Sakura City's First! Free-to-Enter Esports Tournament "THROW THE SPARK 2026 Sakura City Tournament" to be Held!!

The esports tournament "THROW THE SPARK 2026 Sakura City Tournament" will be held on July 19, 2026 (Sun) at the Sakura City Shizu Community Center.

This tournament is free to enter and is a multifaceted event featuring everything from a full-scale competitive tournament to hands-on experiences for children and families, as well as food, drink, and product booths.

Purpose of the Event

Esports is gaining attention in the fields of regional revitalization and intergenerational exchange as a new culture where anyone can enjoy and participate regardless of age, gender, physical ability, or location.

Through the hosting of this tournament, we aim to:

- Create a "vibrant space" where diverse generations, including young people, can gather and interact.

- Foster a place where children can express their individuality and thrive through their passions.

- Promote city branding and showcase the city's appeal by leveraging regional resources.

This initiative will be implemented in collaboration with local businesses and organizations, nurturing new regional appeal together with the citizens.

"THROW THE SPARK" is an esports project spearheaded by "SETOUCHI SPARKS" (operated by Bigman Project Inc.), a professional esports team based in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. A full-scale league tournament was held in Okayama City in September 2025. This event, in collaboration with esports teams and communities in Chiba Prefecture, is planned to be held on a scale unprecedented in Chiba.

Event Overview

◇ Name

THROW THE SPARK 2026 Sakura City Tournament (eCONNECT JAPAN!!)

◇ Date and Time

July 19, 2026 (Sun) Opening 10:00 / Closing 16:00 (scheduled)

◇ Venue

Sakura City Shizu Community Center (794-1 Ino, Sakura City)

◇ Entry Fee

Free

◇ Organizer

Eyes Legal Office

◇ Co-organizer

Sakura City

◇ Support

Sakura Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sakura Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Division

◇ Planning

Fujiwara, Eyes Legal Office

◇ Production

Bigman Project Inc.

Main Contents of the Day

<Competitive Tournament (Participants Wanted)>

◇ Fortnite Time Attack "Hokuso Four Cities Edo Journey ~Hokuso Towns Evoking Edo~"

Compete for the fastest time on a course recreating the townscapes of Sakura, Narita, Choshi, and Katori cities, part of the Japan Heritage "Hokuso Four Cities Edo Journey." This project utilizes real regions as its stage to promote the charm of the Hokuso area.

※This content is not sponsored, endorsed, or operated by Epic Games.

◇ Street Fighter 6 Sakura City Tournament

A full-scale tournament leading to a national final with a prize pool of approximately 1 million yen.

◇ Minecraft Tournament

A creative competition where children can unleash their imagination to build their ideal town based on a theme.

※This event is not approved by or affiliated with Minecraft official (Mojang / Microsoft).

◇ Big Reversi (Othello) Tournament

A popular Reversi tournament. Participants can also enjoy a candy grab, making it fun for young children.

◇ New Puzzle Game "SHIKA-Q" Tournament and Trial Session

A tournament and trial session for a new puzzle game will be held simultaneously (on-site registration on the day is on a first-come, first-served basis).

<Food, Drink, and Product Booths>

Food and drink booths, as well as booths featuring local specialty products, will be held concurrently around the venue.

Participation Application and Latest Information

Please visit the official tournament website for participation applications for each competition and the latest information.

Official Tournament Website: https://throwthesaprk26.com/

Official Tournament X: https://x.com/SETOUCHI_SPARKS

Access

Venue: Sakura City Shizu Community Center (794-1 Ino, Sakura City)

[1 minute walk from "Koen Station" on the Yamaman Yukarigaoka Line. Due to limited parking, please use public transportation.]

Inquiries

THROW THE SPARK 2026 Sakura City Tournament Secretariat

E-mail: oshimastrategy@gmail.com