Do you know about eSports?
The number of participants is said to reach 130 million worldwide, and it is spreading across the globe.
In Japan, it has gradually become more popular, and in 2019, a tournament was held as part of the cultural program of the National Sports Festival (then known as the National Athletic Meet).
The first professional eSports team established in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions is located in Kurashiki.
Introducing the professional eSports team aiming for the world from Kurashiki, SETOUCHI SPARKS.
What is eSports?
eSports is short for "Electronic Sports," and it refers to competitive play using computer games and video games as a sport.
eSports is spreading worldwide, and tournaments with high prize money are being held.
The number of eSports clubs in high schools in Okayama Prefecture is increasing, with some schools having over 80 members. Additionally, many schools are participating in the national eSports tournament held at the venue of "EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai," achieving national rankings.
There are also teams collaborating with sports clubs.
For example, in the soccer game "FIFA," corporate teams are increasingly establishing eSports divisions and signing contracts with eSports players.
Moreover, the characteristics of the competition require strategic thinking like chess or shogi, as well as reflexes and endurance as a sport. Tournaments can last up to 8 hours a day, making physical and mental strength important to maintain concentration.
Many players incorporate strength training to build physical fitness, and some measure the distance between their face and the monitor to find the optimal position with minimal stress for maintaining concentration.
Overview of the professional team "SETOUCHI SPARKS"
"SETOUCHI SPARKS" started in 2022 after changing its name from its predecessor team.
When representative Oshima Takeo took office, there were 15 to 20 members, but there are now about 40 members. The increase in members is due to the expansion of the competitive divisions they participate in and the ability to hire players.
Currently, they mainly focus on the following four types of games.
- Street Fighter 6 (fighting game)
- Gran Turismo SPORT (racing game)
- EA Sports FC 25 (soccer game)
- Apex Legends (shooting game)
In addition to players, there are also about 10 to 15 game streamers who participate in competitions as players while also posting videos and providing commentary.
Characteristics of the team
SETOUCHI SPARKS is primarily composed of members from western Japan, with one-third of the players being residents or natives of Okayama.
Additionally, regarding game streaming, while other teams often stream on individual channels, SETOUCHI SPARKS consolidates its streaming on the team's official channel.
We spoke with Oshima Takeo, who is working hard to spread eSports in the community.
Background of the establishment of SETOUCHI SPARKS
Can you tell us about the background leading to the establishment of the team?
Oshima (no honorifics)
I have always liked games, and I served as the general manager of the predecessor team for 2 to 3 years. During my tenure, I realized the fun and depth of eSports.
Later, when the then-representative left the team, I considered disbanding the team as an option since I was working as a tutor at my family's cram school.
On the other hand, I had been active with the desire to "keep people in the local area," and I was convinced that eSports could be a means to achieve that.
While thinking about the future of the team, I was approached by players and streamers saying, "If Oshima continues, we will stay," and I took over the team from the then-representative.
To nurture the team
Did you face any difficulties when you started anew?
Oshima
At the beginning of the establishment, there was a lack of understanding of eSports, and I was often turned down for loans and investments with questions like, "How do you make a living from eSports?"
However, as a result of steady efforts, we now have over 30 sponsors supporting us.
What are you doing to build the team?
Oshima
This year, we have particularly focused on employing players as staff.
eSports players sign contracts with the team. The contract periods are often shorter compared to other sports, sometimes less than a year.
Many professional eSports teams are newly established and cannot be said to have financial leeway. To reduce costs, it is very common for contracts to end after the tournament season.
This makes it difficult to maintain regular communication with players, hindering their development. We are employing them to ensure long-term involvement and create an environment for growth.
Community-focused activities
It seems you are involved in many activities besides participating in tournaments.
Oshima
SETOUCHI SPARKS is focused on community engagement, operating under three pillars: "Education," "Welfare," and "Community Development."
The first is Education.
We collaborate with universities in Okayama Prefecture to provide guidance for eSports clubs, lectures, and research. In our research, we evaluate proposals submitted by students on the theme of "community development using eSports."
We often receive requests for lectures on topics such as "How to create an eSports team" and "Monetization methods after establishing a team," and we have held events not only in Okayama but also in Shimane, Aichi, Shizuoka, and Chiba.
The second is Welfare.
We collaborate with employment support facilities to explore the possibilities of making eSports a job through video production and event planning.
Users of the facilities are involved in eSports-related tasks such as streaming, video production, and event management, creating a system for gradual skill development. Additionally, we are tentatively exploring whether rhythm games can be used to improve physical functions for the elderly.
The third is Community Development.
We hold community events centered around eSports to promote interaction among residents and invigorate the local area.
Recently, we have an event scheduled in Okayama City on September 20 and 21.
The number of participants is between 3,000 and 4,000, making it one of the largest e-sports events in Western Japan.
In preparation for the event, we conducted crowdfunding and received a lot of support not only from Okayama but from all over the country. We hope this will provide many people with the opportunity to experience e-sports.
The Future of the Team
Please tell us about your future prospects.
Oshima
We have set two major goals.
The first is to become the best in the world in competition within two years.
In July 2025, we ranked in the top 16 at the world championship of the fighting game "Street Fighter 6" held in France. Our players in other divisions are also steadily improving, so I feel that becoming number one in the world is not just a dream but a wall we can overcome.
The second is to develop e-sports into an industry and retain people in the local area.
By employing players based in Okayama and creating an environment where they can work in IT companies after retirement, I believe this will contribute to revitalizing the local economy.
I believe it is important to work together with the community to develop e-sports into an industry. We want to expand our activities quickly and make Okayama known as the "holy land of e-sports."
Conclusion
Through the interview, I felt the depth of e-sports.
How to control characters in the game and how quickly to respond to the movements of the opposing players require instant judgment.
I was also pleased to see an organization in Kurashiki challenging the world in a new field.
I look forward to the future challenges of SETOUCHI SPARKS.
Data of SETOUCHI SPARKS
| Organization Name | SETOUCHI SPARKS |
|---|---|
| Industry | Professional e-sports team |
| Representative Name | Oshima Takeo |
| Year Established | 2022 |
| Address | 2808-21 Funao-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Website | SETOUCHI SPARKS |
