Kagawa Olive Guyners to Host Annual Match Against Yomiuri Giants 3rd Team in Kagawa for Giants Series

Kagawa Olive Guyners, a member of the Shikoku Island League plus, will play an exchange match against the Yomiuri Giants 3rd team on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Lexxam Ballpark Marugame. This matchup is part of the "Giants Series," an exchange program between the Shikoku Island League plus and the development organizations of NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) clubs. Since each league team plays the Yomiuri Giants 3rd team only once per season, Kagawa has secured the home game hosting rights for this season.

Match Announcement Visual for the "NPB Challenge Cup" against Yomiuri Giants 3rd team on Wednesday, June 17, at Lexxam Ballpark Marugame (Gates open: 17:00 / Play ball: 18:00).

Serious Competition with NPB's Development Team at Kagawa's Home Ground

The "Giants Series" is an exchange series where each club in the Shikoku Island League plus plays one game against the Yomiuri Giants 3rd team. This exchange match with the NPB club's development squad is designated as the "NPB Challenge Cup."

Matches against the Giants 3rd team occur only once a season for each club. The venue rotates among different prefectures each year, and this season marks the turn for Kagawa to host the match. This is a rare opportunity to watch an official game against the Yomiuri Giants 3rd team locally in Marugame.

A Grand Stage for Independent League Players

The Shikoku Island League plus is a development league where players aiming for NPB or overseas professional leagues grow through actual game experience. Opportunities to test their skills in official games against NPB teams are limited, making this match a crucial stage for players to demonstrate the results of their daily training. For local supporters, it is a day to closely witness the players' challenging spirit. Please come to the stadium to show your support.

Event Overview

- Tournament: Giants Series (Yomiuri Giants 3rd Team Exchange Match / NPB Challenge Cup) - Matchup: Kagawa Olive Guyners vs. Yomiuri Giants 3rd Team - Date & Time: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (Gates open at 17:00 / Game starts at 18:00) - Special Event: Visitor giveaway (udon provided by Marugame Seimen) *Available while supplies last - Venue: Lexxam Ballpark Marugame (Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture / Marugame Municipal Stadium) - Tickets: On sale now via the official team website; same-day tickets will also be available at the stadium entrance.

Kagawa Olive Guyners Baseball Club Co., Ltd.

An independent league club belonging to the Shikoku Island League plus, celebrating its 21st anniversary. It boasts a top-tier record in the league for player promotion, having sent 29 players to NPB and overseas professional leagues. Notable alumni include Katsuki Matayoshi, who played for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Chunichi Dragons.

In recent years, the club has redefined the values of professional sports—learning, challenge, and community connection—by promoting inquiry-based learning programs, local educational partnerships, and next-generation development in collaboration with corporations and municipalities. The club aims to be a "social value-creating baseball club" that contributes to solving social issues and revitalizing local communities through sports.

- Company Name: Kagawa Olive Guyners Baseball Club Co., Ltd. - Established: March 9, 2006 - Address: 1307 Chishicho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture - Business: Baseball club operations, educational business (inquiry-based learning, regional collaboration education, career education) - Official Website: https://oliveguyners.com/ - Inquiries: [email protected]