Biz Stream S2019E10 - New Goals for Pro Sports in Hokkaido

The Japanese government is including sports as a major part of its strategy to help the northern island of Hokkaido Prefecture to grow economically. This episode features 2 teams that are facing very different realities when it comes to success and popularity. Consadole Sapporo, a team in Japan's top level J1 soccer league is looking to give a boost to the local economy and capitalize on foreign talent by adding new player acquisitions like their recently signed star Thai sensation known by fans as "Messi Jay." Elsewhere, other pro sports teams like the city of Kushiro's hockey team, the Nippon Paper Cranes are struggling to stay alive. On the verge of disappearing, the team is now trying to keep its 70-year-old tradition going by gathering sponsors and raising the competitiveness of the team to a higher level.