KONOIKE Group, headquartered in central Osaka and led by its Chairman and CEO, Tadahiko Konoike, has forged a gold partnership contract with the professional basketball team, Kyoto Hannaryz, that will remain in effect from the 2025-26 season through the 2026-27 season. This agreement marks a significant collaboration between the KONOIKE Group and a team that is a proud member of Japan's B.LEAGUE, known for its commitment to evolving within the sports industry.
Kyoto Hannaryz is based in Kyoto and competes in the B.LEAGUE, which is undergoing structural changes headed into the 2027-28 season. The expectation is high for Kyoto Hannaryz, as they will be participating in the new league’s premier division, namely the B.LEAGUE PREMIER. The team embodies a spirit of ambition with their motto, “Together, we climb,” and actively engages in various community contributions through sports. This synergy between KONOIKE Group and Kyoto Hannaryz stems from a shared vision of fostering local pride and energy through basketball.
The KONOIKE Group operates under the philosophy of valuing 'people' and 'bonds', aiming to innovate the foundations of society and create new values. With deep roots in Osaka and a commitment to regional ties, the group emphasizes its relational wealth with local communities. The partnership with Kyoto Hannaryz is a reflection of their desire to support a team that continuously strives for growth alongside its local populace and demonstrates a fervent passion for invigorating the region through sports.
In announcing the deal, Tadahiko Konoike expressed his admiration for Kyoto Hannaryz beyond mere competition; he noted that the team brings vitality and a sense of unity to the community through their efforts. As the KONOIKE Group has expanded over time, a substantial part of that growth has been supported by local locations across Japan, including several in Kyoto. Going forward, KONOIKE aims to help elevate the prominence of Kyoto through active collaboration with Kyoto Hannaryz, ensuring that they maintain their reputation as a beloved local enterprise.
The Chairman of Sports Communication KYOTO, Jinpachi Takenoshita, also shared his gratitude upon the sealing of this gold partnership with KONOIKE Group. He echoed that the core values of 'people' and 'bonds' cherished by KONOIKE resonate deeply with the club’s spirit of cooperation and growth. He emphasized a shared vision of generating new connections and excitement in the community through the power of sports, collaborating towards a brighter future for Kyoto and ambitious growth and challenges ahead.
As both KONOIKE Group and Kyoto Hannaryz join forces, they are embarking on a journey that promises to boost local culture through athletic engagement. This partnership is not just a sponsorship; it’s a commitment to unlocking potential and creating lasting impacts within the community. Through dedicated efforts, both entities are poised to inspire not only avid basketball fans but the entire region, working together towards a vibrant and enthusiastic local culture.
In conclusion, the KONOIKE Group and Kyoto Hannaryz partnership heralds a promising era for sports engagement and community involvement, setting a profound example of how commercial alliances in sports can be pivotal in nurturing community spirit and pride. As engagements flourish and initiatives roll out, the atmosphere surrounding Kyoto's sports landscape is sure to thrive, captivating the hearts of many within the region and beyond.