#Japan #SV.LEAGUE #Furagorad Kagoshima #Hioki City #Hioki

Hioki City and Furagorad Kagoshima Collaborate for Sports Development

Hioki City, located in Kagoshima Prefecture, in collaboration with Furagorad Kagoshima, a men’s professional volleyball club operating in the city, has announced an exciting new initiative to promote sports development and foster youth engagement through government-crowdfunded projects. This project, titled "From Hioki City to the Pinnacle of Japan: Embracing the Challenge of SV.LEAGUE by Furagorad Kagoshima," is set to launch on July 1, 2026, via the Furusato Choice platform.

The aim of this initiative extends beyond mere financial contributions; it seeks to enhance the public relations efforts for Hioki City through its home games, create more opportunities for children to engage in sports, and strengthen community ties at local events. Importantly, this project does not offer any return gifts, focusing instead on supporting the development of a robust sports culture in the region.

Background of the Initiative

Furagorad Kagoshima was established in 2021 and quickly made its mark by participating in the V.LEAGUE DIVISION3 during the 2023-24 season, where it secured its first championship title. Due to their remarkable performance, the team is now poised to compete in the esteemed SV.LEAGUE MEN, the highest leisure league in Japan. With this competition, there is an immense opportunity for Hioki City to gain national recognition through broadcasts and online platforms.

Recognizing this occasion, Hioki City is committed to ensuring that the accomplishments of Furagorad Kagoshima are not just the triumphs of the team but a shared victory for the entire community. Thus, the "Connecting Hioki City through Volleyball Project" was initiated, intended to gather support from across the nation.

Purpose of Donations

The funds raised through this crowdfunding will be utilized in several targeted ways:

• - Hosting home games and facilitating community engagement.
• - Creating youth development programs and increasing access to sports (visits to schools, hosting volleyball workshops, etc.).
• - Collaborating with city events and fostering a supportive sports culture (linking with city events like the Sports Festival).
• - Promoting Hioki City through various media channels (city promotions, social media, video content, etc.).

Regardless of whether the fundraising goals are met, the scale of the initiatives will be adjusted based on the contributions received.

Mayor Nagayama’s Comments

Mayor Yoshitaka Nagayama expressed his excitement for this opportunity, stating, "Furagorad Kagoshima, as our home team, brings dreams and excitement to many citizens. Since its establishment, the team has grown steadily, and now they are stepping onto the new stage of SV.LEAGUE. This is not just a challenge for the team; it is a challenge for all of Hioki City and the greater Kagoshima area. Sports teams rooted in the community connect people, inspire children, and enhance local pride. It’s crucial for us to support Furagorad Kagoshima’s journey collectively. Your support will be a significant force in paving the path for our team’s future. Join us in creating a new chapter in our history together."

Project Overview

• - Project Name: Connecting Hioki City through Volleyball Project
• - Implementing Municipality: Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture
• - Target Amount: ¥25,000,000 (approximately $230,000)
• - Donation Period: July 1, 2026 - September 28, 2026
• - Platform: Furusato Choice Government Crowdfunding®

Learn More About GCF

What is Government Crowdfunding® (GCF®)?

GCF is a form of crowdfunding led by local governments in Japan. Utilizing the structure of furusato tax, donors can receive tax deductions on their residential and income taxes in the following years. With GCF, municipalities present specific policy challenges and solicit funding, allowing donors to choose how their contributions affect local issues directly.

About Furagorad Kagoshima

Furagorad Kagoshima is a volleyball club founded by Field X Inc., based in Hioki City. The team has established partnerships with eight municipalities across the prefecture, striving to tackle regional challenges through the power of sports. Their mission embodies a commitment to uplifting the community while promoting an inclusive sporting culture.

About Field X Inc.

Field X Inc. was established on March 18, 2022, managing Furagorad Kagoshima, a team competing in Japan’s highest volleyball league. Far beyond just sports management, they aim to create new value and economic circulation in local communities through the power of sports.

About Change Holdings Inc.

Change Holdings emphasizes transforming business practices and enhancing productivity through digital innovation, supporting regional growth under its core mission of "Change People, Change Business, Change Japan."