RB Omiya Ardija
Japanese football club
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
RB Ōmiya Ardija (RB大宮アルディージャ, Arubi Ōmiya Arudīja)[a] is a Japanese professional association football club based in Ōmiya, Saitama Prefecture. Its "hometown" (as designated by the league) is shared with neighbours Urawa Red Diamonds. The team currently play in J2 League, the Japanese second tier of professional football, after promotion from the third tier in 2024.
Risu (Squirrels) (former)
Ardija
2024 as RB Ōmiya Ardija
Omiya-ku, Saitama, Saitama
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| Full name | RB Ōmiya Ardija | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicknames | Reddoboru (Red Bulls) (current) Risu (Squirrels) (former) Ardija | ||
| Founded | 1969 as NTT Kantō SC 2024 as RB Ōmiya Ardija | ||
| Stadium | NACK5 Stadium Ōmiya Omiya-ku, Saitama, Saitama | ||
| Capacity | 15,491 | ||
| Owner | Red Bull GmbH | ||
| Chairman | Masashi Mori | ||
| Manager | Yuki Miyazawa | ||
| League | J2 League | ||
| 2025 | J2 League, 6th of 20 | ||
| Website | rbomiya | ||
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The club was known as Ōmiya Ardija (大宮アルディージャ, Ōmiya Arudīja), before club administration was taken over by Red Bull GmbH in late November 2024 who renamed the club.
The club has won 1 J2 League title and 1 J3 League title in their history.
History
The team were founded in 1968 as NTT Saitama Soccer Selection in Urawa, Saitama and later known as the NTT Kantō Soccer Club in 1969. They were first promoted to the Japan Soccer League (JSL) Division 2 in 1987/88, and when the JSL folded, joined the former Japan Football League.[2]
In 1998 the club was separately incorporated as NTT Sport Community K.K. based in Ōmiya to participate in the J. League. The name "Ardija" is a transcription of the Spanish language ardilla (squirrel) which is the mascot of Ōmiya and the park in which their home stadium is located.[2][3]
Their matches against Urawa Red Diamonds have been called the "Saitama derby".[4]
From 2005 to 2007, most of Ōmiya's home matches were held at Saitama Stadium 2002 and Urawa Komaba Stadium due to expansion works at their home ground. In October 2007 the expansion was complete. On November 11, the re-opening match was held as a J. League season match between the Ōmiya and Ōita Trinita (1–2).[5]
Ōmiya competed in the J1 League following an immediate promotion in 2015 after being relegated in 2014. Ōmiya was relegated again following the 2017 season. They competed in J1 2005 and continued to remain until 2014, following promotion from J2 in 2004 as the second placed team.
In 2023, Ōmiya were relegated to J3 League after six seasons stint in second division due to worst performance and played third division football for the first time since 1993.
New ownership
On 15 February 2024, before the start of the season, Sports Nippon reported that Austrian energy drink maker Red Bull may buy a J.League club, and that Ōmiya Ardija was the leading candidate.[6] On July 26 of the same year, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that Red Bull had reached an agreement in principle to buy Ōmiya Ardija.[7]
In August 2024, Omiya Ardija announced Red Bull as their new owner, after acquiring 100% of the club shares, formerly owned by NTT, becoming part of their multi-club ownership.[8] This will be the first time that a foreign company has become the sole owner of a major Japanese professional sports team, including the J.League.[9] Red Bull began by acquiring management rights to Austrian first division club Salzburg in 2005 and now owns six clubs: Leipzig in Bundesliga, New York Red Bulls in the United States MLS, Liefering in Admiral 2. Liga, Bragantino in Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and Red Bull Brasil (now Red Bull Bragantino II) in the Sao Paulo State Championship. In the past, they also owned Red Bull Ghana in Africa and Omiya will be the eighth club they own.
NTT East will continue to support the company as a sponsor even after the transfer of shares.[10]
On 13 October 2024, Ōmiya secured promotion to the J2 League after defeating Fukushima United 3–2, thus returning to the second tier after a one year absence. Six days later, Omiya secured the J3 League title with a 1–1 draw against Imabari in matchweek 33.
Team image
Crest
Ōmiya Ardija's original crest features a squirrel on the right, which is the animal of Omiya. On the left, there are 5 lines, which reference the historic roads that run through Omiya, including the famous Nakasendō, which runs to the Hikawa Shrine, right near Nack5 Stadium.[11][12]
On 6 November 2024, Ōmiya Ardija officially change crest and name to RB Ōmiya Ardija after being acquired by Red Bull GmbH from 2025.[1] The club retained their colours but adopted a new logo which is identical to other Red Bull owned clubs.
The former nickname of Omiya is Risu, squirrel in Japanese.
Supporters
The supporters of RB Omiya Ardija are primarily based in the Ōmiya area of Saitama and across the wider Saitama region. Since the club’s early days as Omiya Ardija, the team has built a loyal local fanbase that strongly identifies with the Ōmiya district and its football culture.
Supporters typically gather behind the goal stands at NACK5 Stadium Omiya, where organized supporter groups lead chants, wave flags, and create coordinated displays during matches. The compact design of the stadium allows fans to be close to the pitch, contributing to an intense and energetic matchday atmosphere.
Rivalries
The club’s supporters are also known for their rivalry with nearby club Urawa Red Diamonds, with matches between the two teams forming the Saitama Derby. These encounters attract significant attention from fans across Saitama Prefecture and are among the most anticipated fixtures for Omiya supporters.
