KYOTO, JAPAN –– KYOTO VALLEY Co., Ltd. is proud to announce the official launch of a groundbreaking new men’s professional volleyball team based in Kyoto. The team is set to enter Japan’s V.League in the autumn of 2027, with the ultimate goal of being promoted to the country’s premier “SV.League” by 2031.
What makes this launch truly unprecedented on a global scale is the club’s management structure: It is the first professional sports team in Japan—and potentially the world—whose front office operations will be driven primarily by university students.
■ Empowering the Next Generation of Sports Business Leaders In Japan’s current professional sports industry, team management is heavily reliant on mid-career hires, leaving very little room for new graduates to learn and grow within the business. KYOTO VALLEY aims to break down this barrier.
By adopting a Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach, university students are appointed as Project Leaders in crucial front-office departments, including marketing, ticketing, PR, social media, merchandise development, and community outreach. Under the safety net of professional directors, these students are given real responsibilities and decision-making authority on the ground.
“Kyoto is a city of universities, filled with young people who possess limitless potential,” said Mitsunori Uehara, Preparation Office Director. “While they may lack experience, their passion, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives bring an irreplaceable value to the club. Our goal is not to hold onto these students forever, but to create an ecosystem where they gain real-world leadership skills and eventually graduate to drive the future of the sports industry in Japan and beyond.”
■ Press Conference Highlights (July 28, 2026) An official establishment press conference is being held today at the Kyoto Economy Center, featuring key figures in Japanese sports and business:
- Shun Yamazaki (CEO, KYOTO VALLEY Co., Ltd.)
- Shoji Emori (President, KYOTO VALLEY Co., Ltd.)
- Hiroyuki Kokubu (Executive Director, Japan Volleyball Association)
- Yuko Sano (Official Ambassador / Former Japan Women’s National Team Player)
- Akinari Ozaki (President, Kyoto Living Shimbun Co., Ltd.)
- University Student Representative
At the event, the team also announced a public campaign for fans to submit ideas for the official “Team Name,” as well as an upcoming “Tryout” to discover the inaugural roster of players.
Through this innovative model, KYOTO VALLEY will honor Kyoto’s rich history of balancing tradition with continuous innovation, aiming not only to win championships but to redefine the social purpose of a professional sports club.
Media Contact:
Mitsunori Uehara KYOTO VALLEY Co., Ltd.
Email: uehara@risseisha.com