We held the Closing Ceremony for the 5th Term of the PIA Sports Business Program.

On Saturday, October 25, the Closing Ceremony for the 5th term of the PIA Sports Business Program (PIA SBP)—jointly operated by PIA Corporation and our company as the Official Academic Strategy Partner—was held.
The event brought together participants who successfully completed the seven-month program, along with many distinguished guests and partners.

Led by our CEO and core lecturer, Takehiko Nakamura, the program is distinguished by its curriculum structure of “Principles → Case Studies → Practical Application.”
This unique framework enables participants to learn the foundations and advanced concepts of sports business systematically while cultivating practical skills that can be directly applied in real-world settings.

In the “Principles” module, participants studied the fundamental theories and frameworks of sports business.
In “Case Studies,” they explored real-world examples of how these principles are applied.
Finally, through “Practical Application,” they deepened their understanding via group work and concluded the program with team presentations.

The program invites instructors from diverse industries beyond the sports sector and incorporates fieldwork opportunities such as on-site sessions at Yokohama Stadium and visits to J.League and professional baseball venues.
Through these experiences, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of both the foundational and applied aspects of the sports business field.

During the ceremony, participants received their certificates of completion and shared personal reflections and future aspirations.
Remarks were also delivered by Program Headmaster Yuji Nagano and Core Lecturer Takehiko Nakamura, along with heartfelt messages from partner companies and guest speakers.
The event was filled with smiles, meaningful exchanges, and a strong sense of accomplishment.

Our company also presented the Blue United Award to recognize outstanding contributions to the program’s growth, commitment to core principles, and excellence in group collaboration.

Guests in Attendance
・Toru Otsubo (General Manager, Collaboration Promotion Department, Kiraboshi Bank, Ltd.)
・Takuya Yamamoto (Director of Partner Sales, Sunrockers Co., Ltd.)

Messages and Video Messages Received From
・Masakuni Ehiro (Executive Managing Officer, Azusa Sekkei Co., Ltd.)
・Keishi Ito (President & CEO, playground Co., Ltd.)
・Daisuke Takeshima (Founder & CEO, BOTTOM UP Co., Ltd.)
・Hideo Aso (Field Management Director, BOTTOM UP Co., Ltd.)
・Kenji Sonobe (Executive Officer & COO, Business Development Division, Pacific League Marketing Co., Ltd.)
・Yota Kimura (President & CEO, Yokohama DeNA BayStars Co., Ltd.)
・Hiroshi Nagai (Executive Officer, Head of Marketing Division, Yokohama Marinos Co., Ltd.)
・Yuichiro Nukada (Japan Pro-Footballers Association)
・Takayuki Hioki (President & CEO, Cerezo Osaka Co., Ltd.)

On Saturday, November 15, the Pia SBP Homecoming Day will be held, bringing together graduates from all five terms, partner companies, lecturers, and program staff.
This annual gathering serves as an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen ties, further enhancing the value of the Pia SBP community each year.

Applications for the 6th term, starting next spring, will open in early November.
More details will be announced soon—we look forward to your participation!

Follow the program’s official account on X (formerly Twitter) for regular updates on lectures and activities!