Popular Japanese idol group SKE48, based in Nagoya City, has announced its entry into VALORANT with a women’s team consisting of seven members from the group.
Miyo Nomura and Yua Kawamura have been confirmed to be a part of the squad; however, the full roster is yet to be revealed.
In addition to this, SKE48 will be collaborating with local government and tourism organisations to promote esports in the city.
“As ‘serious esports players’ that are different from live performances, a new challenge to compete on the world stage is about to begin in Nagoya,” the press release stated.
Work is already being done to establish a permanent esports facility. Moreover, the news coincides with esports being part of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City. In total, 11 esports titles will have tournaments,
“This project is linked to Nagoya City’s esports strategy and will utilise SKE48’s community-based communication power to serve as a new model for simultaneously promoting Gen Z culture and regional development,” SKE48 announced.
The group’s decision to enter esports was inspired by the massive growth of the VALORANT Game Changers circuit, Riot Games’ women’s ecosystem, since its launch. Another goal was to break the stereotype of esports being considered as a career path designed only for men.
Content Plans and Roster Reveal
Fans will be able to get a behind-the-scenes look into the daily lives of the SKE48’s players, along with the challenges they face. Moreover, multiple events targeting Gen Z and students are planned, along with special local partnerships.
SKE48 will be participating in local tournaments and will also organise a fan meeting at SPASPO Shinyukan soon, which is also the team’s training facility.
The organisation will hold a press conference at SKE48 Theater in Nagoya on August 19th at 11 AM JST / 3 AM BST / 7 PM PT, where it will announce the roster and team’s name. Apart from this, attendees will also get to meet all seven members of the squad and participate in the signing ceremony.
