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| SKE48 Launches VALORANT Team Training at Hot Spring Inn |
Nagoya’s favourite idol group steps into the digital arena, ready to change the face of competitive gaming
Nagoya-based idol group SKE48 is levelling up—literally. In a bold new move announced by My Field Co., Ltd., the long-running J-pop group is stepping into the world of professional eSports, forming an all-female VALORANT team made up of seven active SKE48 members.
Set to kick off in August 2025, this project marks a game-changing crossover between Japan’s idol culture and the fast-growing world of competitive gaming. Two members have already been confirmed for the line-up: Nomura Miyo and Kawamura Yua, with the rest of the squad to be revealed during a press conference on 19 August at the SKE48 Theatre in Nagoya.
This isn’t just a gimmick. The aim is to create a serious competitive team that represents Japan on the global eSports stage, while also serving up a fresh model for how women can thrive in gaming. In an industry still largely seen as a male-dominated space, SKE48’s entrance is all about breaking stereotypes and showing that idols can grind hard, too.
“VALORANT is new to me, but I’m determined to train hard and get stronger,” said Nomura Miyo.
“I’ve always loved games. I want to prove that girls can be just as serious about competing,” added Kawamura Yua.
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Nagoya pride + Gen Z dreams
Why now? Why Nagoya? Since their debut in 2008, SKE48 has played a big part in local tourism, culture events, and community projects. This new gaming venture keeps that same local-first spirit—just with a digital twist.
And it’s not just about SKE48. Nagoya City is going all-in on eSports, especially with the 2026 Asian Games around the corner, where eSports will be an official medal event. The city has been building facilities, launching government-led eSports experiences, and nurturing a next-gen culture rooted in both tradition and tech.
This team becomes part of that strategy—a symbol of how pop culture and digital innovation can collide to inspire the next wave of youth.
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Gaming in a hot spring? Yeah, it’s happening.
Now here’s where it gets really wild.
Their training base won’t be in some dark Tokyo internet café, but at the SPASPO Shinyukan Ryokan—a traditional hot spring inn in Sakakibara Onsen, Mie Prefecture. The venue’s already known in eSports circles as a training camp destination, but this time it’s got idols in yukata loading into VALORANT under steamy onsen vibes.
It’s a brand-new concept: “idols grinding ranked while soaking up the hot spring spirit.” Game performance meets wellness retreat. Honestly? It’s iconic.
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Coming soon: streams, events, and gaming experiences
The VALORANT team’s journey will be shared weekly on YouTube, with behind-the-scenes training, team bonding, and full-blown tournaments. Fans can also look forward to:
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Collabs with local events and Gen Z-friendly pop-ups
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Gaming meet-and-greets at SPASPO Shinyukan
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Student tourneys and school visits promoting eSports as a legit path
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And yes—merch is probably coming too
The official team name will be revealed on 19 August, during a full-on media event featuring all seven members, SKE48’s management (Zest Inc.), and reps from My Field Co., Ltd.
So whether you’re into idols, games, or just rooting for girl power, this might just be the team to watch.
TL;DR
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SKE48 forms an all-female VALORANT eSports team with 7 active members
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Aims to shake up male-dominated gaming culture with serious competition
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Based out of a traditional onsen ryokan in Mie—yes, really
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Part of Nagoya’s push to grow eSports ahead of Asian Games 2026
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Team name drops 19 August, with YouTube behind-the-scenes and events lined up.