The Japan esports Union, which includes game manufacturers and others, has decided to become an associate member of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

The JOC approved the associate membership of the union on June 11, showing that video games and esports could be one of the future Olympic disciplines.

Teams from the union will be able to represent Japan officially in international esports competitions for a limited time until March 31, 2027.

The number of people competing in esports is increasing, with schools being established to learn practical skills and knowledge from gaming professionals.

Ishihara Yasushi, Corporate Officer, Konami Digital Entertainment: Esports is seen as an extension of playing video games, and Japan has not yet tackled the full-scale development of esports players as athletes. We hope that with our associate membership to the JOC an environment for the development of such athletes will be created.

The Japan esports Union is committed to producing as many Japanese gold medalists as possible.