Saga Balloons Launches First Cohort Recruitment for 'Student Marketing Department (BSM)' – Students to Create B.PREMIER Events

Saga Balloons Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Saga City, Saga Prefecture; President & CEO: Jotaro Tanabata) has launched recruitment for the first cohort of its project 'Saga Balloons Student Marketing Department' (abbreviated as BSM), starting June 22, 2026 (Monday).

This program runs for approximately nine months, combining lectures and practical experience to enable students to produce an official B.PREMIER game from scratch. Unlike typical internship roles that serve as mere support, this is a hands-on project demanding full ownership, where students think, execute, and complete a professional sports event under the guidance of instructors and mentors.

Background of the Initiative Saga Balloons aims to increase home game attendance and revenue while revitalizing Saga Prefecture and its local communities—goals to be achieved together with the next generation of students. The club and its professional instructors will fully support motivated students eager to grow at the forefront of sports business. This project will also collaborate with the ongoing student support initiative '#Sagamira Department' in partnership with Saga Toyopet Co., Ltd.

The vision behind this project and its focus on nurturing future regional leaders are further detailed in an interview article with President Jotaro Tanabata titled 'Students Taking “Serious Fun” to the Pro Sports Field | The Regional Future Built by the Saga Balloons Student Marketing Department' (published on Sports for Social).

Key Themes Students will identify club challenges and market opportunities, then design and implement strategies to boost attendance and revenue: - Maximizing Weekday Attendance: Developing new evening spectator experiences and attendance strategies for weekday games - Diversifying Revenue Streams: Creating strategies to increase sales through e-commerce and merchandise - Expanding Market Reach: Building a broader fan base targeting the Northern Kyushu region - Achieving Community Coexistence: Implementing urban development initiatives through collaboration with local municipalities

Program Overview Program Name: Saga Balloons Student Marketing Department (BSM) Duration: August 18, 2026 (Tuesday) to early April 2027 (First session: August 18, 15:00–17:00) Eligibility: University or graduate students enrolled as of May 2027 who can attend at least 80% of activities (Final-year undergraduates graduating in March 2027 may apply if they can participate until April) Schedule: Every Tuesday, 17:30–19:00 (subject to change) Location: Hybrid (Online / Offline in Saga) ※Saga venue: SUNRISE BOX Activities: - 10 planned study sessions with special guest speakers - Weekly meetings and group work - Customer analysis, target selection, marketing strategy development, and initiative planning - Implementation during games - Event planning, ticket and merchandise sales, and promotion at home games - 'Student Marketing Department Production Day' at an April home game Participation Fee: Free (travel and accommodation expenses are self-funded) Recruitment Quota: Approximately 40 students (subject to change)

Instructors

Club Instructors Jotaro Tanabata (President & CEO, Saga Balloons Co., Ltd.) Club Staff (Ticketing & Marketing)

External Instructors (Special Guests) Yoichi Onan (Director, MUSCAT GROUP Co., Ltd.) Tsutomu Mano (Director & CRO, Co-founder, SUPER STUDIO Co., Ltd.) Takeyoshi Yamamoto (Owner & Operator, Toyo Country Club / Tsukuba International Country Club / Hokkaido River Hill)

Selection Process & Application Period Application Period: June 22, 2026 (Monday) to July 31, 2026 (Friday) ① Apply via application form → ② Document screening (1st round) → ③ Online interview (2nd round, approx. 15 minutes) → ④ Notification of results. Applications may close early if the quota is filled.

Application Link https://form.run/@ballooners-ticket-lFMmpKUZn49fmQinYSDV