esDGz OTAKI.EXE Kicks Off Its New Season with Confidence and Community Support

The esDGz OTAKI.EXE, a 3x3 basketball team managed by JPFagri, officially launched its new season on May 9th, with an impressive ceremony held at their home base, the B&G Marine Center in Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture. This event marked a significant milestone as the team gears up for the 2026 season. The excitement continued as they participated in the opening match of the season at the 3x3.EXE PREMIER JAPAN 2026 ROUND.1 in Chiyoda, Tokyo, on May 17th, representing a fresh start for the newly reorganized team.

The team aspires to be 'the heroes of Otaki Town', combining competitive basketball with agricultural activities, allowing players to engage in both sports and farming as part of a 'dual career' model. By doing so, they aim to promote community revitalization through sports.

During the launching ceremony, notable figures like the Mayor of Otaki, Noboru Hirabayashi, gathered alongside local residents to exhort the team for the upcoming season. Mayor Hirabayashi expressed his pride, stating, "Having a professional team like this in Otaki Town is a tremendous honor. We are committed to supporting them wholeheartedly."

With a revamped roster, the new season brings a dynamic change for the team. Captain Oya Metoruma shared his enthusiasm, emphasizing how they have rebuilt with new members. "Our immediate goal is to win our first game, and we want to aim for the playoffs as we did last season," he stated.

Despite a challenging opening match, where the team did not secure a win, game captain Kanaten Hirakawa was optimistic, remarking, "Everyone showed their fighting spirit on the court. We have identified areas for improvement and believe we can evolve into a more competitive team."

Manager Oikawa echoed this sentiment, noting the match allowed the team to demonstrate their training efforts. "This season, we want to express our gratitude to the players, staff, and supporters on the court. Under the theme of 'Becoming the Heroes of Otaki Town', we look forward to engaging in activities that enhance the region and promote it to a national audience."

The team's commitment to community involvement through sports has been recognized; last year, they made their first playoff appearance since their inception in 2025 and were awarded the '3x3 Town Award' for their contributions to regional development.

About esDGz OTAKI.EXE

EsDGz OTAKI.EXE is operated by JPFagri, a company dedicated to promoting community revitalization through agriculture and sports. The players practice a 'dual career' approach, balancing basketball with agricultural work while also engaging in community events and running sports schools.

About JPFagri

Based in Otaki Town, JPFagri focuses on revitalizing the local area through agricultural projects, including utilizing abandoned farmland and managing bamboo forests sustainably. Their initiatives have been recognized by national authorities, underscoring their commitment to building sustainable community models.

For those interested in supporting the team, visit their official website: esDGz OTAKI.EXE