Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA
Tokyo Aquatics Center
Kanazawa GoGoCurryStadium
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium
Universiade Memorial Stadium at Kobe Sports Park
Hinata Sunmarine Stadium Miyazaki
Morita Tennis Center Utsubo
Utatsuyama Sumo Arena
Hanazono Rugby Stadium
We seek to go beyond the idea of a stadium as being a facility with the primary purpose of watching sports. Instead, we aim to make stadiums into multi-functional facilities that bring vibrancy and activity to the community, expanding on the stadium's role in advancing regional revitalization.
KOTOBUKI SEATING's seating solutions make use of the latest in design and technology to create the ideal spectator environment with comfort and safety optimized for each facility. We do not simply modernize aging seats. Rather, to further improve the value of spectators' experiences, we promote the introduction of seating types that respond to diverse needs, such as group seating to enjoy with family and friends, promotional seating, and premium seating offering a special experience. We have worked to improve stadium appeal and diversify functionality.
Stadiums renovated to diversify the functionality of spectator seating can be used for various event venues more than just sports events. They can host concerts and community activities, increasing their presence as landmarks to revitalize the local economy and bring pride to residents. Multi-functional stadiums situated within a city can also function as shelters to save lives during emergency disasters and offer protection from catastrophes.
Successful examples of regional co-creation through public-private stadium refurbishments can be found across Japan. Existing stadiums will surely be renovated into important regional hubs for co-creation and will further evolve into facilities for culture, the economy, and disaster prevention. This brochure features
KOTOBUKI SEATING solutions, as well as examples of stadiums that have paved the way for a new future in local communities. We hope this will be a useful reference for stadium seating planning and renovations to meet modern needs.
Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA
Kyoto Stadium ( Newly Constructed )
Tokyo Aquatics Center, Main Arena ( Newly Constructed )
Kanazawa GoGoCurry Stadium
Kanazawa Stadium ( Newly Constructed )
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium ( Renovation)
Universiade Memorial Stadium at Kobe Sports Park ( Major Renovation )
Hinata Sunmarine Stadium Miyazaki ( Renovation )
Morita Tennis Center Utsubo, Center Court ( Major Renovation )
Utatsuyama Sumo Arena ( Major Renovation )
Hanazono Rugby Stadium ( Major Renovation )
Kyoto Stadium / J-League Home Stadium ( NewlyConstructed )
In January 2020, the construction of Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA was completed. It has been 28 years since Kyoto Prefecture announced its plan to build a stadium in 1992, and residents of Kyoto Prefecture have long awaited the stadium. In addition to hosting international matches, such as soccer and rugby, the venue is also expected to promote regional development. It features a Kyoto-inspired architectural design that creates a connection with the city.
The stadium seats maximize the value of the experience for all spectators and foster a sense of unity. Sanga Stadium has a capacity of approximately 21,600, and most of the spectator seating is colored purple, the color of the Kyoto Prefecture flag. Additionally, yellow seats were placed in the back stand to spell out the word "KYOTO." The use of this custom-designed purple color creates an inspiring space for Kyoto Sanga F.C. and its fans, who call the stadium home.
"Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA" is the largest dedicated soccer and rugby stadium in Kyoto Prefecture and serves as the home of Kyoto Sanga F.C. The stadium has an octagonal shape with large cutouts at its four corners, which is consistent with the shape of the site and provides an efficient number of seats. Both the polyhedral configuration and trapezoidal silhouette of the roof covering all the seats are in harmony with the mountainous landscape of the Kameoka Basin. Also, louvers made of solid Japanese cedar grown in Kyoto are used throughout the building, inspired by the eaves of temples and shrines in the city.
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Capacity: Kameoka City, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture January 2020 21,600
More information can be found on our website.
The selected stadium seats are based on Kotobuki Seating's BLM-8000 series and were developed specifically for Sanga Stadium. The backrest is designed to follow the S-curve of the spine. The backrest and seat were designed to gently hug the body, reducing fatigue and enhancing seat comfort. Additionally, the seat surface is custom-designed with a deeper contour for a better fit.
