[Documentary 7] Planting the roots of ice hockey in Western Japan. The president himself leads top-tier sales, a medical student doubles as a pro athlete—these are the challengers forging a path where none existed.

"People who contribute to our lives without seeking the spotlight," and "people who stand by those in vulnerable social positions and walk alongside them." The documentary program 'Documentary 7' shines a light on such individuals discovered during daily news coverage. The 36th episode focuses on Reo Kurosawa, the president of 'Stars Kobe,' the first professional ice hockey team in Western Japan. Episode 36: 'Go Stars Kobe! Carving History on the Ice' ©TV Osaka

Carrying an 8-centimeter puck through intense collisions to reach the goal—ice hockey is often called the "martial arts on ice." Reo Kurosawa (43), president of 'Stars Kobe,' fights every day to plant the roots of this sport in Western Japan. ©TV Osaka

'Stars Kobe' was established in May of last year as Western Japan's first professional ice hockey team. Just one year after its founding, the team achieved its first entry into the Asia League, which consists of five teams from South Korea and Eastern Japan. In Japan, the number of people playing ice hockey is less than 1/50th that of baseball. Because it is a minor sport, promoting a team with no track record is an incredibly difficult task. ©TV Osaka

President Kurosawa is a former professional player. Originally from Aomori, he moved to the Kansai region for work. While he gained experience in sales for a professional soccer team, he had always wanted to start something of his own rather than belong to an organization. This led him to transform 'Stars Kobe,' an amateur ice hockey team he played for as a hobby, into a professional team.