Yokohama Excellence Welcomes New Club Ambassadors for 2025-26 Season

Yokohama Excellence's New Era: Meet the 2025-26 Club Ambassadors

Yokohama Excellence, the professional basketball club based in Yokohama, is thrilled to announce the appointment of three prominent figures as its club ambassadors for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The ambassadors are the renowned hair stylist Takuya Takagi, the acclaimed Italian chef Daisuke Takubo, and the charismatic radio DJ Teppei Uematsu. This initiative reflects the club's commitment to elevating its appeal as it aims to become the top basketball club in Japan.

Introducing the Ambassadors

Takuya Takagi

Takuya Takagi, the founder and CEO of OCEAN TOKYO, has made waves in the beauty industry since establishing his brand in 2013. With 12 locations across Japan, including Harajuku, Shibuya, Osaka, Sendai, and Kobe, his salons have consistently earned the prestigious KAMI CHARISMA AWARD, achieving three-star ratings for six consecutive years. Not only has he gained recognition in the salon world, but he is also a preferred stylist for numerous actors in popular dramas, TV shows, and commercials. His appointments are highly sought after, often booking out in just one minute.

In his ambassadorial role, Takagi emphasizes the importance of a great hairstyle in showcasing athletes’ personalities. He believes that sports figures deserve more recognition, and he is dedicated to producing moments that inspire the community and promote excellence.

Daisuke Takubo

Next, we have Daisuke Takubo, a chef passionate about Italian cuisine. Born in 1976 in Ehime Prefecture, Takubo discovered his love for cooking as a child, inspired by cooking shows. Although he initially aspired to master Japanese cuisine, his experience with Italian cooking and the delicious simplicity of fresh tomato sauce and pasta led him to pursue this culinary path. After training in various prestigious restaurants, he established his own establishment, Ristorante Barca, in 2006, followed by moving and reopening in prominent locations like Ebisu.

As a club ambassador, Takubo’s focus is on supporting local athletes and teams. He intends to blend the excitement of sports with the joy of food, creating a vibrant atmosphere that brings smiles and energy to fans.

Teppei Uematsu

Lastly, Teppei Uematsu adds his unique flair to the roster. Serving as the main DJ for FM Yokohama’s program, Tresen, Uematsu is not new to the Yokohama scene. Growing up in Okayama, he transitioned from a career in comedy to music broadcasting, developing a love for various hobbies that reflect his playful and varied interests. Through his role in the program, he has fostered a deep connection with Yokohama Excellence, sharing his enthusiasm for the team with listeners.

Uematsu aims to make basketball accessible and exciting for everyone, even those unfamiliar with the sport. His ambassadorial efforts will strive to communicate the thrill of the game, contributing to the club’s ongoing journey.

Vision from the Club President

Naoya Sakurai, the club's president, expressed his excitement about the new appointments. He emphasized that these ambassadors, while not originally from Yokohama, embody the spirit and values that the club wishes to promote. Each ambassador brings their wealth of experience to further enhance the club's offerings and community engagement. The collective aim is to inspire not only sports fans but everyone associated with the city of Yokohama.

With these three dynamic individuals on board, Yokohama Excellence looks forward to not just performance on the court but also a rich cultural experience for its fans, blending the worlds of sports, beauty, culinary arts, and entertainment. As the team progresses through the season, their efforts aim to resonate with every basketball enthusiast across the nation.

Stay tuned for updates on their initiatives and the upcoming season for Yokohama Excellence!

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