[Creating the Future of Baseball from Hokkaido] Three Parties—Independent, Social, and Corporate—Conclude 'Partnership Agreement'

Three parties—KAMIKAWA Shibetsu Samurai Blades (Representative: Daisuke Sugawara), NPO Hokkaido Baseball Club HORNETS (Representative: Shun Iwahara), and Kokaji Gumi Co., Ltd. (CEO: Yosuke Kokaji)—will conclude a partnership agreement aimed at regional revitalization through baseball in Hokkaido and the sustainable career building of players. Upon the conclusion of this agreement, a press conference and signing ceremony will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 'Takasago on the 3rd floor of Sapporo Park Hotel' (1-1 Minami 10-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo).

**■ Background and Purpose of this Agreement** Currently, many baseball players face challenges between continuing to play and building a career after retirement. This agreement aims to achieve the following through collaboration among three different categories: an independent league in the northern Hokkaido area, a social club team in the Sapporo area, and a corporate team.

**Building a Career Cycle:** From a challenging environment aiming for the NPB (Shibetsu), to a stable athletic life in a metropolitan area (HORNETS), and finally lifelong career building (Kokaji Gumi), we provide the optimal environment according to the player's life stage. **Preventing Brain Drain:** We prevent the outflow of excellent sports talent outside of Hokkaido by presenting various employment and relocation options within the prefecture. **Revitalizing the Regional Economy:** We will implement community contribution activities, such as business matching between the Sapporo area and Shibetsu/depopulated areas, and joint baseball clinics.

**■ Press Conference and Signing Ceremony Overview** **Date and Time:** Monday, April 20, 2026, 15:00 - 16:00 (Reception starts at 14:30) **Venue:** Sapporo Park Hotel '3rd Floor Takasago' **Address:** 1-1 Minami 10-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo **Speakers:** - KAMIKAWA Shibetsu Samurai Blades Representative: Daisuke Sugawara - NPO Hokkaido Baseball Club HORNETS Representative: Shun Iwahara - Kokaji Gumi Co., Ltd. Representative: Yosuke Kokaji **MC:** Atsushi Honma **Contents:** Explanation of agreement overview, signing ceremony, representatives' comments, photo session, Q&A

**■ Main Initiatives through Collaboration (KPIs)** **Producing Players:** Career step support for 1 or more people in 2 years, and 3 or more people in 5 years **Technical Exchange:** Joint practices (twice a year), practice games (2 games a year) **Business:** Matching sponsor contracts (10 or more in 5 years) **Community Contribution:** Regular joint baseball clinics (once a year)

**■ Press Conference Coverage Application Guide