Kazuhito Ide Dome Co., Ltd. Representative Director and President (photo right)
Rikuto Nakama Representative Director and President of Okinawa Basketball Co., Ltd. (photo left)
“KINGS TOP INTERVIEW” is a conversation between top executives and interviews with representatives of official partner companies that support the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
The fourth installment is a conversation between Kazuhito Ide, President and Representative Director of Dome Co., Ltd., the sole distributor of Under Armor in Japan, which has been supporting us as an official wear supplier for over 10 years since 2014, and Rikuto Nakama, President and Representative Director of Okinawa Basketball Co., Ltd. Coincidentally, they became the new representatives of each company in 2025, and we asked them about the future they envision and the strong bond between Dome Co., Ltd. and the Kings, whose mission is to “enrich society through sports.” (Titles omitted below)
●What they have in common is a passionate belief in the power of sports
-About the time when we formed the partnership
fellow:
Before you know it, the partnership between your company and the Kings has been going on for over 10 years. Looking back at 2014, when the contract was announced, the Kings had won their third BJ League title and were gaining momentum, but as an organization they were still finding their way. On the other hand, Under Armor is also relatively new to the sports apparel industry, and was a latecomer to the industry. I think it was miraculous that we met when we were both young and energetic like startups, and I think that’s why we were able to hit it off with a spirit of challenge that was not bound by preconceptions.
Ide:
You’re right. I believe that we were able to build a true partnership that goes beyond simply providing uniforms because we both had a strong belief in the power of sports from that time onwards. At the time of our partnership, the Kings were competing against strong teams from all over the country from Okinawa, and we were moved by their performance. For Under Armor, basketball is one of the most important sports in the Japanese market, so being able to partner with the passionate Ryukyu Golden Kings was a great asset.
-Okinawa and the Kings as seen by President Ide
Ide:
When I listen to Kings talk, I always feel that they are a truly energetic and positive organization. This is truly amazing and speaks volumes about the atmosphere surrounding the Kings team. I guess it’s because of the nature of Okinawa. I get the impression that the team, fans, and region are all united and heading in the same direction.
fellow:
As President Ide said, Okinawans’ love for their hometown and team is really strong. The citizens of the prefecture are proud and support the Ryukyu Golden Kings, calling them “Watta (our) Kings.” Since our founding, we have been working with the philosophy of “Making Okinawa more vibrant!” and I feel that the local people are embodying this idea, and I want to cherish this strong bond more than anything.
Ide:
The relationship between Kings and all of its partner companies is like a family. It’s not just a partnership, but a mutual desire to bring excitement to Okinawa. I think the love that the Okinawans have for their region and for the Kings is truly special.
fellow:
I’m glad to hear you say that. Since its founding, Kings has been supported by many partner companies, mainly local Okinawa companies. We are proud to be the “Okinawa representative team,” and we would like to continue working together with the local community and our partners.
●Toward a future where we continue to create value
-Kings’ new vision “Bringing Okinawa to the world”
fellow:
Our goals are clear. That goal is to become the No. 1 basketball team in Asia. I’m not talking about the distant future, I’m seriously thinking of reaching that level within 5 to 10 years. Specifically, we aim to reach a level where we can seriously compete with NBA teams.
Ide:
That’s a wonderful vision. The company has a new vision of “Bringing Okinawa to the world,” and it seems that they are truly looking toward the future as they say. We aim to be No. 1 in Asia and, in the future, to be able to compete on an equal footing with NBA teams. Just hearing about it makes me excited, and we would like to do our best to support it.
fellow:
To achieve this, the most important thing is to invest not only in our current players but also in our future players. We must invest in and strengthen the development of the children who will be the future of the Kings. Children in Okinawa have extremely high physical abilities and potential, and many children have roots in other countries and grow up in an international environment. I believe that this diversity is a major strength that will support the Kings in the future.
