (Physical) Sports
-Simulation Sports
-Traditional Esports
Its flowing lines and sharp, dynamic form embody the very essence of competition, symbolising acceleration, rapid responsiveness and the split-second decisions that can determine victory or defeat.

The overall design also reflects the continued evolution and future growth of Esports, expressing a vision of progress, innovation and lasting impact.

National Team Training Already Underway for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Japanese national team athletes are already utilising the HPSC ESPORTS LAB as part of their preparation for major international competitions, including the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

Training camps conducted to date have featured educational programmes covering sports medicine, nutrition, mental health, sleep and conditioning. Alongside education, athletes have also participated in data-driven studies involving physiological monitoring and performance analysis to optimise conditioning strategies and competitive performance in Esports.

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Looking Ahead
The HPSC ESPORTS LAB will continue to drive innovation through research and support incorporating emerging technologies, including contactless vital-sign sensing and immersive digital technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR).

These initiatives are expected to deliver benefits beyond Esports, including the effective use of digital technologies in traditional sport environments and the enhancement of athlete wellbeing across a broad range of performance settings.

To address challenges unique to Esports, HPSC is also developing a comprehensive conditioning handbook focused on Esport support. Drawing on expertise in sports medicine, nutrition, mental health, sleep science and neuroscience, the publication will provide accessible guidance on athlete wellbeing and performance optimisation for Esports competitors and their wider support entourage.

Through the HPSC ESPORTS LAB, HPSC is committed to creating a world-leading platform where science, technology and innovation converge to shape the future of high-performance sport and Esports, while delivering lasting benefits to society.

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