#Japan #Yamagata #Yamagata Prefecture #Escon #Montedio Yamagata

Escon and Montedio Yamagata Collaborate on New Stadium Project

On June 15, 2026, Escon Corporation (headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, led by President Takatoshi Ito) and Montedio Yamagata (headquartered in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, led by President Kentaro Aida) held a joint press conference at the Yamagata Bank Community Hall to announce their decision to invest in a new stadium project.

During the event, Escon revealed plans to invest up to 5 billion yen in the Montedio Football Park, along with an explanation of the reasons and objectives behind the acquisition of Montedio Yamagata as a consolidated subsidiary. The presidents of both companies shared their vision for the new stadium, which is set to open in August 2028, and discussed the future prospects of the club under this new partnership. They highlighted a commitment to create a community-focused initiative revolving around sports.

Statements from Leaders

Takatoshi Ito, President of Escon Corporation

Takatoshi Ito expressed gratitude for the attendance of the guests and emphasized the potential of Yamagata, stating, “The new stadium will break ground in March 2026. Our goal is to promote Yamagata's appeal as a hub for sports, tourism, and international inbound activity. With your support, we aim to ensure that the citizens and fans of Yamagata feel wholeheartedly that they’re glad the stadium was built.”

Kentaro Aida, President of Montedio Yamagata

Kentaro Aida shared his excitement about standing before everyone at the conference and noted the successful start of the construction in March. He emphasized that the stadium project is not just about building a venue; it's about how the region and Yamagata Prefecture can thrive after its completion. “This project, representing a holy ground of excitement and enthusiasm, comes with a mission: to carry the hopes and dreams of our club and our community forward,” he stated.

Comments from Guests

Eiji Sato, President of Yamagata Bank

Eiji Sato commented on the significance of the new stadium as a symbol of regional potential enhancement. “We will actively engage in community development around the stadium in collaboration with local financial institutions, challenging ourselves toward promoting regional revitalization,” he affirmed. Furthermore, he highlighted the stadium's role as a multifunctional community center that will yield economic benefits and invigorate local communities.

Yoshihiko Katsuragi, President of Yamagata Football Association

Yoshihiko Katsuragi reminisced about the initial challenges faced in realizing the stadium project but expressed confidence in its potential to become a landmark for nurturing young soccer talent and breathing new life into the community. He believes this project could serve as a model for other J-League clubs and transform the Japanese soccer landscape.

Future Steps

The press conference's discussions were extensively covered and are available for viewing on PR TIMES TV. The vision behind the new stadium initiative, dubbed “Rediscovery YAMAGATA,” is comprehensively detailed there.

Community Engagement

Yamagata Prefecture and Tendo City have initiated a regional revitalization project tied to the stadium's construction, calling for contributions through the corporate hometown tax. This initiative, primarily involving Montedio Yamagata and Montedio Football Park, focuses on enhancing the Yamagata region. The project invites supportive companies to consider making contributions that align with the goals of local revitalization.

For more details on the corporate hometown tax donation procedures, please visit the respective city websites for Yamagata Prefecture and Tendo City.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this joint announcement signifies a remarkable step forward for Montedio Yamagata's vision and the broader Yamagata community. With the planned stadium, both Escon and Montedio aim to foster a vibrant environment that promotes sports and enriches the local culture.

For inquiries related to this initiative, please contact the Corporate Headquarters' Public Relations Department at +81-3-6230-9308.