#Japan #Vates #Ripple #Karuizawa #SC Karuizawa Club

RIPPLE Partners with SC Karuizawa Club

In a significant move to bolster the popularity of curling in Japan, RIPPLE Co., Ltd., headquartered in Machida, Tokyo, has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the SC Karuizawa Club. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the social media operations of the club while supporting its quest for Olympic medals at the 2030 Paris Games. By targeting a fanbase of 10,000 supporters, the initiative focuses on creating strong community ties around the sport.

Background of the Sponsorship

The SC Karuizawa Club has gained national prominence by winning the Japan Curling Championships in Yokohama 2026, achieving consecutive victories for its men's team, while the women's team also clinched its first championship in two years. This accomplishment marked the club's historic simultaneous victory in both categories.

Simultaneously, RIPPLE has expanded its operations for its personal training gym, STREAM, which plans to open its very first location in Karuizawa in May 2026. This expansion and the partnership with SC Karuizawa Club are rooted in the company's commitment to contribute to local sports development, laying the groundwork for this strategic collaboration.

As seen during the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where Team LS Kitami gained immense popularity, the connection between curling teams and their fans is critical for growth. RIPPLE, leveraging its expertise in social media, aims to promote a strong fan community through unique engagement strategies, going beyond mere financial backing.

Objectives of the Collaboration

RIPPLE’s partnership with SC Karuizawa Club is being facilitated in collaboration with VATES Co., Ltd., a company specializing in social media management. Together, they aim to strengthen the club’s online presence and broaden its appeal.

Key Strategies:

1. Producing Engaging Content: The initiative does not merely focus on results from competitions, but also highlights the depth of the sport and the personalities of the players. This approach will showcase the engaging side of curling, making it approachable and relatable to fans.

2. Protecting Athletes from Social Media Risks: While social media serves as a crucial link between athletes and their supporters, concerns regarding mental health risks due to negative comments are rising. A dedicated team will manage the athletes' online presence, ensuring their focus remains on performance and mitigating the risks associated with online harassment.

Road to 10,000 Supporters

Currently, the SC Karuizawa Club has approximately 2,500 supporters. The objective within the next year is to escalate this number to 10,000, driving a sustainable revenue stream through various initiatives:

• - YouTube: Launching a series of behind-the-scenes videos showcasing practice sessions and international tournaments to deepen viewer engagement.
• - TikTok / Instagram: Sharing entertaining short videos featuring super shots, athlete introductions, and candid moments to draw in younger audiences.
• - Enhancing Individual Athlete Profiles: Supporting athletes in managing their personal social media accounts to foster deeper connections with fans.
• - Streamlining Supporter Sign-up: Establishing a smooth process for new members to join through official communication channels, encouraging continual support from the community.

Stakeholder Comments

Yuusaku Sakai, RIPPLE CEO

Upon witnessing the SC Karuizawa Club's dedication and skill firsthand, I was deeply impressed by their commitment to the sport and community. Curling has an unmatched allure that, unfortunately, remains underappreciated by the general public. Through our information dissemination efforts in collaboration with VATES, we aim to expand the club's story and bring the excitement of curling to a broader audience. Our target of 10,000 supporters sets our sights high, as we dream of celebrating medal achievements at the upcoming Olympics with our fans.

Ryusei Okamoto, CEO of VATES

We are excited to be a part of SC Karuizawa Club’s digital journey. By effectively managing their social media, we can bridge the gap between their talent and public recognition. Our goal is to transform the perception of curling, making it a sport that fans not only appreciate but genuinely want to support.

About SC Karuizawa Club

Based in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, SC Karuizawa Club includes elite athletes, junior players, and enthusiasts. The club is dedicated to promoting sport in the region and nurturing athletes capable of competing on the global stage. Their historic dual championship at the 2026 Japan Curling Championship highlights their ongoing commitment to success.

About RIPPLE Co., Ltd.

Company: RIPPLE Co., Ltd.
CEO: Yuusaku Sakai
Location: 6-26-19, Hara, Machida, Tokyo
Business: Operator of personal gym “STREAM” with 25 locations across Kanto and Kansai.
Official Website

About VATES Co., Ltd.

Company: VATES Co., Ltd.
CEO: Ryusei Okamoto
Location: 5F Meguro G-Building, 1-4 Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Services: Management and consulting for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and X operations.
Official Website

For inquiries regarding this project, please contact Yu-saku Sakai at RIPPLE.