YKK AP Announces Title Partnership for Rui Hachimura's First Official Homecoming Event: 'YKK AP PRESENTS BLACK SAMURAI Toyama Homecoming'

YKK AP Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Akira Uozu) has concluded a title partnership agreement to support 'BLACK SAMURAI Toyama Homecoming,' the first official homecoming event hosted by professional basketball player Rui Hachimura, to be held on August 22 at YKK AP ARENA (Toyama City General Gymnasium). The event is part of 'BLACK SAMURAI 2026' (※1), a next-generation athlete development project led by Hachimura.

YKK AP Website Introduction Page

'YKK AP PRESENTS BLACK SAMURAI Toyama Homecoming'

https://www.ykkapglobal.com/ja/satellite/black-samurai/

For Rui Hachimura, who plays in the NBA—the world's premier professional basketball league—Toyama Prefecture is his hometown, where he was born and raised, and the 'origin point' where his journey as a basketball player began. For YKK AP, Toyama is the birthplace of its architectural products business and serves as a vital 'technical headquarters' where research, development, and production facilities are concentrated. The company continues to enhance its product development, technology, and manufacturing capabilities in Toyama, aiming to become a global leader in its industry.

This homecoming event, hosted by Hachimura in his hometown, is themed around regional co-creation with the vision of 'elevating the entire city of Toyama beyond the boundaries of basketball.' YKK AP deeply resonates with Hachimura’s commitment to nurturing the next generation and his passionate connection to his hometown, leading to the decision to become a presenting partner. Through event naming rights and logo placements, YKK AP will help create an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees. The company fully supports the event’s mission to inspire children through direct interaction with Hachimura, encouraging them to dream big and look toward the world.

Additionally, YKK AP’s official X account (https://x.com/YKK_AP_official) will run a campaign from July 17 (Fri) to July 23 (Thu), offering a chance to win tickets to the event.

YKK AP promotes regional contribution through sports by sponsoring professional sports teams, including the 'Toyama Grouses,' a professional basketball team based in Toyama Prefecture. The company has also signed a basic agreement with the arena’s operator for naming rights to YKK AP ARENA (Toyama City General Gymnasium), the venue for this event. As a next-generation arena, it will reopen in October this year, further strengthening community ties through sports and events, and advancing regional revitalization and co-creation initiatives.

【Event Overview】

Event Name

YKK AP PRESENTS BLACK SAMURAI Toyama Homecoming

Date

August 22, 2026 (Saturday)

Venue

YKK AP ARENA (Toyama City General Gymnasium)

Organizers

BLACK SAMURAI Toyama Homecoming Executive Committee (BLACK SAMURAI, Hokkoku Broadcasting Co., Ltd.)

Sponsors

YKK AP Co., Ltd. (Presenting Partner), AXS Japan LLC

Co-hosts

Toyama Prefecture, Toyama City

Special Support

Toyama Grouses

Program

【Inside the Arena】

<Basketball Clinic> (Spectator seats available via paid tickets)

A special clinic led by Rui Hachimura and members of the Toyama Grouses for approximately 200 elementary and middle school basketball players residing in Toyama Prefecture. The clinic aims to deliver the pure joy of playing basketball alongside Hachimura.

<Talk Event> (Spectator seats available via paid tickets)

A dialogue featuring never-before-heard stories from Hachimura’s childhood and middle school years in Toyama, his journey to the NBA, and a Q&A session allowing direct interaction with fans. Additional programs include a 'special collaboration with the Toyama Grouses' and 'audience participation events.'

(Detailed event content will be announced on the official BLACK SAMURAI website and social media channels after finalization.)

【Outside the Arena】

<BLACK SAMURAI Night Festival> (Some special viewing areas require paid tickets)

Exclusive content beyond basketball, designed for all attendees to enjoy.

・ A large 'yagura' (festival tower) will be erected, hosting a 'Night Festival' that involves the entire area.

・ 'DJ Bon Dance' begins in the afternoon, with DJs energizing the yagura.

・ In the evening, a stage performance of 'Owarai Kaze no Bon,' Toyama’s world-renowned traditional folk music festival, will take place.

A collaborative stage featuring Rui Hachimura himself will bring the night to a thrilling climax.

・ A food stall zone modeled after 'Sannomachi Festival,' a beloved grand festival in Toyama, will open.

・ Dozens of local food stalls that participate in the actual Sannomachi Festival will gather. Some will be redesigned with 'BLACK SAMURAI' branding. Attendees can fully experience exquisite local cuisine, festival-exclusive street food, and cultural traditions with all five senses.

※1: 'BLACK SAMURAI 2026' is a platform through which Rui Hachimura passes on the experiences, perspectives, and mindsets he has gained on the global stage to the next generation, aiming to strengthen and evolve Japanese basketball.

By allowing children and future top athletes to directly experience world-class standards, the initiative seeks to update outdated norms in Japanese basketball—such as domestically focused development environments centered on schools and local clubs, and coaching methods that prioritize long practice hours detached from real-game experience—redefining what is considered 'normal' in Japanese basketball.

Through these efforts, the project aims to transform not only children but also parents, coaches, and basketball fans—everyone involved in the sport. It also broadens horizons by exposing youth to global standards early, expands future opportunities, and creates pathways for children with limited access to basketball due to economic reasons to experience its joy and stay engaged.

Official Website: https://blacksamurai.jp/2026/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksamurai/