Shinjuku Givers' Landmark Achievement in 3x3.EXE Premier
The Shinjuku Givers, a women's 3x3 basketball team based in Shinjuku, made a remarkable mark in their debut season in the 3x3.EXE Premier by making it to the knockout stage of the 2026 Round.3 tournament held on June 13-14 in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture. This achievement represents a pivotal moment in the team's history, especially as they finished the tournament in fourth place. Despite being a first-year team in the Premier league, their consistent performance has seen them steadily rise through the ranks.
A New Frontier: First Expedition to Chugoku Region
The location of Round.3 was in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, marking the team's inaugural expedition to the Chugoku region of Japan. Arriving by airplane, the players faced the unique challenges of an away game, far from their familiar home base in Shinjuku. This event tested their “away game strength,” which includes everything from travel logistics to conditioning adjustments, as they navigated this new competitive environment.
Breakthrough Performance: Group Stages to Knockouts
During the group stage, Shinjuku Givers secured two impressive wins, allowing them to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time. The team's synchronization and strategies developed over the earlier rounds became evident as they achieved this milestone.
In the semifinals, they faced the formidable UENOHARA SUNRISE.EXE, a team that had already clinched two titles this season. The match concluded with a narrow loss, finishing just two points behind. Although Shinjuku Givers were ultimately defeated, the match showcased their capability to compete head-to-head with one of the league's strongest teams, solidifying their position as a serious contender.
Underpinning Success: A Team Supported by Health Experts
The Shinjuku Givers are operated by the Givers Group, which runs over 125 health clinics known as Kokoro Seitaien across Japan. This collaboration provides the team with a robust foundation rooted in physical conditioning expertise. Their approach to athlete wellness is heavily influenced by health methodologies developed by the group, including the unique