Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced plans to rename its rugby team from MIE Honda HEAT to TOCHIGI Honda HEAT, starting with the 2026-2027 season. The team will adopt a refreshed visual identity, including a new emblem, logos, and mascot, effective July 1, 2026, as part of its relocation to Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
The move marks a new chapter for the team, which has been based in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, for 65 years. Honda aims to continue the team's legacy while creating new value and inspiring broader community engagement in Tochigi. The new team emblem symbolizes the collective passion and dreams of the community, fans, and team members, aligning with the team’s value of “BIND” All Dreams.
The team mascot, “HEAT-KUN,” will retain its essence but will be redesigned to appeal to a wider audience. During a press conference, General Manager Kohei Ohashi, alongside key players such as Katsuyuki Hoshino, discussed the team's initiatives related to the relocation and shared results from games hosted in Utsunomiya during the 2025-2026 season.
Creative Director Satoshi Kanamori outlined the vision for the new visual identity and future team activities. As a Tochigi-based team, TOCHIGI Honda HEAT will focus on community engagement through rugby popularization, talent development, school programs, and participation in local events.
Plans include a new clubhouse and training facilities in Utsunomiya's Yuinomori neighborhood, set for completion by August 2026. These facilities will serve as the team's operations base and a community hub for rugby promotion.
Honda's broader vision for sports activities aims to inspire people to pursue challenges and enhance lives globally. Ohashi expressed gratitude to supporters in Suzuka and emphasized the team's commitment to growth and achieving top status in Japan.
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