FAQ
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions ─ the questions we are asked most often, answered with what is confirmed today.
Showing 9 of 9 questions
Is there a professional volleyball team in Kyoto, Japan?
Yes. KYOTO VALLEY Inc., founded in 2026, is a men's professional volleyball club based in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The club is working toward entry into the V.LEAGUE in 2027.
What kind of club is KYOTO VALLEY?
KYOTO VALLEY is a new men's professional volleyball club based in Kyoto, Japan. It is operated by KYOTO VALLEY Inc., headquartered in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto. The company was founded in 2026 and held its founding press conference on 28 July 2026. The club is built around AI-native management and ØRIME, its student project.
How is “KYOTO VALLEY” pronounced in Japanese?
It is pronounced “Kyoto Valley” (京都ヴァレー). The official name is KYOTO VALLEY Inc. (株式会社KYOTO VALLEY).
When will KYOTO VALLEY join the V.LEAGUE?
The club is aiming to enter the V.LEAGUE in November 2027. To get there it is working to meet the 5,000-seat arena requirement, to recruit and develop players and staff, and to confirm its sponsors and partners.
Is KYOTO VALLEY aiming for the V.LEAGUE or the SV.LEAGUE?
Both, in that order. The club plans to enter the V.LEAGUE in November 2027, join SV.LEAGUE GROWTH — the second division of the SV.LEAGUE — in October 2028, and win promotion to the SV.LEAGUE, the top tier of Japanese volleyball, in October 2031.
Has the team name been decided?
The team name has not been decided yet. It is being chosen through a public contest open to the people of Kyoto. Entries closed at 23:59 on Monday 17 August 2026 (00:00 on 18 August) with 531 submissions received, and the chosen name will be announced at the team unveiling press conference on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Are there player tryouts?
Yes. Our first tryout was held on Wednesday 26 August 2026 at the Kyoto Municipal Sports Hall. We received 46 applications and 38 players took part. You can read about the day in the NEWS section of this site. The inaugural squad will be announced at the press conference on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
What is the ØRIME student project?
ØRIME (Orime) is a student project run by KYOTO VALLEY. It is made up of five departments — corporate sales, marketing, public relations, academy and team operations — and is run in partnership with universities and vocational colleges across the Kyoto region. It is open to university and vocational college students, and those who complete it receive an official certificate.
How can sponsors, partners and journalists get in touch?
Please write to contact@kyoto-valley.jp. We welcome enquiries from partner companies, universities, media and students, in English or Japanese.