From Tokyo to a New Era of Professional Baseball

“TOKYO RESI STARS” to Join Route Inn BC League in 2027, Opening the Season on April 17 in Akiruno City

“TOKYO RESI STARS” a professional baseball team affiliated with the Residential Group, will join the Route Inn BC League, an independent professional baseball league, starting from the 2027 season.

Since the establishment of the BC League, no team has ever been based in Tokyo. However, in the 2027 season, which marks the league’s 21st year, a team based in Tokyo will be established for the first time.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, an official membership agreement signing ceremony was held at Akiruno City Hall. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Keita Ueno, President of the Route Inn BC League, Hiroki Uchida, President, Mr. Hiroki Makihara, CCO (Chief Communications Officer), and Mr. Hironori Suguro, the first manager of TOKYO RESI STARS. During the ceremony, they expressed their commitment to launching the 2027 season with the goal of building a team that works closely with and contributes to the local community.

Opening Game Set for April 17, 2027, in Akiruno

At the signing ceremony, it was announced that the team’s opening game will be held in Akiruno City on April 17, 2027.

President Hiroki Uchida also spoke about the approximately one and a half years spent establishing the team, expressing his gratitude to the league officials, the Akiruno City government, and everyone in the local community for their support.

“Most importantly, we want the start of the season to be a moment of joy for everyone. Over the next 3 to 5 years, we want to build a team that makes people say, ‘It’s great to have a professional baseball team here.’ Our goal is to become a team deeply rooted in the daily lives of the community, so that every Saturday or Sunday, people naturally think, ‘Let’s go watch some baseball today.’”

The team also announced that it will relocate its office to Akiruno City and further strengthen its ties with the local community in preparation for the start of the season.

Walk Alongside the Community and Bring New Stars from Tokyo

Mr. Hironori Suguro, who will serve as the team’s first manager said “Based on the BC League’s philosophy of being deeply rooted in the local community, we want to build a team that walks alongside the people of the community. Our goal is to develop a team and players who are not only skilled at baseball, but are also known and supported by members of the community. We will continue to build a team that places great value on its relationship with the local community.” 

In addition, Hiroki Makihara, CCO and one of the key figures involved in establishing the team said “I think there are still many people who do not know that a new professional baseball team has been established in Tokyo. We want to actively share information and raise awareness of TOKYO RESI STARS so that more people can get to know the team.” 

He also expressed his enthusiasm for increasing the team’s visibility and recognition. 

This will be a place where players can pursue their dreams, children can meet their idols, and people of all generations in the community can connect and share their passion.

As they prepare for the opening game on April 17, 2027, TOKYO RESI STARS will work together with the local community, fans, and partners to build a new team.

【 The following article was published regarding the signing of the BC League membership agreement】
■ Nikkei Newspaper
New TOKYO RESI STARS Team Joins BC League; Signing Ceremony Held in Akiruno City
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOCC161XT0W6A910C2000000/

■Sponichi
“TOKYO RESI STARS,” Set to Join the BC League Next Year, Officially Signs Membership Agreement; CCO Hiromi Makihara Expresses His “Excitement”
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/1f91796586ffb2be48a244d947d22a5aa1757fd2

■Hochi
TOKYO RESI STARS Officially Confirmed to Join the BC League from 2027; Former Giants Player Hironori Suguro to Become the Team’s First Manager. Tokyo to Serve as the Team’s First Home Base, with Player Tryouts to Be Held This Fall
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/de616e00ea60f8e2dd81c9aa81ac5ab78e87eb8b

■ Nikkan Sports
Mr. Hironori Suguro, who previously played for the Yomiuri Giants and other teams, has been appointed as the first manager of TOKYO RESI STARS. The team will compete in the Route Inn BC League next season
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/c4cab559106b437820f6646a2da11d60a40b51be

■Daily
New BC League Team “TOKYO RESI STARS” Officially Confirmed to Join from the 2027 Season; Former Giants Player Hironori Suguro to Serve as the Team’s First Manager
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/26eb562c70cdc2f4b9018ab20befb711bff4817e

■dmenu news:
Mr. Hironori Suguro, who previously played for the Yomiuri Giants and other teams, has been appointed as the first manager of TOKYO RESI STARS. The team will compete in the Route Inn BC League next season
https://topics.smt.docomo.ne.jp/article/nikkansports/sports/f-bb-tp0-260916-202609160001095?redirect=1

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