北九州向日葵

北九州向日葵

Giravanz Kitakyushu is a professional football club founded in 1973 and based in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The club competes in the J2 League, Japan's second-tier professional division, and plays their home matches at Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu, which holds approximately 15,300 spectators. Originally established as a company team linked to the Nippon Steel Corporation, the club transitioned to professional status and adopted the name Giravanz, inspired by the Kitakyushu region's industrial and maritime heritage. The club has worked to build a loyal local fanbase in the northern Kyushu region and has experienced promotion and relegation between the J1 and J2 leagues. Their development academy contributes to grassroots football in Fukuoka Prefecture, supporting the growth of the sport in the wider Kyushu area.