To allow immersion into fast-paced games, lower-level seats were designed with a more reclined backrest compared to standard stadium seating. The upper-level seats feature raised backrests to naturally support the spectators' downward viewing posture.
The seats are equipped with cup holders and luggage hooks for a more comfortable viewing environment for spectators. The seat number plates also incorporate the stadium's octagonal architectural motif.
❹ External concourse open to the public: Accessible to people of all ages for daily use. In addition to the ball field, it serves multiple purposes, including hosting local specialty markets ❺ Indoor climbing facility of international standards: The stadium acts as a hub for expanding sports and creating a vibrant community atmosphere
Skybox Terrace seating is located on the third floor of the main stand. This area, with a full view of the pitch, features indoor lounges and VSS series cushioned seats outside. The backrest and seat employ urethane for comfort.
Each seat features armrests that create clear individual spaces, enhancing the sense of luxury. Purple stitching was customized for Sanga Stadium. You can casually experience the Kyoto-like atmosphere even with the black vinyl leather upholstery.
Swimming Venue for Tokyo 2020 Games ( Newly Constructed )
The Tokyo Aquatics Center is a world-class swimming facility completed in February 2020 as a venue for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The facility consists of two main areas: the Main Arena with spectator seating and the Sub-Arena. It also features conference rooms, training rooms, and a memorial gallery.
The Main Arena, which has a main pool and a diving pool with a diving platform, was originally built with a seating capacity of approximately 15,000. After the Tokyo 2020 Games, it was transformed into a facility with a seating capacity of approximately 5,000. Today, more than 80 tournaments are held annually, drawing many athletes and spectators. On non-event days, it is open to the public, allowing local residents to swim at their leisure.
The Tokyo Aquatics Center, built as one of the venues for the Tokyo 2020 Games, is a world-class swimming facility with its main pool, diving pool, and sub-pools certified to meet international standards. The facility can host various events, including national championships, and can be used by both groups and individuals.
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Capacity: Koto City, Tokyo Tokyo Metropolitan Government February 2020 approximately 5,000 More information can be found on
On both sides of the main pool and diving pool are BLM-8000 series two-piece spectator seats with separate backrests and seats. The backrest and seat are larger than the single-piece type, offering greater support when seated. The three-dimensional curved surface fits snugly against the thighs and back, while the hollow structure provides moderate cushioning for added comfort.
The seat features a backrest with a gentle curve designed for viewing competitions. The seat provides good support when the knees are angled and the body twists to follow athletes from side to side. This is especially important when the pitch or playing field is long horizontally and the seats are positioned at the front. Comfort continues even when standing up. The automatic flip-up seats and their slim profile maximize aisle width to allow for smooth passage through the spectator seating area.
The spectator seating was thoughtfully designed to enhance visibility. The slope, which varies based on the distance from the pool, and the elevated seating position provide excellent views of the competition from any seat. Vertical aisles are equipped with handrails for safety when walking through the seating areas.
The Main Arena has 52 wheelchair and companion seats each, with 52 additional priority amenity seats. The facility also has several elevators, various restrooms, and other magnetic loop-compatible seating.
In February 2024, Kanazawa GoGoCurryStadium (Kanazawa Stadium) opened as the new home stadium of J-League club Zweigen Kanazawa. The Kanazawa Municipal Soccer Stadium, which has been a sacred place for soccer in Ishikawa Prefecture, is being redeveloped due to its aging. The stadium has been transformed into a dedicated football stadium with a capacity of approximately 10,000 people.
The new stadium, built around the concept of a stadium of hospitality, will offer a variety of spectator styles, including the Tunnel Lounge, the first of its kind in Japan, where spectators can see the players up close from the Mixed Zone heading toward the pitch; the Premium Lounge, a comfortable, air-conditioned space that can be used regardless of the season or weather; and the VIP Lounge, a top-class spectator experience with a sophisticated interior and luxurious furniture.
