Hokkaido Yellow Stars Promoted to SV League, Next Chapter Begins with New Arena Plan

Hokkaido Yellow Stars (Headquarters: Higashi-ku, Sapporo; Owner: Mikio Takeda; President: Yusuke Sawano), managed by Takebu GEAD Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo; Representative Director and President: Mikio Takeda), has been officially promoted to the SV League, Japan's top volleyball league, starting from the 2026-27 season.

Last year, despite obtaining an SV license, the club missed out on promotion due to the "odd number barrier" in league formation. However, using that regret as motivation, the club has continued its journey with fans, sponsors, and the community.

**Reaching the Top League through Club Reform. Fourfold Increase in Spectators, Starting the Next Chapter with a New Arena Concept.**

Hokkaido Yellow Stars came under the umbrella of Takebu GEAD Co., Ltd. in 2024, seriously initiating investment in rebuilding its management foundation and improving competitive strength. The club promoted reforms in both competition and business aspects, including strengthening player recruitment and team structure, enhancing arena productions, and disseminating information primarily through social media. As a result, they won the V.LEAGUE MEN East Division, and home game attendance expanded from approximately 500 people to about 2,000 people in two years.

This promotion also marks the beginning of a new growth phase for the club. The new arena concept, which is underway in Sapporo City, will not only enhance the competitive environment but also lead to the creation of new hubs for sports viewing and community interaction. Hokkaido Yellow Stars is not just "promoted and done," but continues to take on challenges with a vision for the future beyond.

For the next season, in addition to further strengthening the coaching and staff system, we will specifically proceed with strengthening our team to compete in the SV League. We are preparing with a strong will to build a team that can truly compete in the SV League from the first year, to strongly contend on a higher-level stage.

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

I am delighted that Hokkaido Yellow Stars has been decided to participate in the SV League. Since taking over management in 2024, we have been promoting club reforms in all aspects of management, operations, and team strength, and I feel that this accumulation has led to this decision. Last year, we experienced frustration, but it was because of that time that we could greet this day with even stronger determination. Participating in the SV League is by no means the goal; the real challenge begins now. We will continue to build a strong team and, as Takebu GEAD and Hokkaido Yellow Stars, work as one to achieve further growth and create value for the community, aiming to be a club that symbolizes Hokkaido and is loved and proud of by the local community.

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

I feel great joy that Hokkaido Yellow Stars will be able to participate in the SV League, and at the same time, I feel a strong sense of responsibility as the person entrusted with the club. Over the past year, we have worked towards becoming a club suitable for competing in the SV League, including developing an environment for home game operations, creating a system for player development, strengthening the staff structure, and collaborating with sponsors and the community. Although there is still some regret about the recent second-place finish, I view this result not as an end, but as a necessary step towards the future. The story of 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 so far, we will continue our new challenges from Hokkaido.

**Comment from Kaoru Nakatani, Player, Hokkaido Yellow Stars Co., Ltd.**

I am deeply honored to be able to participate in the SV League. I am truly happy to be able to stand on the stage of what was then the V1 League, now the SV League, which has been a dream since I started playing volleyball. However, for this team, getting into the SV League is not the goal; achieving results in the SV League is the team's goal, so I will continue to work hard towards that every day. Thank you for your continued passionate support.

**Comment from Hinata Shigetome, Player, Hokkaido Yellow Stars Co., Ltd.**

I am personally very much looking forward to and happy about the team's participation in the SV League. This season ended with a second-place finish, which is regrettable, but I hope to channel that frustration into the SV League. It will be a higher-level stage, but I will do my best to deliver results and not let everyone's support go to waste. Thank you for your continued passionate support.

**[Available for Interviews/Photography]**

* Interviews with club officials regarding the promotion decision * Background leading from management crisis to reconstruction * Exclusive interview with Owner Mikio Takeda * Club reforms and sports business initiatives

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