FUKUOKA, Japan—Significant developments are brewing around the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, as the professional baseball team steps up its engagement with fans through vibrant partnerships and community initiatives. The Hawks have embraced the entertainment scene by selecting the new song "Diamond Chronicle" by the girl group Girls be bad (GBB) as their official theme song. Produced by Matsuo Kenta, GBB is not just another band; it has emerged from Kenta's vision to nurture talent from the local community.
Formed through auditions held by Kenta, GBB aims to make waves both regionally and nationally. Their song "Diamond Chronicle," inspired by the Hawks' current season slogan, "PS! (Peace)," embraces the spirit of unity and celebration coinciding with the team's 20th anniversary. It's described as an uplifting rock tune reflecting both the team's aspirations and GBB's ambitions to reach the pinnacle of success, much like their beloved Hawks, who also aim for the title of champions this season.
Fans can expect to hear "Diamond Chronicle" throughout the upcoming season during Hawks broadcasts on platforms such as Sports Live+, Hawks TV, and DAZN, with its official streaming release slated for March 28, 2025. Excitingly, the song will have its radio premiere on March 6, 2025, during the broadcast of CROSS FM's "BADKNee RADIO!!," hosted by Kenta himself, along with regular appearances by GBB members.
Alongside this musical celebration, the Hawks are forging commercial ties beyond the entertainment industry by renewing their partnership with Denka. On March 3, 2025, Denka announced the renewal of its official sponsorship agreement with the Hawks, marking the third consecutive term. This relationship exemplifies Denka’s commitment to boosting quality of life (QOL) for local communities through sports and health initiatives.
Denka, with its Ogata Factory located in Ogata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, has been operational since 1916. The company is known for producing innovative products, from acetylene black to advanced materials for the xEV and 5G markets. Denka views its collaboration with the Hawks not only as a business arrangement but as an opportunity to promote community welfare, and they aim to leverage their resources to inspire local pride and engagement.
Another exciting aspect of the Hawks' community-centric approach involves their partnership with the beloved children’s character, Curious George. The Pacific League Marketing Corporation, along with six other Pacific League teams—including the Hawks—has decided to launch collaboration goods featuring the curious monkey dressed in each team's uniforms. After the success of last year's collaboration, this is set to bring even more excitement to the fan experience.
Curious George, known globally for his misadventures and endearing charm, will be making special appearances at various ballparks across Japan, engaging fans and adding to the joyful atmosphere of the games. Scheduled visits will include the Hawks' match on April 23, 2025, at the Mizuho PayPay Dome, where fans can participate in photo sessions with George. Other teams will also host George on respective game days.
These partnerships and initiatives—ranging from music to sponsorships and character appearances—reflect the Hawks' commitment to creating an inclusive and vibrant community around the sport. The multi-faceted approach fosters engagement with diverse audiences, from music enthusiasts and families to local supporters invested in the Hawks’ success.
Looking forward, GBB continues its momentum with its nationwide tour, "Girls be bad SIXTEEN'S PLACE TOUR 2025," which kicked off in February 2025. The next performances are set for March 8 and 9, 2025, with fans eager to see more of GBB's increasing prominence not only within the J-Pop scene but also as key figures within the Hawks' expansive community initiatives.
Overall, the ties between the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, local talent, and corporate partners embody the unique spirit of collaboration, success, and community connection. This dynamic not only enhances the experience for the fans but also ensures the sustainability and growth of sports culture across the region.