The Ryukyu Golden Kings have made history by winning their first Emperor's Cup, triumphing over Alvark Tokyo with a score of 60-49 at the Yoyogi National Stadium on March 15, 2025. This victory not only marks the team’s initial championship title but also signifies redemption after two consecutive final losses.
Before the match, anticipation was high, with 10,009 enthusiastic fans filling the arena, many waving flags and chanting for their team. The atmosphere was electric, and the Kings' resilience shone through as they fought fiercely throughout the game, leveraging their strong defense and rebounding prowess.
With the sound of the final buzzer, the long-awaited celebration began. On March 17, 2025, the Kings visited Okinawa City Mayor Hanashiro Daishi to celebrate their victory and thank the local community for their unwavering support. Mayor Daishi expressed his astonishment at the Kings' solid fan base, recalling how their supporters dominated the stands during the final match. "I was surprised to see so many Kings fans at the venue!" he noted excitedly.
Ryukyu Golden Kings' President Shiroki Tooru shared his gratitude for the victory, saying, "We could not have achieved our dream of winning the 100th Emperor's Cup without the support of our dedicated fans." This marks not only the team's first triumph but their third appearance in the finals after contesting this prestigious cup eight times previously.
Coach Daiki桶谷 was visibly relieved after the match, commenting, "This victory has washed away the disappointments of the past; I feel like the nightmare of last year's final is finally over." Indeed, the previous year saw the team suffer a crushing loss to the Chiba Jets Funabashi, which left scars on their reputation. Yet this time, they demonstrated strategic gameplay and unyielding determination.
The Kings relied on their 'Twin Towers' strategy, featuring powerful players Jack Cooley and Alex Kirk, who dominated the boards. Cooley was later named the tournament's MVP, with impressive stats of 10 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block, showcasing the strength and promise of their dynamic. "A key to our success was the trust from Coach to play alongside Alex. Our varied skill sets together posed significant threats to our opponents," Cooley stated.
Meanwhile, Kirk added, "We were able to take advantage of the rebounding opportunities. That made a significant difference during the game." Indeed, their combined efforts produced 25 rebounds collectively, which led to greater possession and scoring opportunities for the team, allowing them to maintain control of the ball and the game.
The celebration didn't stop there. Following their Emperor's Cup victory, Japan Transocean Air (JTA) announced their collaboration with the Kings, launching promotional campaigns to celebrate the championship win, promising excitement for fans. This campaign, which runs from March 17 until May 31, 2025, offers unique opportunities for fans traveling on specific routes, demonstrating the importance of sports-based initiatives to fuel local pride.
With ambitions set high, the team remains focused on their goal for the rest of the season, and Kishimoto Ryuuichi, another key player, reflected on their accomplishments, saying, "Thanks to your support, we won the Emperor's Cup. We faced challenges but have arrived here today with great pride, aiming for more success to come this season!"
The Ryukyu Golden Kings have not only embraced victory but have galvanized Okinawa City, reinforcing the power of sport to uplift communities. This championship win is the beginning of their resurgence, and with the local support, they aim to strive for greater heights as they push through the remaining season, united by the goal to make Okinawa thrive through their sportsmanship and dedication.
Indeed, the feeling across Okinawa is one of shared joy and future promise, and as the Kings continue to pursue excellence on and off the court, they remind everyone of the unifying power of sports and the importance of community backing. The celebration of their first Emperor's Cup is not just about trophies; it’s about the lasting connections they forge within their beloved Okinawa.
