Hokkaido Yellow Stars Decided to be Promoted to SV League; Next Chapter Begins with New Arena Concept

Hokkaido Yellow Stars (Headquarters: Higashi-ku, Sapporo; Owner: Mikiro Takeda; President: Yusuke Sawano), managed by Takeda GEAD Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo; President: Mikiro Takeda), has been confirmed for promotion to the SV League, Japan's premier volleyball league, starting from the 2026-27 season.

Last year, despite obtaining an SV license, the club missed out on promotion due to the league's 'odd-number wall.' Turning that frustration into motivation, the club has continued its journey alongside fans, sponsors, and the community.

### Reaching the Pinnacle Through Club Reform: Quadrupling Attendance and Moving to the Next Chapter with a New Arena

Hokkaido Yellow Stars came under the umbrella of Takeda GEAD Co., Ltd. in 2024, initiating a full-scale effort to rebuild the management foundation and invest in competitive strength. The club pushed forward reforms in both sports and business, including player acquisitions, organizational restructuring, enhanced arena production, and active information sharing via social media. As a result, the team won the V.LEAGUE MEN East Division, and home game attendance expanded from approximately 500 to 2,000 over two years.

This promotion marks the beginning of a new growth phase for the club. The new arena concept currently underway in Sapporo is not only about enriching the competitive environment but also about creating a new hub for sports viewing and community exchange. Hokkaido Yellow Stars is not just aiming for promotion as an end goal but is looking beyond toward the future.

For the upcoming season, the club will specifically proceed with bolstering its coaching and staff structure, as well as player reinforcements necessary for competing in the SV League. With a strong will to build a team that can compete in the SV League from its first year, preparations are in progress to challenge at a higher level.

**Comment from Mikiro Takeda, Owner of Hokkaido Yellow Stars Co., Ltd.**

'I am very pleased that Hokkaido Yellow Stars' participation in the SV League has been decided. Since taking over management in 2024, we have advanced club reforms in all aspects—management, operation, and strength. I feel those efforts led to this decision. While we experienced frustration last year, that time allowed us to face this day with even stronger resolve. Joining the SV League is not the goal; the real competition begins now. We aim to not only build a strong team but also to be a club that symbolizes Hokkaido and is loved and honored by local residents. Takeda GEAD and Hokkaido Yellow Stars will work as one to achieve further growth and create value for the region.'

**Comment from Yusuke Sawano, President of Hokkaido Yellow Stars Co., Ltd.**

'I feel great joy and a renewed sense of responsibility as the head of the club. Over the past year, we have worked on improving the home game environment, establishing player development systems, strengthening staff, and collaborating with sponsors and the community to become a club worthy of the SV League. Although the recent runner-up result was disappointing, I accept it as a necessary step for what follows. The story of the Yellow Stars does not end here; its continuation will be written on the new stage of the SV League. With gratitude to everyone who has supported us, we will continue our new challenge from Hokkaido.'

**Comment from Kaoru Nakatani, Player of Hokkaido Yellow Stars**

'I am honored to participate in the SV League. I am truly happy to stand on the stage of what used to be the V1 League and is now the SV League—a dream since I started volleyball. However, joining the SV League is not the goal for this team; achieving results in the SV League is. I will continue to work hard every day toward that end. Thank you for your continued warm support.'

**Comment from Hyuga Shigetome, Player of Hokkaido Yellow Stars**

'I am personally very excited and happy that the team will compete in the SV League. While this season ended with a runner-up finish, I want to channel that frustration into the SV League. It will be a higher level of play, but I will work hard to deliver results and not let the fans' support go to waste. Please keep cheering for us.'