Kanazawa GoGo Curry Stadium (Kanazawa Stadium), which opened in February 2024, is the first football-specific stadium in Hokuriku to meet J-League standards. The Welcome Gate greets spectators at the stadium entrance, with lights and a 600-inch vision adding a vibrant atmosphere to events. The roof of the gate enhances the echo effect, bringing the cheers of the spectators to the pitch. All seating areas have roofs and openings for ventilation. The area beneath the back stand serves as a retail space during games and an area for interaction with the local community.
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Capacity: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Kanazawa City February 2024 10,444
information can be found on our website.
❹ The BLM-8000 series seats are installed on a single rail,making it easy to adjust the seat spacing
❺ When stowed, seat depth is reduced to 250 mm, saving space
All of the approximately 3,000 seats in the two-tiered main stand are two-piece seats with separate backrests and seats. When not in use, the seat automatically flips up to provide a wider aisle between the front and rear seats. This provides many benefits, including making it easier to pass, stand up, and cheer. The increased seat depth also enhances comfort.
Reserved seating in the Main Stand is part of the BLM-8000 series. These seats are made using blow molding, in which air is blown into high-density polyethylene to inflate it. The hollow structure of the seat provides high impact resistance and cushioning for a soft and comfortable feel. The large, rounded backrest supports the upper body even when the body is turned around, allowing the user to see the entire pitch without strain.
❹ The BLM-1500 series, adopted for back stand seating, combines a compact design with comfort and durability ❺ Cup holders can be added as an optional feature ❻ Wheelchair seating on the back stand side is directly accessible from the concourse
In premium and business lounges, armrests are provided between seats to emphasize the sense of individual space. The seat, or both back and the seat, can be padded for an even more comfortable viewing environment. The Olwi Series VSS-011 was selected as the Royal VIP seat for the VIP lounge, located in the center of the second tier. Both the back and seat use sufficiently thick urethane to provide excellent cushioning and body support. The upholstery is a luxurious, bright red vinyl leather. It is waterproof and can be easily wiped up even if a drink is accidentally spilled.
Each seat offers 570 mm of width, more than 100 mm wider than a standard seat. The VIP seating is a relaxing and elegant way to watch the game.
Like the Main Stand, the 5,000-seat back stand, which consists of two tiers, uses the BLM-1500 series of spectator seating. This long-selling product has been delivered to many stadiums over more than 20 years. Like the Main Stand, these blow-molded seats have a curve that matches the contours of the human body for an excellent fit. The hollow structure also provides adequate cushioning to reduce fatigue even after long hours of spectating.
The seating features four colors, with red and black as the team colors of Zweigen Kanazawa, arranged to spell out the word KANAZAWA. This brings more excitement to the matches together with many supporters.
Professional Baseball League Home Stadium ( Renovation )
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium, completed in 1926, has undergone several refurbishment projects. While many group seats were originally provided, the refurbishment revamped the stand and planning seats. Seats and group seats that combine comfort and convenience for stress-free enjoyment of games, utilizing Kotobuki Seating's technological expertise, have been chosen. Unique group seating has been installed to create a more diverse spectator environment.
Premium Seats in the infield are group seats for two to five people, with a stylish wood deck design and a table with cup holders. Compared to the standard seat width of approximately 430 mm, the Premium Seats have a width of 500 to 600 mm. The spacious seats allow for stress-free spectating even after sitting for long periods of time. Side Table Seats, also located in the infield, have a side table for food and beverages at each seat, with space for luggage storage underneath. The seats are blow-molded from high-density polyethylene, with a hollow interior structure that provides impact resistance and is resistant to cracking, even when hit by a batted ball.
Additionally, the seat and backrest are padded with cushioning for added comfort, highly regarded as the best seat for stadiums.
FacilityOverview
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium was completed in October 1926. It has a history of hosting professional baseball games, as well as Tokyo Big6 University League and high school games. In addition to baseball, the stadium is also used for a wide range of other purposes, including corporate events, movies, TV dramas, and commercial filming. It will be transformed into a new Jingu Stadium as part of the Jingu Gaien area redevelopment project.
