Let's build together! A "Dream Arena" in Shiga. #AprilDream
Shiga Lakestars Foundation aims to build a 6,000-capacity "Dream Arena" in Shiga Prefecture.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 16:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 12:58 (1484h 58m after Published)
Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Shiga Lakestars (Otsu City) supports April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day to express dreams. This press release is a dream of our foundation.
## What is the "Dream Arena" we aim for?
Our foundation has been active since April last year, establishing a preparatory office to build a new arena in Shiga Prefecture that will serve as a hub for music, sports, MICE, and other events. The slogan is "Let's build! Shiga's Dream☆Entertainment Arena." We aim for an arena with a capacity of over 6,000 people, the largest in Shiga Prefecture. Currently, there are arenas in Shiga Prefecture equipped for "playing" sports, but there is no entertainment arena specifically designed for "watching" music and sports. It will not only be an event facility that provides visitors with an immersive, extraordinary experience but also a symbol of the city that naturally attracts local residents and fosters attachment, creating circulation in the surrounding area by combining commercial facilities and hotels. That is the "Dream Arena" we envision.
Arena Preparatory Office Official Website: https://www.lakessportsfoundation.org/arenatsukuro/
X Official Account: @arenatsukuro
## Concrete discussions have started
One year after the start of activities, concrete discussions have also begun. A promising candidate site for construction is municipal land in front of JR Yasu Station in Yasu City, located almost in the center of Shiga Prefecture. Its greatest appeal is its excellent accessibility, allowing people to come by train from the Kansai and Tokai regions. Within the prefecture, there are top-level domestic teams such as "Shiga Lakes" for basketball and "Toray Arrows Shiga" for volleyball, and it also has the population potential to host concerts for 5,000 people. The concept is expanding that if a new arena is built, it will involve the surrounding areas, invigorate Shiga Prefecture as a whole, and become a catalyst for regional economic revitalization.
## Let's build the "Dream Arena" together!
However, activities have just begun. There are still many hurdles until the arena is completed, such as the selection of operating companies and the formulation of construction plans. Nevertheless, we are determined to make this "dream" a reality. Just as Shiga Lakestars (now Lakes), the first professional sports team in Shiga Prefecture, was born by expanding its activities from the grassroots, the construction of this arena also requires the empathy and support of many people. The number of sponsoring companies is gradually increasing, with over 10 companies already on board. We invite everyone to join us in building the "Dream Arena"!
Sponsorship Recruitment: https://www.lakessportsfoundation.org/inquiry/form?inquiry_to=arena
### Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Shiga Lakestars
Established in 2012. Chairman: Shinsuke Sakai.
With the philosophy of "promoting sports and culture in Shiga," it provides grants to athletes and organizations related to Shiga Prefecture, publishes the information magazine "Lakestars Magazine," and operates local clubs (athletics, rowing, physical play), among other activities.
https://www.lakessportsfoundation.org/
## What is the "Dream Arena" we aim for?
Our foundation has been active since April last year, establishing a preparatory office to build a new arena in Shiga Prefecture that will serve as a hub for music, sports, MICE, and other events. The slogan is "Let's build! Shiga's Dream☆Entertainment Arena." We aim for an arena with a capacity of over 6,000 people, the largest in Shiga Prefecture. Currently, there are arenas in Shiga Prefecture equipped for "playing" sports, but there is no entertainment arena specifically designed for "watching" music and sports. It will not only be an event facility that provides visitors with an immersive, extraordinary experience but also a symbol of the city that naturally attracts local residents and fosters attachment, creating circulation in the surrounding area by combining commercial facilities and hotels. That is the "Dream Arena" we envision.
Arena Preparatory Office Official Website: https://www.lakessportsfoundation.org/arenatsukuro/
X Official Account: @arenatsukuro
## Concrete discussions have started
One year after the start of activities, concrete discussions have also begun. A promising candidate site for construction is municipal land in front of JR Yasu Station in Yasu City, located almost in the center of Shiga Prefecture. Its greatest appeal is its excellent accessibility, allowing people to come by train from the Kansai and Tokai regions. Within the prefecture, there are top-level domestic teams such as "Shiga Lakes" for basketball and "Toray Arrows Shiga" for volleyball, and it also has the population potential to host concerts for 5,000 people. The concept is expanding that if a new arena is built, it will involve the surrounding areas, invigorate Shiga Prefecture as a whole, and become a catalyst for regional economic revitalization.
## Let's build the "Dream Arena" together!
However, activities have just begun. There are still many hurdles until the arena is completed, such as the selection of operating companies and the formulation of construction plans. Nevertheless, we are determined to make this "dream" a reality. Just as Shiga Lakestars (now Lakes), the first professional sports team in Shiga Prefecture, was born by expanding its activities from the grassroots, the construction of this arena also requires the empathy and support of many people. The number of sponsoring companies is gradually increasing, with over 10 companies already on board. We invite everyone to join us in building the "Dream Arena"!
Sponsorship Recruitment: https://www.lakessportsfoundation.org/inquiry/form?inquiry_to=arena
### Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Shiga Lakestars
Established in 2012. Chairman: Shinsuke Sakai.
With the philosophy of "promoting sports and culture in Shiga," it provides grants to athletes and organizations related to Shiga Prefecture, publishes the information magazine "Lakestars Magazine," and operates local clubs (athletics, rowing, physical play), among other activities.
https://www.lakessportsfoundation.org/
FAQ
When is the "Dream Arena" expected to be completed?
A specific completion date is not yet determined, but concrete discussions, including the selection of operating companies and construction planning, will proceed.
Where is the candidate site for the arena construction?
Municipal land in front of JR Yasu Station in Yasu City, located almost in the center of Shiga Prefecture, is being considered as a strong candidate site.
What kind of events are planned to be held?
A wide range of events are envisioned, including music concerts, professional sports (basketball, volleyball, etc.), and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions).