KADOKAWA Sakura Knights prepare for new M.League season

The 2026-27 M.League professional mahjong season has officially commenced. The KADOKAWA Sakura Knights, who previously won the 2021-22 championship but faced two consecutive seasons of early elimination, are entering the new campaign with a renewed focus.

Team manager Takumi Morii announced the new team slogan, ‘Brightly, Energetically, Positively,’ aiming to shift the team's momentum following recent struggles. The roster features Saka Okada, Shingo Hori, Shota Akutsu, and new member Wataru Shirunahama.

Saka Okada expressed a desire to reset after recent difficult seasons, noting that the return to a pink-based uniform design symbolizes a return to the team's roots. New recruit Wataru Shirunahama expressed excitement about the start of the season, while Shota Akutsu emphasized a strong drive to win and avoid another early exit from the regular season.