JPF Group's 3x3 Basketball Team 'esDGz OTAKI.EXE' Holds Kick-off Ceremony and Starts Season

The 3x3 basketball team 'esDGz OTAKI.EXE,' operated by JPFagri Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of JPF Co., Ltd., held a kick-off ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at the B&G Marine Center in Otaki Town, Chiba, to mark the start of the 2026 season. On Sunday, May 17, the team participated in the '3x3.EXE PREMIER JAPAN 2026 ROUND.1 (Opening Match)' held at WATERRAS in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, marking their first official game under the new structure. The team operates under the theme of 'Becoming the Hero of Otaki Town' and follows a 'dual-career' model where athletes engage in agricultural business alongside their competitive activities. While competing in matches, they also contribute to regional revitalization through forestry and agriculture work and participation in local events. At the kick-off ceremony, many local residents, including the Mayor of Otaki, gathered to offer their encouragement for the new season. Mayor Noboru Hirabayashi commented, 'It is a great honor to have such a professional team in Otaki Town. We want to support the team with all our might as a town.' The team has significantly refreshed its roster for the new season. Team captain Otoya Medoruma expressed his enthusiasm, stating, 'As we rebuild with new members, our goal is to achieve our first win in the opening match and reach the playoffs, just as we did last season.' In the opening match, the team faced their first official game since restarting in April. Although they did not secure a win, game captain Kanata Hirakawa commented, 'All the players showed a fighting spirit. I am confident that by correcting the issues identified this time, we can become a team that wins more.' Manager Oikawa added, 'It was a match where we were able to express what we have been working on in practice. We want to make this a season where we can express our gratitude to the players, staff, and everyone who supports us on the court.' Under the theme of 'Becoming the Hero of Otaki Town,' the team aims to promote regional revitalization and share the town's appeal nationwide through sports.