[Kagawa Five Arrows] Announcement of Contract Renewal for Associate Head Coach Koki Yabuuchi for the 2026-27 Season

Thank you for your continued support of the Kagawa Five Arrows. We are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Associate Head Coach Koki Yabuuchi for the 2026-27 season. Associate Head Coach: Koki Yabuuchi. Profile: Born August 22, 1984, in Osaka Prefecture. Coaching History: 2021-23 Toyama Grouses (Assistant Coach), 2023-26 Kagawa Five Arrows (Head Coach), 2026- Kagawa Five Arrows (Associate Head Coach). Personal Comment: To everyone involved with the Kagawa Five Arrows, thank you very much for your support and cheering during the 2025-26 season. Regarding the club's release for the 2026-27 season, I would like to add a few words. Last autumn, I expressed my desire to go abroad. The club responded with great enthusiasm, stating that they still needed me. After many discussions with President Umeoka, I decided to commit to the club for the 2026-27 season in this capacity. I have been truly happy to work with such wonderful players and staff over the past three years. I am deeply grateful that the place I 'returned to' three years ago has now become a place I 'want to return to.' To our sponsors and boosters, although I will be away from the team for a while, you are the very essence of the Kagawa Five Arrows and the 'ideal form' of the club. Please continue to support the Kagawa Five Arrows in the coming seasons. Comment from Naoto Umeoka, President and General Manager: Koki Yabuuchi will continue to contribute to the club next season as Associate Head Coach. When he expressed his desire to 'learn overseas' during the season, we told him that we still need his expertise. We have held many discussions to respect his wishes while also aiming to elevate our basketball style. To achieve both, we agreed that he would spend a certain period learning abroad, on the condition that he brings those learnings back to the club. I sincerely look forward to him helping take the Kagawa Five Arrows to new heights alongside our new head coach!