Local Kumagaya Businesses Unite! Bairindo and Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights Host Community-Focused Grand Thank-You Festival

In gratitude for the passionate plays and dramatic moments delivered by the players throughout the NTT JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE 2025-26 season, we extend our deepest respect and appreciation, and join fans in wishing the team even greater success in the future.

To further collaborate with local businesses and share Kumagaya’s charm with a wider audience, we hosted a grand thank-you festival with the participation of nine local stores.

♦ Grand Shinto Ritual Held at Rugby Shrine

A grand ceremonial ritual was conducted at the Bairindo Rugby Shrine (Jukō Shrine) located at the Kubota Main Store, with Chief Priest Kawabata from Kami no Raijin Shrine (Kumagaya City) presiding. Players Shunsuke Numaki and Ryuji Noguchi of the Panasonic Wild Knights, who will retire after the 2025-26 season, also participated in the shrine visit, praying for the region’s prosperity and the team’s continued success.

♦ Photo Sessions Held with Players Numaki and Noguchi

Photo sessions were held with 250 fans and the players. Attendees shared heartwarming feedback such as, "It was so joyful to meet them in person," and "This photo will be a treasured family keepsake." The players commented, "Being able to personally thank our fans one last time fills my heart with gratitude. We ask for your continued support for the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights." The event became a joyful, memorable moment for both players and fans.

♦ Special Prize Campaign Announced

A lucky draw was held to win autographed jerseys and autographed rugby balls.

※ Winners will be notified by phone at a later date.

Autographed jersey by players

Autographed rugby ball by players

Left: Noguchi, Center: Kuribayashi (President of Bairindo), Right: Numaki

♦ Season Conclusion Report from Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights

Simultaneously, representatives from Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights paid a courtesy visit to our company president to announce the conclusion of the NTT JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE 2025-26 season.

They shared updates on this season’s activities and expressed gratitude to the local community.

This reaffirmed our commitment to continuing our efforts in promoting sports within the Kumagaya region.

♦ Kumagaya Marché: Nine Local Businesses Unite

Motivated by the desire to energize Kumagaya, nine local businesses came together to host the 'Kumagaya Marché' alongside the festival.

On the day, attendees shared positive feedback such as, "We didn’t know Kumagaya had such wonderful shops," and "This was a great opportunity to discover local businesses," making it a space where the charm of the region was rediscovered.

Moving forward, we will continue to foster human connections through rugby and contribute to the revitalization of Kumagaya.

View of the Kumagaya Marché

♦ Participating Businesses in Kumagaya Marché

Uetake Confectionery

Kagami Glass Workshop

crepe KURUMI

Sanmiette

Hanō

Hanatsutsumi

Phyllis

Fujiwara no Kitchin Car

Fujiwara no Yatai

Total of 9 companies (in alphabetical order)

♦ Special Half-Price Sale on 'Namasabure: Yawaraka Gold Plain'

A half-price sale was held on 'Yawaraka Gold Plain,' Bairindo’s most popular product, which sells 10 million units annually.

The sale was conducted at two locations: Bairindo Kubota Main Store and Rugby Road Store.

On the day, the 10-piece pack (normally ¥1,400) was offered for ¥700.

Approximately 32,000 pieces were sold across both stores.

Yawaraka Gold Plain

Bairindo Kubota Main Store

♦ About Bairindo Co., Ltd. Founded in 1864 (Bunkyū 1), for nearly 160 years in Saitama, the company has dedicated itself to perfecting confectionery craftsmanship with sincerity, driven by a deep commitment to connecting hearts through sweets. We continue to strive to create delicious confections infused with this mission.

Currently operating 39 stores across Saitama, Gunma, and Tokyo.