The Mitsui Fudosan Group joined the professional basketball B-League team Levanga Hokkaido as an official sponsor from the 2017-18 season. Levanga Hokkaido is a team that was created in 2011.

Last year, the whole country was excited when Japan qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by finishing 19th overall and first among the Asian teams at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. In addition, the women's national team also recently qualified for the Olympics by defeating higher ranking teams Spain and Canada.
Although basketball is becoming increasingly popular, there may be many people who have never seen a professional game.
Therefore, several times a year, free public viewing is held at Akarenga Terrace, using a large screen installed between the first and second floors of the atrium, to bring the excitement of professional basketball to the city center, closer to the people. The photo above shows the game against the Ryukyu Golden Kings held on February 11.
Almost 200 spectators gathered on the second floor of Akarenga Terrace, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Orimo Takehiko, president of Levanga Hokkaido, appeared at the venue and gave a pre-game talk on the team's performances so far this season, as well as half-time and post-game opinions on the highlights and talking points from the game. The audience was impressed by the clarity of his explanations.

Members of the audience listen carefully to club president Orimo Takehiko’s easy-to-understand punditry

A half time, a raffle to win Levanga Hokkaido merchandise was held

Levanga Hokkaido lost the game 73-80 to the Ryukyu Golden Kings, but the atmosphere at the venue was lively, especially when the team overturned a first-quarter deficit of 10 points to end the second quarter in the lead.

The venue was filled to capacity

President Orimo Takehiko is a legend in the world of Japanese basketball. If you watch a game on a big screen while listening to his commentary right before your eyes, you will want to watch the next dynamic game live, in person at the venue.
The game versus Saga Ballooners, to be held on Saturday, March 2 from 16:05 at Hokkai Kita yell, is presented by the Mitsui Fudosan Group. Why not come along to the venue? (details on the website).

As well as Levanga Hokkaido, there are now many professional sports teams in Hokkaido: basketball, baseball, soccer, futsal and volleyball. The influence that professional sports teams can have on a community, such as regional revitalization, economic effects, the dreams of children and the like, is by no means small.

The following is an extract of a message from President Orimo, posted on the Levanga Hokkaido official website.

“What can we do for Hokkaido? We thought that maybe we could turn the tables and support the people of Hokkaido.
Our characteristic is not to play in a particularly magnificent way or have skills that captivate the fans, but to chase the ball until the end; to never give up and spare no effort in the game.

This could be what energizes the people of Hokkaido tomorrow.
Although they may not be glamorous, the events we create with all our hearts may in some way entertain and provide the energy for tomorrow.
Our continued presence at the top as Hokkaido's professional basketball team may become a dream or a goal for the children of Hokkaido, and may become a source of vitality for tomorrow.”

The Mitsui Fudosan Group will continue to support Levanga Hokkaido towards a mutually supportive society.