The Yokohama DeNA BayStars will introduce a new sponsor program called the “Home Run Billboard Hit Prize” during Central League official games held at Yokohama Stadium.
Starting July 29, if a player from the team hits a home run that directly strikes a billboard at Yokohama Stadium, they will be awarded the Home Run Billboard Hit Prize.
The prize is sponsored by companies whose billboards are hit, aiming to boost player motivation and secure victories.
Sponsor companies include Ariake, AHS Holdings, Urban Energy, Kobe Bussan, Senda, Toa Construction, Benhouse, and Asahi Breweries. If a player hits Asahi’s billboard, they will receive a year’s supply of beer. For other companies’ billboards, the prize is 1 million yen.
The 29th marks the first day of the second half of the season. Eligible games include 25 Central League official matches held at Yokohama Stadium in 2025 (excluding the Japan Series, Climax Series, and All-Star Game).
On August 2 and 3, an experiential event titled “Sport for Tomorrow × Africa Action Day 2025” will be held in Naka Ward, Yokohama, promoting exchange with Africa through sports, music, art, business, and international cooperation.
The event will take place at two venues: JICA Yokohama (Naka Ward) and Yokohama Country & Athletic Club (YC&AC, 11 Yakuchidai, Naka Ward). It is an official partner event of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held at Pacifico Yokohama from August 20 to 22. Young people are central to the event’s planning and operation, aiming to develop global talent and foster sustainable relations between Japan and Africa.
At the JICA Yokohama venue, the “Africa Challenge Market” will offer activities like African dance classes, fashion shows, and music workshops to immerse participants in African culture. Cross-talk sessions with African speakers, “Africa Voices,” and a family workshop, “African Fabric Piggy Bank,” will provide children with opportunities to learn about social issues during summer vacation.
At YC&AC, programs will feature “Baseball5” and “Basketball 3×3” in anticipation of the Youth Olympic Games debuting in Senegal in 2025. The “Inclusive Sports Festa” will welcome participants regardless of nationality or disabilities, while “World Bon Bon” combines global traditions with African rhythms for a lively bon dance. The festivities will continue until evening.
Since TICAD5 in 2013, Yokohama City has maintained economic and cultural exchanges with African nations.
The event runs from 10:00–15:00 on August 2–3 (JICA Yokohama) and 13:00–21:00 (YC&AC). Admission is free.
Yokohama World Porters (2 Shinko, Naka Ward) will host “Roof Top World Special Night” on August 4, offering paid access to its rooftop area.
“Roof Top World,” a spot overlooking Minato Mirai’s skyline, reopened on July 18 after renovations.
As part of Yokohama World Porters’ ongoing transformation into an “entertainment mall,” the rooftop now features a 5,600-square-meter open terrace. Highlights include a deck with panoramic views of Minato Mirai, a sports and event plaza, and a putting golf area for casual play day or night.
On August 4, the “Minato Mirai Smart Festival” will take place, featuring the “Sky Symphony in Yokohama” fireworks and sound show from 19:30–19:55.
Organizers encourage visitors to “enjoy fireworks and night views from the new Observation Deck or Lawn Plaza while savoring Yokohama World Porters’ sweets and drinks for a special evening.”
The Observation Deck is sold out, but Lawn Plaza tickets are available for ¥2,000 (adults) and ¥1,000 (
