Making a FRC team in Japan

[MathFreak]

Hello. I'm originally from Japan and now live in Canada, but I'm going back to Japan in next June. I had a lot of fun doing FRC and want to do it again because I still have time. But is it possible to make a new team in Japan? Not meaning the earthquakes and stuff, but meaning where to have the regionals, languages and stuff.

[Billfred]

Can you do it? I can't think of a reason why not--3132 competes from Australia.

It's going to be much more expensive, and it's going to introduce a whole new set of challenges...but if you've got the drive and planets align there's nothing to stop you from going for it.

[Akash Rastogi]

I could definitely see you guys going to the Hawaii regional. Now that would be cool!

[Ankit S.]

<Edit> Billfred beat me </Edit>

Regional wise it is very possible to have team in Japan. IIRC there is an Australian team that travels to the Hawaii Regional, and I bet you can do that. As for language, I am not sure how much English is taught by Japanese schools. I have met some exchange students from Japan that are very fluent in English, so a school that teaches English might be the best for you. Then again, you could always teach English during the offseason, or ensure that the traveling team knows sufficient English.

Best of luck!

[Chris is me]

From what I remember of my time in Japan, students at the high school age are definitely good enough at English to compete at an English speaking regional.

The Hawaii Regional is probably the best place for you guys. Starting a Japan Regional will be possible once you have several teams in Japan.

[iblis432]

but but but... Japan builds giant robots and they'll always win........ -to much anime for me-

I think a Japanese team would be great. Its always great to see teams appear worldwide

[rsisk]

I would definitely contact FIRST about what you want to do since you will definitely need some help from them along the way.

[GaryVoshol]

Japan already has a big presence in FLL. You can probably work with the FLL partner as well.

[bam-bam]

I also believe 359 is working on an outreach to Japan. I think they would appreciate a call.

Good luck, I hope you have tremendous success in founding a FRC Japanese team. As a fellow Japanese, I couldn't believe they weren't any teams in Japan. Your intentions had made my day a lot! Thank you!

[Retired Starman]

There should be no lack of corporate sponsors for a team in Japan. Given the presence of FLL there, Im surprised that there hasn't already been a move to develop an extensive group of FRC teams there.

Starting teams in Japan would be a great boost for FIRST.

Dr. Bob

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Hikari,
I would love to see a Japanese team competing. I am available to help with support via email or phone if needed.

[waialua359]

Due to the earthquake that hit back in March, one of our DOD schools that hosted a VEX tournament is no longer having one after 2 years.
The main teacher coordinator who worked at ASIJ in Tokyo, left after 22 years there, for fear of the radiation fallout with his 3 kids.
He has since packed his bags and moved to Florida.

We have been trying for several years now contacting schools and introducing them to FIRST. Its been tough since the logistics and cost to do FIRST is enormous.

I would definitely suggest the HI regional as others from the Phillipines and Australia have come in the past.

[VKP]

There's teams from Turkey that compete at the Seattle Regional every year, so I'm sure that if you could get a dedicated group of students and mentors together in Japan (and find the proper fundraising of course) you would be able to attend a regional.

We would love to see you at the Seattle Regionals next year if you form a team =D

[Cabey4]

I see that you managed to start team 5701!!!!!!!!
It looks like you did very well, particularly for a rookie team!!!!
Hope you have a great off-season, and an even better 2016 season!!!!
おげんきですか。にほごおできます。（I only know a little Japanese, not even enough to say 'I know a little Japanese' But I'm getting there)
さようなら！！！

[LCJ]

Hey Hikari, I am from Japan too!

I feel like starting a team in Japan would be somewhat difficult but definitely do-able! I am still fluent in Japanese (although tech-jargon may be difficult for me).
I would love to help, especially in the form of teaching the Japanese students (I can do translations and also teach CAD over emails/video call).

If you are going to make a team in Japan, please private message me!!