Peace Stadium Connected by SoftBank
Peace Stadium Connected by SoftBank (ピーススタジアム コネクテッド バイ ソフトバンク) in Nagasaki, Kyushu, Japan, has been the home of V-Varen Nagasaki since 2024. It has a seating capacity of 20,027. The arena is unique because it is the first in Japan to be incorporated as part of a "Stadium City". The City is a commercialised area that includes hotels, a shopping mall and the HAPPINESS ARENA, a basketball court.
History & Capacity
Although the opening ceremony for the ground was conducted on the 14th of October, 2024, V-Varen played its first match against fellow Kyushu outfit Oita Trinita eight days before.
The arena is a two-tier construction, with the 1st floor (ground floor) to the 3rd at the lower level and the 4th and 5th floors at the upper level. All seats have a cup holder next to them, giving a cinematic feel.
Hotel guests at the City will have a 60% chance of watching the game from their windows. For a more unconventional viewing experience, head to the 6th floor to witness the action from the pool, sauna or semi-outdoor bath, though this is only for people who booked a room in the hotel.
SoftBank acquired the naming rights, which will last until January 2029.
V-Varen originally operated using two stadiums, a common practice in the J. League. While Transcosmos Stadium Nagasaki served as their official home, many of their matches were held at Nagasaki Municipal General Recreation Park. From 2015, until the completion of the Peace Stadium, all of V-Varen's home games were played exclusively at Transcosmos.
V-Varen
V-Varen's heritage can be traced back to a merger between two clubs in 2004. Ariake SC from the now-defunct town of Ariake and Kunimi FC combined to become V-Varen in 2005. Kunimi FC is an old boys team of Kunimi High School, one of the strongest sides in Japanese high school soccer.
For four seasons from 2005, VVN took part in the Kyushu League, better known as the Kyu League. The Kyu League constitutes the current fifth tier within the football pyramid. After finishing second and obtaining the relevant licenses in 2008, they gained promotion to the Japan Football League, aka the JFL.
In the 2012 campaign, VVN created a U-18 division. On the pitch, they were eliminated from the Emperor's Cup by JEF United Chiba in the second round. VVN won promotion to J2 after topping JFL. It is important to note that the J3 division was yet to be founded at this stage.
V-Varen caused a stir in their first-ever J2 season. After obtaining their first victory against Kataller Toyama on matchday four, VVN went on an eleven-game unbeaten run until Kyoto Sanga edged them out in a tight contest at VVN's old ground, Nagasaki Municipal General Recreation Park. After losing their final two league games, Nagasaki went into the promotion playoffs in sixth place, a commendable achievement. The opponents were bogeymen Kyoto, in a one-off contest at a dilapidated Kyoto Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium. As VVN finished below Kyoto, the away side found themselves in a win-or-bust situation. But Nagasaki could not find the net in a tense affair and were dumped out after a 0-0 draw.
In 2015, Nagasaki reached the playoffs again, facing Avispa Fukuoka in a Kyushu derby. Wellington scored the only goal as VVN missed out on J1 football once more.
2017 saw some new Spanish faces with the signings of Juanma Delgado from UCAM Murcia and Miguel Pallardó González from Hearts. The race for promotion that season became one for the ages. With Shonan Bellmare dominant throughout the campaign, Nagoya, VVN and Avispa Fukuoka would compete for second place. But after Avispa faltered with a six-game winless run, the door was open for Nagoya and VVN to sneak ahead. On matchday 41, Nagoya's heavy loss at home to JEF United meant Nagasaki would reach the promised land if they overcame lowly Kamatamare Sanuki later that day. A 3-1 win in front of a sell-out crowd secured a J1 berth and the ensuing jubilant celebrations.
In the following season, the arrival of Jordy Buijs from Sydney FC and Musashi Suzuki strengthened Nagasaki's squad. Although VVN were sitting comfortably at ninth at one stage, the gulf in quality had become too much to bear near the end. Defeat to Gamba Osaka on the penultimate matchday confirmed the Kyushu side would finish dead last. Takuya Takagi, who had overseen so much of VVN's progress, announced his departure following relegation.
