Ahead of ONE Championship’s groundbreaking event in Tokyo, Japan, the world’s largest martial arts organization named Hideyuki “Andy” Hata President of its Japan operations.

Hata comes into this position with a wealth of knowledge in the sports industry, having previously led Nielsen Sports in North Asia. As President, he was responsible for all of Nielsen Sports’ business activities in Japan, South Korea, and Mainland China.

Prior to that, he led a number of global projects with Sony Corporation, and he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Meiji University.

Additionally, Hata is widely recognized as a leading figure in Japan’s sports industry, having spoken on television as well as at industry forums and events.

ONE’s massive expansion into Japan is the culmination of many months of dedicated focus by the company’s Chairman and CEO, Chatri Sityodtong.

“I am thrilled to welcome Andy Hata to our leadership team at ONE Championship,” Sityodtong said.

“Andy is a world-class business leader with a deep passion for sports and a desire to make a big impact on the world. He brings strong startup and global leadership experience, hands-on intellectual firepower, and a proven championship track record of commercial performance.”

Hata will be responsible for overseeing all areas of the business in the country, such as the execution of key strategic projects, strengthening partnerships, expansion, and day-to-day operations.

The Home of Martial Arts will officially break ground in the nation with its inaugural Japan event, ONE: A NEW ERA, which is set for the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Sunday, 31 March.

ONE has pulled out all the stops for this historic occasion.

For its first foray into “The Land Of The Rising Sun,” there will be a grand total of three ONE World Titles on the line. Also, the card features the promotional debuts of Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez.

The second Japan event, ONE: GREATNESS UNLEASHED, will be held on Saturday, 12 October.

This appointment of Hata comes on the heels of the biggest year in the company’s seven-year history. Just recently, a three-year partnership with Turner Sports was made to distribute its live event coverage in the United States.

The largest global sports media property in Asian history continues to expand worldwide at an exponential pace.