Smiles Supports One-Day Filipino Community Basketball League in Gifu

GIFU, Japan – Filipinos from different parts of central Japan came together for a one-day basketball league event on Feb. 22, 2026, at L Port in Gifu Prefecture.

The event was open to all Filipinos living in Japan. It featured professional basketball players and aimed to bring people together through sports. Organizers said the goal was to unite and empower different nationalities while strengthening community ties. 

Members of the Filipino community from Toyama, Gifu and Aichi prefectures attended the event. Families, friends and supporters filled the venue to cheer for their teams and enjoy the games. 

Smiles Mobile Remittance sponsored the league and also provided the jerseys for one of the participating teams as a show of support for the community. 

After a full day of games, the Pinay’s Place team won the championship title. The team was recognized during the awarding ceremony led by Joyce Yagihashi, the owner of  Pinay’s Place, together with Alphacloth Tailoring representative, Feljun Arcilla. 

Organizers said the tournament was about more than competition. It gave overseas Filipinos a chance to reconnect, build friendships and feel a sense of belonging while living far from home. 

They also hope events like this will encourage young Filipinos in Japan to stay active, follow their interests and gain confidence through sports. 

For many who attended, the league was not just about basketball. It was a reminder that even overseas, community support remains strong.