Kobe Storks Selected for 2026 'B.LEAGUE × Nippon Foundation Town Development Grant'

Thank you always for your continued support of the Kobe Storks.

The Kobe Storks are pleased to announce that we have been selected as one of the grant recipients for the 2026 (second phase) edition of the 'B.LEAGUE × Nippon Foundation Town Development Grant,' a joint project by the Japan Professional Basketball League (B.LEAGUE, Commissioner: Shinji Shimoda, Bunkyo City, Tokyo) and the Nippon Foundation (Chairman: Takesumi Oshikata, Minato City, Tokyo). This initiative leverages professional sports to promote regional revitalization and address social challenges.

1. B.LEAGUE's Vision for Community Development Since signing a partnership agreement in January 2017, B.LEAGUE and the Nippon Foundation have collaborated on various social contribution initiatives through their corporate social responsibility program, 'B.LEAGUE Hope (B.Hope),' including disaster recovery support and reducing experiential disparities. The 'B.LEAGUE × Nippon Foundation Town Development Grant,' launched in the 2025 fiscal year, supports clubs in implementing community-based projects in collaboration with local residents, municipalities, and businesses. These projects aim to establish ongoing, sustainable activities rooted in their regions. For the 2026 fiscal year, under the theme 'Bringing People Together, Moving People, Growing People,' clubs across Japan will launch initiatives that create new value for their communities—such as developing community hubs in arenas, training facilities, and vacant urban spaces, enhancing local circulation, and nurturing the next generation of talent.

The Kobe Storks will utilize this grant program to advance sustainable town development through sports, working hand-in-hand with local stakeholders.

2. List of Selected Clubs for 2026

3. Kobe Storks' Project Content Theme: WHY KOBE? – Reasons to Keep Living in Kobe

In response to the challenge of net population outflow among residents aged 22–39, the project will simultaneously implement initiatives that encourage students in Kobe to want to live and work in the city after graduation, and create a 'community hub for families with children.' Together, these efforts aim to establish a dual approach—addressing both employment and residency—as a model for combating population decline.

As part of this project, the Kobe Storks will serve as a catalyst, organizing joint workshops with local stakeholders to explore how the team can contribute to the city of Kobe.

Through these efforts, the club aims to lay the foundation for generating new regional value through sports, with an eye toward the B.LEAGUE All-Star Game scheduled to be held in Kobe in 2028 and beyond.

Further details and updates on the project will be shared by the club in due course.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support and encouragement for the Kobe Storks.

[Website Information] Special Website for the B.LEAGUE × Town Development Project https://www.bleague.jp/town-project/