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Capacity: Shinjuku City, Tokyo Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium February 2024
96 *Refurbished seats only
More information can be found on our website.
Sky Terrace Seats feature cushioned seating as comfortable as high-end sofas and a large table for enjoying gourmet food at the stadium. Deck Seats have a table at every seat and ample space in front and behind, while Family Seats have a cushioned seat with floor cut out and a low sofa to stretch your legs while watching the game. These and other highly functional seats cater to a variety of needs. You can select the best seat for how you want to view the game and your party size.
The outfield stands are equipped with High Chair Seats made partly from marine plastics washed up on the beach. It is estimated that approximately 8 million tons of marine plastic is spilled every year, making it one of the most serious environmental problems. The stadium seat is a rare example of addressing the SDGs through the recycling of marine plastics, and it has drawn global attention.
Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships ( Renovation )
The Universiade Memorial Stadium was built in Kobe Sports Park in time for the 1985 Summer Universiade. It is used for many middle and high school track and field events throughout the year and is known as a center for track and field competitions in Hyogo Prefecture. In 2021, a major seating renovation of approximately 8,000 seats in the main stand was undertaken in conjunction with the refurbishment of the aging facilities.
Kotobuki Seating's seats create a more comfortable space to enjoy sports than before, with different variants in the center, side, and press seats of the main stand. Five bright colors have been restored to the Universiade Stadium, and the seats are now more comfortable. From students to professional athletes, this facility will continue to offer much excitement.
FacilityOverview
Kobe Sports Park, Universiade Memorial Stadium is one of the most famous track and field facilities in Japan, with nine lanes of 400-meter all-weather track. In 2006, the Nojigiku Hyogo National Sports Festival and Nojigiku Hyogo Tournament were held here. Equipped with a natural grass pitch, it can accommodate not only track and field events but also soccer, American football, rugby, and many other sports. Kobe Sports Park also has a baseball field, tennis courts, and a training center, and many people use it every day as a place to enjoy sports.
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Capacity: Kobe City, Hyogo Kobe City March 2021 45,000
The BLM-5132 model was used in the center of the main stand, which stands out for its red color. The two-piece seating, in which the backrest and seat are separated, allows for a wider seat depth than single-piece seating, where the backrest and seat are integrated. This provides firmer body support, making it more comfortable for long hours of viewing.
In addition, the seats automatically flip up when unoccupied, allowing for wider aisles in front of and behind the seats.
Two types of seating, the BLM-1508 and the BLM-2508, were used on the sides of the main stand, which has been divided into four color-coded areas: blue, orange, yellow, and green. The BLM-1508 is equipped with a backrest, while the BLM-2508 with a lumbar support.
Crucially, each seat is also independent, increasing the sense of individual seating and allowing you to concentrate on watching the game without worrying about the people next to you.
The press seating, which is part of the stand, is a combination of custom-made desks and the BLM-1508. The desktop is a generous 600 mm deep, allowing plenty of room for a laptop or other computer. It also has an outlet box under the top panel so you can charge computers, smartphones, and other devices. The BLM-1508 seat is used as seating. The compact size of this seat enables a desk to be added in a limited space.
( Renovation )
Hinata Sunmarine Stadium Miyazaki opened in February 2001 and is used as the main stadium and camp venue for the Yomiuri Giants professional baseball team in Miyazaki. In the past, the facility has been used as a training camp for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and has also hosted Hinata Fest 2024 by a popular idol group, highlighting the facility as one that can host both sports and events.
Despite over 20 years of use, the seats themselves showed no cracks. However, because the stadium is located near the ocean, issues such as rust preventing seats from being raised and fading seats making it difficult to see white balls hit into the infield arose. This prompted a major renovation of the infield area in 2024.
