B.LEAGUE Game Report: New Employee Asano Edition
Nice to meet you. I am Asano, a new employee!
On this occasion, I had the opportunity to observe the B.LEAGUE match between Sunrockers Shibuya and the Kawasaki Brave Thunders, as well as the behind-the-scenes preparations for the game!
B.LEAGUE is Japan’s men’s professional basketball league, whose inaugural season began on September 22 last year. Being able to go behind the scenes of this exciting league was thrilling from start to finish!
Sunrockers Shibuya, which I had the opportunity to visit this time, uses the Aoyama Gakuin University Memorial Hall as its home arena and is a club based in Shibuya, a hub of culture.
On the day, I spoke with the PR representative about the flow leading up to tip-off, the setup site, and their day-to-day work. I was also able to enter areas that are normally off-limits, such as the players’ locker room and the press conference area. Venue setup began in the morning, and I could truly feel firsthand that the game is made possible by the efforts of so many people—official staff adjusting the sound, checking the lighting, cheerleaders rehearsing, volunteers preparing the entrances, and more!
As part of the team’s PR initiatives, they focus heavily on digital PR. They use three social media platforms—Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram—according to each platform’s strengths to provide information that meets fans’ needs. The Sunrockers’ mascot, Sandy, also has a popular account!
Many people who come to watch Sunrockers Shibuya games also reportedly have a high usage rate of “Suma-Ticke,” B.LEAGUE’s ticketing system. “Suma-Ticke” allows you to purchase a mobile ticket through a smartphone app, and your smartphone screen becomes your ticket! Across the league, standard tickets are said to be used more often, but that is Shibuya for you—it gives the impression of being ahead of the times!
Before we knew it, tip-off was drawing closer by the minute. It was striking to see spectators forming long lines, eagerly waiting for the doors to open.
Perhaps because of the Shibuya location, female spectators in their 20s and 30s stood out.
I also felt that having a conveniently located venue that is easy to access—even for B.LEAGUE beginners—is a very appealing environment. The audience finished entering, and it was finally time for the pre-game moments.
The players entered, and the excitement in the arena reached its peak!
Both teams began warming up. Sandy is ready for battle, too!
The warm-up is over, and the game begins!
The Sunrockers got off to a slow start, but they gradually closed the gap.
The nail-biting action continued, and it was one heart-pounding moment after another.
Unfortunately, they narrowly lost the game that day. Even so, it was fantastic to be able to watch such an intense match!
After the game, I had the opportunity to visit the press conference. Being able to see how interviews with the coach and players are conducted and to hear the kinds of questions asked by the media was an extremely valuable experience.
By observing a B.LEAGUE game this time, I learned many things, including how social media is used in the sports business and what the team’s PR staff do. I would like to make use of this valuable experience in my work going forward and do my best to catch up to—and surpass—my senior colleagues!
★Masuno Edition and Yamada Edition are available here★