V-Varen failed to achieve immediate promotion in 2019 but enjoyed their greatest run in the Emperor's Cup. After seeing off Ventforet Kofu in the quarters, VVN headed to Ibaraki to play Kashima Antlers, the biggest name in the country. The match was an end-to-end encounter, with Kashima unsurprisingly emerging victorious 3-2. The result meant VVN could not play the first cup final held at the new National Stadium.
In December 2024, VVN were in the promotion playoffs for the first time since their relegation due to their third-place finish in the regular season. To play Okayama in the final, they first had to take on Vegalta Sendai. It turned out to be a disappointing day as Nagasaki were well-beaten by a clinical Vegalta team 1-4.
Financial Crisis
A crisis broke out in 2017 when an illegal insurance claim to secure more funds was exposed to lay bare the extent of Nagasaki's financial problems.
At first, NOVA Holdings was to invest in the club, but Japanet had announced VVN would become a subsidiary and therefore the club's finances would be back in order.
Players
Two of the most famous Japanese names to feature are Keiji Tamada and Hotaru Yamaguchi. A certified Nagoya Grampus legend, Tamada scored a stunning opener versus Brazil in Germany 2006. But Zico's Japan were outclassed by star names such as Ronaldo, Robinho and Juninho Pernambucano in a 1-4 loss.
New-signing Yamaguchi was a prominent member of Vissel Kobe's two-time J1 championship-winning team of 2023 and 2024. After six years at his beloved Cerezo Osaka, Yamaguchi took on the challenge of Bundesliga football at Hannover 96 in 2015, but his time in Germany was a disaster.
Spanish forward Juanma Delgado was instrumental in VVN's promotion push in 2017. In 2019, Juanma left for what we now call RB (Red Bull) Omiya Ardija and had a productive spell at Avispa Fukuoka. Back in Nagasaki, Juanma is now a household name in the city as he was the top scorer of the 2023 J2 league season.
Fun Facts
The name of the club stems from two European languages. V for V-Varen comes from the Portuguese word "Vitoria", whilst Varen translates to "Voyage" in Dutch.
The club's name can be shortened to VVN when written in English.
V-Varen's training ground is in Isahaya, the third largest city in Nagasaki prefecture.
Initially, multiple local corporations sponsored V-Varen. But when the club was punished for financial wrongdoing, VVN became a subsidiary of Japanet Holdings, a titan in the Japanese e-commerce industry.
Access - Getting There
The ground is a 10-minute walk from JR Nagasaki station. To decrease walking time, look for Stadium City North on the Nagasaki Electric Tramway. The distance between the stadium and this station is minimal.
Address: 7-1 Saiwaimachi, Nagasaki, 850-0046
Nearby Hotels
The Stadium City Hotel Nagasaki is part of the complex with many rooms having views of the pitch. Other nearby places to stay include GRAND BASE Saiwaimachi and THE GLOBAL VIEW Nagasaki.
See a listing of hotels in Nagasaki.
Nagasaki - Things To See & Do
The Atomic Bomb Museum provides a poignant and informative look into the events surrounding the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. The Peace Park, located nearby, features monuments, sculptures, and memorials dedicated to promoting peace and nuclear disarmament.
Glover Garden is a western-style garden offering panoramic views of Nagasaki Harbor and the city. It is home to the former residences of western residents who played a significant role in the city's history during the Meiji and Taisho eras.
Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims in Peace Park serves as a place for quiet reflection and remembrance. It includes an exhibition area with personal stories, artifacts, and photographs related to the atomic bombing of 1945.
Nagasaki Chinatown (Shinchi Chinatown) is one of the oldest Chinatowns in Japan with colorful buildings, shops, and restaurants. It's a great place to explore, try Chinese cuisine, and experience the lively atmosphere.
Once an artificial island and trading post, Dejima played a crucial role in Japan's history of international trade during the Edo period. The area has been restored, and you can visit the Dejima Museum to learn about its history.
Built by Chinese residents in the 17th century, Sofuku-ji is one of the oldest and most important Chinese temples in Japan. The temple grounds feature beautiful architecture and intricate decorations.
Kofuku-ji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple dating back to the 17th century and is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful gardens.
Joji Imamiya
J.League Stadiums
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