Ide:
Training is the key. I’m sure our company can contribute in terms of how to develop future star players.
fellow:
thank you. The topic of training came up, so please tell us about that. What kind of development vision does Under Armor have?
–Sending future NBA players out of Okinawa
Ide:
Our company is developing a next generation development project called “UA NEXT” not only in Japan but all over the world. We are working to provide opportunities for children full of potential to experience world-class playing, with a particular focus on basketball. In order to develop players who can compete throughout Japan and overseas, we gather selected youth players to hold training camps and go on overseas expeditions. I am thinking of sharing this world-class experience with the youth generation of the Ryukyu Golden Kings, and I hope that we can work together in the future.
fellow:
I am very happy to hear your encouraging story. In fact, we also want to create a system that allows us to challenge ourselves overseas, and Kings Youth has already started an exchange program with teams from Australia and Hong Kong. Our efforts include sending youth players overseas, and conversely inviting young players from overseas to Okinawa to practice together. After all, children have unlimited potential, and I believe that nurturing them through basketball will lead to their future. If we can work together with our youth program and Under Armor’s program, we will be able to provide even more wonderful experiences for the children.
Ide:
Yes, let’s do it together. Nurturing the next generation is our mission as a whole in the sports industry, and I’m sure there will be good synergies with the Kings. I want us to work together as if we were sending future NBA players out of Okinawa.
-Outlook for future initiatives
Ide:
Regarding the future collaboration between Under Armor and Kings, it seems like there is still a lot more we can do together. For example, in the U.S. city of Baltimore, where Under Armor’s headquarters are located, we engage in various initiatives to contribute to the local community, including supporting children’s sports. We may be able to cooperate with Kings in terms of local activities in Okinawa. I think it would be interesting to hold an exchange game between the Ryukyu Golden Kings youth team and the American youth team.
Also, since both companies value the athlete-first philosophy, I think there is a lot of room for further cooperation in the area of athlete development and strengthening. There are many things you can do together, such as sharing training methods and utilizing the latest technology.
fellow:
I feel exactly the same way. Looking to the future, player development is the most important issue, and we are keenly aware that it is essential to develop a training environment and training program in order to achieve our big goal of beating NBA teams. I would love to borrow the help of Under Armor to further enhance this.
Ide:
Let’s make it happen. Data utilization and scientific approaches will be essential for sports in the future, and by combining the Kings’ on-site knowledge with our Dome’s technology and know-how, we should be able to create new value.
●Continuing to grow together through a “unique partnership”
Ide:
I think it’s really meaningful to see a team from Okinawa grow so much together with the region and aim to be the best in Japan and even Asia. Kings, which gives dreams and vitality to the local people and embodies the vision of “Bringing Okinawa to the world”, is surely the pride of Okinawa.
fellow:
thank you. It’s really encouraging to hear you say that. As a club with deep roots in Okinawa, each of our actions has a significant impact on the local community, and we operate with this in mind. I would like to continue to make the Okinawa region more vibrant and grow together with everyone who supports the team.
In fact, thanks to the support of Dome and Under Armor as partners, the brand value of the Kings has definitely increased. Having the Under Armor logo on the uniforms worn by our fans creates special value, and we are truly grateful for your company’s strong brand power. I would like to continue to have a relationship where we can mutually increase brand value.
Ide:
I would like to grow together with Kings, and I look forward to your continued support. Let’s work together to proudly say that the partnership between the Ryukyu Golden Kings and Under Armor is unique and genuine.
Established in May 1996. Since our founding, we have held the philosophy of “creating social value” and have played a central role in developing high-performance sports apparel and footwear in the Japanese market. The company name is an acronym for the phrase “Dedicated Organization Motivated to Excel,” and represents the relationship between individuals and organizations that Dome idealizes in order to provide true customer satisfaction: “an organization that is dedicated to achieving excellence based on its own will.”
▽Company page
https://www.domecorp.com/
