Kyodo News Shinmachi, a small town of about 13,000 people in Gunma Prefecture, has drawn the attention of several municipalities because of its comprehensive regional sports club -- a concept common in Europe but relatively new to Japan.
In line with the government's sports-promoting policy, Shinmachi Sports Club is helping many children get involved in sports.
The former Education Ministry -- which now falls under the umbrella of the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry -- formed a basic sports-promotion plan last year that involved the establishment of comprehensive regional sports clubs in all cities, towns and villages by 2010.