Waseda University Basketball Standouts Iwaya and Hotta Sign with Akita Northern Happinets

Akita Northern Happinets have secured the signing of Yori Iwaya and Naohide Hotta, both standout players from Waseda University’s men’s basketball team. The signings were officially announced at a press conference held on February 17, 2026, at the Waseda campus.

Immediate Impact for the 2025-2026 Season

In a surprising move, Akita Northern Happinets President Yuki Mizuno announced that both Iwaya and Hotta will join the team immediately for the current 2025-2026 season, in addition to their previously agreed-upon three-year contracts beginning with the 2026-2027 B.Premier season. This early integration allows the Happinets to benefit from their skills sooner than initially anticipated.

Players Retain Familiar Numbers

Both Iwaya and Hotta will continue to wear the same jersey numbers they sported during their time at Waseda University: Iwaya will wear number 18, and Hotta will wear number 7.

Ambitious Goals for the Professional Level

During the press conference, both players expressed their enthusiasm for joining the professional ranks and set clear goals for their performance. Iwaya aims to average double-digit points per game, while Hotta is targeting a 40% three-point shooting percentage. These concrete objectives demonstrate their commitment to contributing to the Happinets’ success.

Akita Northern Happinets Overview

The Akita Northern Happinets are a Japanese professional basketball team based in Akita, competing in the Eastern Conference of the First Division of the B.League. Established in 2010, the team has a history of success, including two bj league Eastern Conference championships in 2014 and 2015. They play their home games at the CNA Arena Akita, which has a capacity of 5,000 spectators. Current standings and schedules can be found on Sofascore.

Looking Ahead

The addition of Iwaya and Hotta is expected to bolster the Akita Northern Happinets’ roster and contribute to their performance in the upcoming seasons. Their next match is scheduled for March 7, 2026, against Altiri Chiba.