[JOSHU RYDEEN] Announcement of Mikael Fukuda's Appointment as Head Coach

JOSHU RYDEEN 3x3, a 3-on-3 professional basketball team, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mikael Fukuda as its new Head Coach.

Mikael Fukuda, who has been appointed as Head Coach, built his professional career in both 5-on-5 and 3x3 basketball as a 191cm tall forward, playing actively in the bj League, B.LEAGUE (B2), and other leagues. He played for teams such as Toyama Grouses, Rising Fukuoka, and Tokyo Hachioji Beetrains, and in 2017, he participated in an international tournament held in Yiwu, China, as a member of the Japan 3x3 National Team, demonstrating extensive practical experience both domestically and internationally.

Furthermore, his career, marked by continuous challenges at the forefront for many years, including securing a B2 League contract at the age of 38, makes him a rare individual combining perseverance and adaptability.

Throughout his career, he has experienced the establishment, development, and evolution of teams on the ground, engaging with the sport from multiple perspectives as a player, staff member, and coach. His knowledge extends beyond tactical guidance to team building and organizational strengthening.

After retiring as a player, he served as an academy coach for teams such as Yokohama B-Corsairs and Toyama Grouses. In addition to skill instruction, he is proficient in physical conditioning and body control guidance, focusing on player development from both performance improvement and injury prevention aspects.

Our club will leverage these experiences and expertise to the fullest extent to promote the improvement of competitive performance and sustainable team strengthening.

■ Comment from Head Coach Mikael Fukuda

I am Mikael Fukuda, and I have been appointed as the Head Coach of JOSHU RYDEEN 3x3.
As a player and coach, I have been involved in various settings, from the launch of teams to their development and evolution.
I will leverage all of those experiences to bring out the best in each player and strive to build a continuously winning team.
In addition to improving competitive performance, I will also dedicate myself to enhancing the club's value as a beloved local entity.
I look forward to your continued support and encouragement.

■ Comment from the Club

Our club will promote the improvement of competitive performance and organizational strengthening based on Mr. Fukuda's extensive competitive experience and coaching ability.

■ About JOSHU RYDEEN

JOSHU RYDEEN is a 3-on-3 women's professional basketball team based in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, active in the Tomo region (Ota City, Isezaki City, Kiryu City, Tatebayashi City, Midori City, Oura District).
Under the philosophy of "contributing to the region as Japan's best through the power of sports and delivering that value to society as a whole," the team engages in community-based activities such as competitive activities, community contribution activities, basketball classes, and event participation.

■ Contact Information for this matter

JOSHU RYDEEN Office
(Operated by: Nippon Challengers)

Representative: Takahiro Matsubara
Email: info@nipponchallengers.jp