For this renovation, the BLM-5100 series stadium seats were supplied for approximately 4,000 seats behind the back nets. The BLM-5100 series is blow-molded from high-density polyethylene and has a hollow inner structure, making it both impact-resistant and comfortable.
The gentle curves of the seat cradle the body, allowing for comfort without fatigue even after sitting for long periods of time. The backrest and seat are separated into a two-piece design, so the seat can be flipped up when unoccupied to provide ample aisle space.
FacilityOverview
Hinata Sunmarine Stadium Miyazaki boasts a stadium area of 30,232m² and a seating capacity of 30,000 people. The turf is natural grass for both the infield and outfield, making it suitable for professional and local high school baseball games. Expectations are high for the stadium’s future as a venue capable of hosting both sports and events.
FacilityInformation
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July 2024
Capacity: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Miyazaki Prefecture
30,000
More information can be found on our website.
Seats feature parallel legs, enabling spectators to enjoy the event without worrying about movements in neighboring seats. This enables spectators to fully concentrate on the game and enjoy the event to its fullest. Additionally, cup holders are equipped with luggage hooks, allowing spectators to hang small items - a well-received feature.
At Hinata Sunmarine Stadium Miyazaki, wheelchair users and their companions can enjoy games together, with wheelchair spaces at the front and wall-mounted caregiver seats at the rear. The BLM-8000 series two-piece stadium seats were chosen for caregiver seating. These seats combine comfort and durability with a slim, sleek design. When unoccupied, the seat flips up and folds to a wall-mounted position, ensuring it does not obstruct wheelchair mobility. The BLM-8000 series was also installed in the press box. Compact yet offering a wide seat depth, facilitating smooth transitions between sitting and standing.
( Major Renovation )
Morita Tennis Center Utsubo has 16 all-weather hard courts, including a center court that can accommodate approximately 5,000 spectators. The facility is used for full-scale international tournaments as well as by Osaka citizens and is a favorite of tennis players. Since its opening in 1996, approximately 30 years have passed, and renovation work was undertaken due to the building's aging. Along with waterproofing, the seats were refurbished due to fading backrests, rusted metal parts, and peeling paint.
Considering the frequency of use of the FRP-1908 stadium seats in the stands, only the connecting pipes were replaced while keeping the seat platforms unchanged, reducing construction costs and shortening the construction period. This eco-friendly refurbishment replaced necessary parts while reusing those that were still functional. As part of the seat refurbishment, the number plates on all seats and the arm cup holders in VIP seats were also replaced.
The BLM-4152 stadium seating on the courtside showed fading and peeling paint but no significant damage, such as cracks.
To enhance durability and resource efficiency, the existing legs were repainted and reused. Only the severely faded backrests were replaced with the two-piece BLM-5100 series stadium seats.
FacilityOverview
Morita Tennis Center Utsubo is a large tennis facility located within Utsubo Park. While it is popular for businesspeople to enjoy tennis after work, it has also hosted international tennis tournaments and been used for a wide variety of purpose. It serves as a hub for sports revitalization and is also an important disaster prevention center, designated as an emergency evacuation site during disasters.
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Capacity: Osaka City, Osaka Osaka City March 2023 5,022
( Major Renovation )
Since its completion in 1961, the Utatsuyama Sumo Arena has hosted numerous heated matches between high school wrestlers from all over Japan. In recent years, the facility had been aging noticeably, so the first major renovation was undertaken, centering on the renewal of spectator seating. This was completed in April 2023.
The bare concrete seats in the conical seating surrounding the ring were replaced with the blow-molded BLM-3600 series stadium benches. The BLM series is one of Kotobuki Seating's longest-selling product series, created by blow molding high-density polyethylene to create a seat. The gentle comfort of the seat is characterized by a hollow structure called a double shell created during the blow molding process. It is a significant improvement over conventional concrete seats. This keeps the seat from becoming hot or cold depending on the temperature, making it possible to use comfortably throughout the year. It is also highly durable and resistant to cracking even when hit by a baseball or other object. It is resistant to ultraviolet rays that cause fading and deterioration, making it ideal for seating in outdoor facilities.
