Thespa Gunma have announced the dismissal of manager Masaru Okita.
Okita had been in charge since 2025 and recorded one win and five defeats in the MEIJI YASUDA J3 LEAGUE this season through Matchweek 6.
Okita commented through the club:
“To everyone connected with Thespa Gunma, and to all our fans and supporters, I am deeply sorry, especially given all the support, encouragement and effort you have continued to give us. I am truly grateful to you all. I was not able to do enough, but the players, staff, sporting department, front office staff and everyone at GCC Thespa Park are all fantastic. I am confident that the club will achieve its vision and goals in the near future, and I hope you will continue to support Thespa Gunma.
“To all the children in Gunma, I was so happy that you continued to cheer us on at the stadium and the clubhouse. Thanks to you, I was always able to approach football with confidence, enjoy it and stay true to myself. So, let’s keep supporting Thespa Gunma together from now on! Thank you very much.”
On the same day, Gunma also announced the appointment of Mitsumasa Yoda as their new manager.
Yoda had served as a coach with Gunma’s first team this season.
Upon his appointment, Yoda commented:
“To everyone connected with Thespa Gunma, thank you as always for your support. I feel a sense of responsibility for not having been able to do more to support Manager Okita. First and foremost, to turn our current situation around and achieve our goals, the players, staff and everyone at the club will come together as one and play positive, aggressive football. 'ever onward'. To all our fans, supporters and everyone connected with the club, please fight alongside us.”
