Takuma Ito
Born in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture in 1982
He became the first head coach of Alvark Tokyo in 2015. He joined Nagasaki Velca because he was sympathetic to their long-term vision, including the 2020 Nagasaki Stadium City Project.
He will become GM and head coach in the 2021-22 season, then president and GM in the 2022-23 season.
Hideki Iwashita
Born in 1981 in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture
Joined Japanet Takata in 2006. Appointed director of Regional Creation Nagasaki and president of Nagasaki Velca in 2020. Appointed president of V-Varen Nagasaki in 2022 (also serves as president of Nagasaki Velca). Appointed president of Regional Creation Nagasaki in 2023.

Part 3: An ideal clubhouse that both players and fans can enjoy

Tago
When I entered the Saga locker room, I felt that the attraction for the players was the clubhouse.
Ito
After all, this is what attracts the players!
Tago
We actually interviewed the players in detail about this! Initially, it was standard to sit in the recessed area of the locker, but after studying examples from the NBA and other places, we found out that players don't actually sit there, but instead place a chair in front of it and put their belongings in the recessed area.
Iwashita
Do we need to make a seat for Takuma? A legend seat!
Ito
Oh no! (laughs)
Tago
Is this a theater room?! *Shows a perspective of the theater room
Ito
This is great! It's great that players are attracted to places like this!
Tago
I think this is the first time in Japan that the locker room we use every day will be used as the home side locker room on game days. What's good about it is that the managers are happy with it, and they don't have to take as much luggage to the bench. For the fans, the area behind the bench is neat and tidy, so it's easy to see the seats behind the bench!
Ito
The training room is right next to the court, which is also said to be a good trend. The athletic training room is also excellent, and it's a great environment for injured players to rehabilitate while watching practice. It goes without saying that a clubhouse should be an easy environment to practice in, but it's also important that excellent athletic trainers and excellent coaches want to work here!
Tago
Is the environment an important factor when deciding which club a player chooses when transferring?
Ito
I think that's a very important point! It's important for players to feel that they can improve by coming here, and I think that's exactly what they will feel when they come here.
Tago
Another interesting feature is that you can see the practice sessions. I think it will be very stimulating for the younger generation.
Ito
Going back to the topic of entertainment, I think it would be great to say something like, "You will be able to watch the players practice on certain days of the week."
Iwashita
You could even decide what day and time you can watch it every week!
Tago
That's great! Ideally, when the children of Nagasaki step onto the court and experience professional play here every day, they will be able to watch the play at the arena, and in the future they will want to play as professional players here! If this gives them the desire to actually produce professionals, I think it will be a good cycle for Nagasaki.
Iwashita
If a star athlete were to practice here in a few years' time, the value of this space would skyrocket! It would be a very luxurious space! That's what we're aiming for!
Ito
If you think about it, it might be a good idea to put a chair there!
Tago

It's also fun to buy hot dogs and craft beer outside and watch the practice!

I have so much to say, but it's almost time (laughs).
Iwashita
It went by so fast~
Ito
I can't talk enough! I could talk forever! (laughs) I can't wait to see the arena and the clubhouse. I want everyone to experience the best environment soon!