FacilityOverview
The Utatsuyama Sumo Arena is a renowned facility that has hosted the Kanazawa High School Sumo Tournament, the oldest high school sporting event in Japan, and is revered as a sacred space for high school sumo. The first major renovation was completed in early 2023. It included the installation of durable and comfortable BLM seats, newly added wheelchair seating, updated executive seating, and paving of the players' waiting area.
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Capacity: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Ishikawa Prefecture April 2023
10,000
More information can be found on our website.
The long benches retain the mood of the pre-renovation seating. One of the major advantages of this type of seating is the ability to flexibly use the seats based on the number of people in the audience. Seating spacing can be adjusted, and personal items can be placed on the seats. With a typical pitch of 400-450 mm per person, approximately 7,000 people can be seated, and a sense of unity is created throughout the arena as seats are connected on both sides. The distance between the front and rear seats is wider than before, creating a more relaxed environment for spectators when watching matches. There is also new wheelchair seating in the last row of the mortar-shaped seating area.
Seats are colored light blue on the inside near the ring and a darker blue on the outside. The renovation is strongly reflected in the bright and fresh seating, standing out against the greenery of the surrounding park. The Utatsuyama Sumo Arena has been transformed into a space where sumo matches can be enjoyed even more. Dedication ceremonies and community events are also held here, making it a cherished spot for both locals and tourists.
Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan Venue ( Major Renovation )
Hanazono Rugby Stadium was built in 1929 as the first dedicated rugby ground in Japan. Since the National High School Rugby Tournament was held here in 1963, this stadium has become known as a sacred space for high school rugby and has been the site of countless memorable moments.
The facilities were transferred free of charge from the Kintetsu Railway to Higashiosaka City in 2015, with the current Hanazono Rugby Stadium name becoming familiar.
Renovations and additions began in 2017 to prepare for international competitions. Completed in 2018, a grid design based on the theme of a scrum was added to the front gate. A 710-inch large screen and LED lighting for night matches were newly implemented, while the spectator seats were refurbished.
In October of the same year, the Japan Rugby Challenge Match 2018 was held at the stadium as the grand opening after the renovations, and it was a spectacular debut.
Opened in 1929, Hanazono Rugby Stadium is Japan's oldest dedicated rugby ground. The National High School Rugby Tournament is held here annually, and it is known as a sacred rugby ground. Many matches featuring top-tier athletes are also held here, attracting numerous spectators from across Japan.
A large-scale renovation was completed in 2018, increasing the stadium's capacity to approximately 27,000. The stadium was also selected as a Japanese venue for the Rugby World Cup 2019™. This historic stadium will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2029.
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Renewed: Capacity: Higashiosaka City, Osaka Higashiosaka City September 2018 27,000
More information can be found on our website.
During renovations of the spectator seating areas, capacity was increased in the South Stand, and a new North Stand was built. Capacity was increased to about 27,000 after the renovations. Most of the non-VIP seats did not have backrests before the renovation. With the renovation, two-piece type seats, with backrest and seat separated, were adopted for all seats.
KOTOBUKI SEATING's BLM-8000 series stadium seating was chosen.
This series ensures soft, comfortable seating with a smart style. An extremely compact size was achieved by having the seat fold to a depth of 250 millimeters when not in use. This allows for wider rows and smooth movements between rows. While the seat is compact when not in use, the backrest and seat are wide when deployed, offering a large, comfortable round shape that cradles the body.
Convenience is enhanced with cup holders at every seat in the covered West Stand. VIP seating features armrests, creating a greater sense of privacy.
The seats have a red color that complement the rich green color of the grass. Among the red seats, there are blue seats that spell out “HANAZONO,” which stands out beautifully with Mt. Ikoma in the background.
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Kotobuki Seating contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its business activities in manufacturing and selling public facility furniture. In all aspects of our operations - design, development, procurement and production, logistics and construction, sales and maintenance - we are committed to environmental sustainability and social contribution.