# Tokyo Yakult Swallows sponsored event controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tokyo-yakult-swallows-sponsored-event-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-14T04:40:03.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The Tokyo Yakult Swallows baseball club faced significant fan backlash following the announcement of a sponsored event titled ‘Champagne Le Reve Brillant Day’ at Meiji Jingu Stadium. The controversy centered on the selection of the group ‘Chance Girls’ (also referred to as ‘CHANCE GALS’) to perform the ceremonial first pitch. Fans expressed disapproval on social media, arguing that the group’s background—which includes individuals from the nightlife industry—was inappropriate for a venue frequented by families and children. Critics also raised concerns regarding promotional content where group members appeared in team uniforms in a manner deemed disrespectful to the club’s brand and mascot, Tsubakuro. In response to the outcry, the club cancelled the sponsored festivities, including the special booth, giveaways, and the ceremonial pitch, though the baseball game itself proceeded as scheduled. The club cited ‘various circumstances’ for the cancellation. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: Tokyo Yakult Swallows cancel sponsored event amid fan backlash The Tokyo Yakult Swallows cancelled a sponsored champagne event and ceremonial first pitch at Meiji Jingu Stadium following fan backlash over the involvement of nightlife-industry personalities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tokyo-yakult-swallows-cancel-sponsored-event-amid-fan-backlash ### 2026-09-11: Tokyo Yakult Swallows face fan backlash over ceremonial pitch group Tokyo Yakult Swallows fans are protesting the decision to have the nightlife-linked group ‘Chance Girls’ perform the ceremonial first pitch at Meiji Jingu Stadium. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tokyo-yakult-swallows-face-fan-backlash-over-ceremonial-pitch-group --- Cite as: Tokyo Yakult Swallows sponsored event controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tokyo-yakult-swallows-sponsored-event-controversy