Completion Ceremony for the 4th Term of the PIA Sports Business Program Held

On Saturday, October 26th, we celebrated the completion of the 4th term of the PIA Sports Business Program (PIA SBP), which Blue United Corporation operates as the official academic strategy partner with PIA Corporation. The ceremony welcomed students who completed the seven-month program, as well as a number of officials.

Our program, led by our President and CEO Takehiko Nakamura as a head lecturer, offered a unique structure that systematically covered the fundamentals and applications of sports business. The curriculum, organized into ‘Principles,’ ‘Case Studies,’ and ‘Practical Application’ segments, allowed participants to develop practical skills directly relevant to the industry.

Starting with the foundational concepts in the ‘Principles,’ they then examined real-world examples in ‘Case Studies,’ and finally, in ‘Practical Application,’ they deepened their understanding through group work and concluded by presenting their insights as a team.

In addition to lectures by people active in various fields, as well as those at the forefront of the sports industry, the program also included a visit to Yokohama Stadium and on-the-job training at J-League match venues. From the basics to more advanced and specialized areas of the sports business, students were able to gain a wide range of knowledge and experience.

During the completion ceremony, students received certificates of completion and expressed their commitment to the future. In addition to the addresses by Program Head Master Yuji Nagano and our President and CEO Takehiko Nakamura, we also received messages from PIA SBP’s partner companies and lecturers. The time was filled with passionate speeches and smiling faces, making it a successful event.

This term, we invited many speakers to speak at the program, including Yota Kimura (President, Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars, Inc.), Yohei Kasuga (Director, Kashima Antlers FC), and Jin Arai (CEO, Pacific League Marketing, Inc.). Also, the lectures presented by Masakuni Nagahiro (Senior Executive Officer, AZUSA SEKKEI Co.,Ltd.), Keiji Ito (President, playground, Inc.) and Takuya Yamamoto (General Manager, Partner Sales, Sunrockers Inc.), among other notable speakers were very interesting.

On Saturday, November 16th, “PIA SBP Homecoming Day,” is scheduled to provide an opportunity for graduates from all terms of the program, partners, speakers, management staff, and others to gather together. They will have an opportunity to see former friends and meet new colleagues, as we believe that by building relationships even after program completion, the value of the PIA SBP community will increase year by year.

Applications for the 5th term, starting in April 2025, will open on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. Please see below for details. We look forward to receiving your applications!

*For details about the PIA Sports Business Program 5th term, click here.

*Official X click here.