We are announcing that General Manager Takuya Kita will be retiring at his own request. We also wish to express our utmost respect for Mr. Takuya Kita's immense contributions to the Kawasaki Brave Thunders for over 30 years as a player, head coach, and general manager. It has been decided that Mr. Takuya Kita will newly assume the position of "Club Fellow" for our club, and we are announcing this as well. Assistant General Manager Kenji Sato will be appointed as the successor General Manager. Under the new structure, we will compete in the B.PREMIER, which begins in the 2026-27 season. What is a Club Fellow? A "Fellow" is a title bestowed upon special comrades who have made long-term, significant contributions to our club and will continue to share our vision. It is an honorary position to show gratitude and respect to Mr. Takuya Kita, and to maintain our relationship as "Thunders Family" going forward. [General Manager Retirement] Takuya Kita Profile Date of Birth May 29, 1972 Place of Birth Ishikawa Prefecture Alma Mater Hakui High School Takushoku University Career Summary 1995-2008 Player, Toshiba Red Thunders (now Kawasaki Brave Thunders) 2008-2011 Assistant Coach, Toshiba Brave Thunders (now Kawasaki Brave Thunders) 2011-2019 Head Coach, Toshiba Brave Thunders 2019-2026 General Manager, Kawasaki Brave Thunders National Team Experience 1995 Universiade Japan National Team 2000-02 Japan National Team Comments Thank you always for your passionate support of the Kawasaki Brave Thunders. On a personal note, I will be retiring as General Manager at the end of this season. I have been involved with the club for 31 seasons, as a player, coach, and General Manager, dating back to its predecessor, Toshiba. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the fans, sponsors, Kawasaki City residents, and many stakeholders who have always supported me warmly. The club will be moving to a new stage called "B.PREMIER" starting next season. I believe that under the new str