Saitama Super Arena to be Renamed 'GMO ARENA saitama'!

GMO Internet Group, Inc. (Group Representative and CEO: Masatoshi Kumagai, hereinafter 'GMO Internet Group') has concluded a Value-Up Naming Rights Partner agreement today, Monday, March 30, 2026, with Saitama Prefecture (Governor: Motohiro Ono) and Saitama Arena Co., Ltd. (President: Hirotsugu Mikami). As a result, it has been decided that the nickname of 'Saitama Super Arena' will become 'GMO ARENA saitama' effective April 1, 2026.

GMO Internet Group views this naming rights partnership not merely as a branding opportunity, but as an initiative to 'evolve the arena' and 'contribute to the local community' by fusing No. 1 technology with hospitality. By integrating advanced technologies—such as IT infrastructure developed over 30 years, cashless payment systems, and the implementation of humanoid robots—with top-tier hospitality, we will evolve 'GMO ARENA saitama' into a 'one-of-a-kind cultural and entertainment hub' and a 'stage for creating a future focused on sustainable community and social development.' With the catchphrase 'GMO ARENA saitama: Delivering smiles, excitement, and enthusiasm to everyone,' we will realize a 'Smart Arena' that is more world-class and beloved by the local community than ever before.

Additionally, it has been decided that the large-scale music festival 'GMO SONIC 2027' will be held on April 3 (Sat) and 4 (Sun), 2027, as the grand opening event following the renewal.

[Overview of the Value-Up Naming Rights Partnership]

[Background of Naming Rights Acquisition]

■ 30 Years of Cultivated IT Expertise

Since starting its internet business in 1995, GMO Internet Group has operated under the corporate catchphrase 'Internet for Everyone,' prioritizing the creation of 'smiles' and 'excitement' for our customers for 30 years. Today, the group operates businesses in internet infrastructure, security, advertising/media, finance, and crypto-assets, with approximately 8,200 partners (employees).

■ Building Community Bonds Through Art and Music

We also have a rich track record in the arts. Representative Masatoshi Kumagai is the world's largest collector of Julian Opie's work, and our offices serve as the 'GMO GALLERY,' permanently displaying his pieces, which were also featured at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. We operate the 'GMO Digital Museum' in front of Shibuya Station, where visitors can enjoy authentic Banksy works alongside digital art, and have opened the immersive cultural facility 'OMAKASE Aoyama Garden by GMO.' At the 'GMO Internet TOWER' directly connected to Yoga Station (Setagaya-ku, Tokyo), we host the regular music event 'GMO LIVE.' In December 2025, we co-hosted a live performance by Tetsuya Komuro with an orchestra combined with one of Japan's largest projection mapping displays, continuing to build community-friendly hubs through the fusion of art and music.

■ Connection to the Vision of Creating 'Smiles' and 'Excitement'

Saitama Super Arena is one of Japan's largest arenas, welcoming approximately 2.87 million visitors annually and over 60 million in total, generating immense excitement through music, sports, and entertainment. We have also hosted the large-scale Japanese music festival 'GMO SONIC' annually from 2023 to 2025. Attaching the 'GMO' name to a place where 'people's smiles gather' is deeply connected to our desire to create 'smiles' and 'excitement' through our No. 1 services. Marking our 30th anniversary, GMO Internet Group decided to apply for this partnership as a new challenge toward becoming a 'corporate group that continues for 100 years.'

■ The Meaning Behind the Name 'GMO ARENA saitama'

We named it 'GMO ARENA saitama' with the determination to support this important venue, stay close to the city of 'Saitama,' and walk together with everyone, just as we have supported social infrastructure through the internet. We aim to evolve the facility with cutting-edge internet technology and hospitality, spreading the excitement of music, sports, and culture from Saitama to the nation and the world.

[Arena Operations Initiatives]

Starting from the renewal opening in April 2027, we will take a new step as 'GMO ARENA saitama.' We will promote this partnership based on 'Arena Evolution through IT' and 'Contribution to the Community.' By upholding the concept of 'Japan's Most Advanced Arena = No. 1 Technology x Hospitality,' we aim to build a model case for a 'Smart Arena' where reality and digital harmonize, simultaneously improving facility value and solving regional issues.

GMO ARENA saitama (Brand Site): https://group.gmo/arena/

[About Saitama Super Arena]