Toyota is bringing Japanese professional basketball closer to Filipino fans as it supports the B.League Manila Games 2026, a two-game preseason series featuring Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Scheduled for September 9 and 10, the B.League Manila Games 2026 mark the league’s first overseas-hosted games. Both matchups are set to begin at 7:00 p.m., giving local basketball fans an opportunity to watch Japanese professional basketball on Philippine soil.
For Toyota, the event goes beyond the games themselves. The company sees the Manila series as another way to highlight the shared passion for basketball between Filipino and Japanese fans, while creating an opportunity for the two communities to connect through sport.
“Basketball has a special way of bringing people together,” said Elijah Marical, First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operation of Toyota Motor Philippines. He added that the series celebrates the passion Japan and the Philippines share for basketball, as well as the friendship between the two countries.
The B.League Manila Games 2026 also arrive during two notable milestones. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the B.League, while 2026 also commemorates 70 years since Japan and the Philippines normalized diplomatic relations.
Adding a distinctly Filipino connection to the games are two local basketball standouts competing for their respective B.League clubs. Dwight Ramos will represent Levanga Hokkaido, while AJ Edu will take the court for Gunma Crane Thunders.
Their participation gives Filipino supporters familiar names to follow while also providing a closer look at the level of competition in Japan’s professional basketball league.
Toyota is also giving fans something to do beyond watching the action. The TOYOTA Challenge Zone will offer interactive, fast-paced games where visitors can test their basketball skills and have a chance to win prizes.
Through its partnership with the B.League Manila Games 2026, Toyota continues to support sports experiences that bring communities together and make international sporting events more accessible to local audiences.
With two Japanese clubs, two Filipino players and a Philippine basketball crowd inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Manila series offers a fitting celebration of the sport’s ability to bridge cultures.
Autocar’s Take
Bringing B.League basketball to Manila makes plenty of sense, particularly in a country where basketball is practically part of everyday life. The presence of Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu gives the B.League Manila Games 2026 an added local connection, making the matchups more interesting for Filipino fans who may already be following their careers in Japan.
Toyota’s involvement also adds another layer to the event, particularly through the Toyota Challenge Zone and its effort to make the experience more interactive. Ultimately, this is more than an exhibition series. It is a chance for Filipino fans to experience Japanese basketball closer to home.
