Michinoku Coca-Cola Bottling Installs First-Ever 'Akita Sky Rockets Support Vending Machine'

Michinoku Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture; President & CEO: Hirokazu Tanamura; hereinafter "the Company") has launched the 'Akita Sky Rockets Support Vending Machine' in collaboration with the General Incorporated Association VC Akita Volleyball Club (Representative Director: Hotone Tomizawa). The first machine was installed at IRISO Arena Yokote (Yokote City Gymnasium) on June 14, 2026 (Sunday), where an unveiling ceremony was held.

The 'Akita Sky Rockets Support Vending Machine' aims to support the Akita Sky Rockets, who will join the newly established national amateur top league, the 'Japan Volleyball League (V.League)', starting in November 2026. A portion of the vending machine's sales revenue will be used as funding for the club's activities. This marks the first such installation in Japan, with plans to expand to additional locations in the future.

Overview of the Unveiling Ceremony 【Date】 June 14, 2026 (Sunday), 12:30–13:00 【Venue】 IRISO Arena Yokote (Yokote City Gymnasium | 48-2 Akasaka, Sonokoshita, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture)

【Attendees】 ＜Yokote City＞ Sports Promotion Division Chief, Noriharu Shindo ＜Fukushi Enterprise Co., Ltd.＞ President & CEO, Asato Fukushi ＜General Incorporated Association VC Akita Volleyball Club (Akita Sky Rockets)＞ Representative Director, Hotone Tomizawa; Coach, Yasutaka Ito; Player, Hibiki Ikezaki ＜The Company＞ Executive Officer and Sales Division Head, Ryuichiro Tachi; Akita Sales Department Head, Kazuhiko Hatakeyama

Comment from Mr. Asato Fukushi, President of Fukushi Enterprise Co., Ltd. "The new arena, which we operate as designated managers, will now symbolically collaborate with the Akita Sky Rockets as they enter the new league. We aim to work together to create an environment where the team can thrive."

Comment from Ms. Hotone Tomizawa, Representative Director of VC Akita Volleyball Club (Akita Sky Rockets) "Our activities still have significant room for growth, including awareness. This 'Akita Sky Rockets Support Vending Machine' is a crucial initiative to increase visibility and provide everyday support, creating meaningful connections with the public. Although we are still an emerging team, we will continue to grow with the support of everyone."

Comment from Mr. Ryuichiro Tachi, Executive Officer and Sales Division Head of the Company "Until now, our company has promoted vending machine initiatives aimed at supporting regional sports and revitalizing local communities. The newly installed 'Akita Sky Rockets Support Vending Machine' allows customers to support the team simply by purchasing beverages. We hope this first machine will contribute to the team's further success and strengthen ties with the local community."

About Michinoku Coca-Cola Bottling

Michinoku Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Ltd. manufactures and sells Coca-Cola products in Aomori, Iwate, and Akita prefectures. Beyond delivering refreshing beverages that enrich lifestyles, the company operates various community-integrated businesses, aiming to support residents' positive and happy lifestyles. As a local enterprise based in Northern Tohoku and a member of the Coca-Cola system, the company fulfills its responsibility by creating positive change and social value, continuously contributing to sustainable regional development.