In recent years, the fanbase has continued to support the club through changes in ownership and league status, maintaining strong community ties while hoping for a return to the top tiers of the J.League.
Mascots
Ōmiya Ardija has two squirrels as its mascots, named Ardi and Miya. Both wear the team kits. According to the club website, Miya is one size smaller than Ardi, being then, slightly shorter than him.[13][2]
Stadiums
RB Ōmiya Ardija plays its home matches at NACK5 Stadium Omiya, located in the Ōmiya. The stadium is situated within the Omiya Park sports complex and has served as the club’s primary home ground since the early years of its participation in the J.League.
Originally opened in 1960 and later renovated to meet professional football standards, NACK5 Stadium Omiya has a seating capacity of approximately 15,491 spectators. The stadium is designed specifically for football, with stands positioned close to the pitch, creating an intimate and vibrant atmosphere during matches.
The venue has hosted many of the club’s matches in both the J1 League and J2 League, as well as fixtures in domestic competitions such as the Emperor's Cup. Known for its compact layout and passionate home support, NACK5 Stadium Omiya remains a central part of the club’s identity and matchday culture.
Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors
Kit evolution
| Home Kit – 1st | ||||
          1999–2000 |
     2001 |
     2002 - 2003 |
     2004 - 2005 |
     2006 |
     2007 |
   2008 |
     2009 |
     2010 |
     2011 |
    2012 |
     2013 |
     2014 |
   2015 |
    2016 |
   2017 |
     2018 |
    2019 |
    2020 |
     2021 |
     2012 |
     2013 |
     2014 |
     2015 |
    2016 |
    2017 |
    2018 |
     2019 |
    2020 |
    2021 |
     2022 |
    2023 |
   2024 |
     2025 - |
| Special Kits – 3rd | ||||
    2018 3rd |
     2018 20th anniversary |
     2023 25th anniversary | ||
Players
- As of 22 February 2026.[14]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Management and staff
| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| Manager |  Yuki Miyazawa |
| Assistant manager | Tetsuhiro Kina |
| First-team coach | Naomichi Wakamiya Yusuke Shimada |
| Goalkeeping coach | Norio Takahashi |
| Physical coach | Takuma Okumura |
| Technical staff | Yuki Fukuro |
| Chief manager | Yosuke Hakamada |
| Side manager | Yuichi Goto |
| Interpreter | Leonardo Uehara Minori Sato |
| Chief athletic trainer | Takafumi Kazama |
| Athletic trainer | Kenichi Sekido Natsuya Yashiro |
| Physiotherapist | Ryohei Ikuta |
Honours
| Honour | No. | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Shakaijin Cup | 1 | 1981 |
| Regional League promotion series | 1 | 1986 |
| Saitama City Cup | 2 | 2010, 2011 |
| J2 League | 1 | 2015 |
| J3 League | 1 | 2024 |
| Saitama Prefectural Football Championship Emperor's Cup Saitama Prefectural Qualifiers |
1 | 2024 |
Managerial history
| Manager | Tenure | |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Finish | |
 Pim Verbeek | 1 January 1999 | 31 December 1999 |
| Toshiya Miura | 1 February 2000 | 31 January 2002 |
| Henk Duut | 22 December 2001 | 22 December 2002 |
| Masaaki Kanno | 1 February 2003 | 13 October 2003 |
| Eijun Kiyokumo | 10 October 2003 | 31 December 2003 |
| Toshiya Miura | 1 February 2004 | 31 January 2007 |
| Robert Verbeek | 1 January 2007 | 30 June 2007 |
| Satoru Sakuma | 1 July 2007 | 31. December 2007 |
| Yasuhiro Higuchi | 1 February 2008 | 31 January 2009 |
 Chang Woe-ryong | 1. February 2009 | 26 April 2010 |
| Jun Suzuki | 24 April 2010 | 19 May 2012 |
| Takeyuki Okamoto (interim) | 31 Mai 2012 | 10 June 2012 |
 Zdenko Verdenik | 10 June 2012 | 11 August 2013 |
| Takeyuki Okamoto (interim) (2) | 11 August 2013 | 20 August 2013 |
| Tsutomu Ogura | 20 August 2013 | 31 December 2013 |
| Kiyoshi Okuma | 1 February 2014 | 31 August 2014 |
| Hiroki Shibuya | 31 August 2014 | 28 May 2017 |
| Akira Ito | 29 Mai 2017 | 5 November 2017 |
| Masatada Ishii | 6 November 2017 | 31 January 2019 |
| Takuya Takagi | 1 February 2019 | 31 January 2021 |
| Ken Iwase | 1 February 2021 | 25 May 2021 |
| Norio Sasaki | 26 May 2021 | 9 June 2021 |
| Masahiro Shimoda | 10 June 2021 | 26 May 2022 |
| Naoki Soma[12] | 28 May 2022 | 19 May 2023 |
| Masato Harasaki[15] | 19 May 2023 | 31 January 2024 |
| As RB Ōmiya Ardija | ||
| Tetsu Nagasawa | 1 February 2024 | 24 September 2025[16] |
| Yuki Miyazawa | 24 September 2025[17] | Current |
Season by season record
| Champions | Runners-up | Third place | Promoted | Relegated |
| League | J. League Cup | Emperor's Cup | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Div. | Teams | Pos. | P | W (OTW) | D | L (OTL) | F | A | GD | Pts | Attendance/G | |||
| as Ōmiya Ardija | |||||||||||||||
| 1999 | J2 | 10 | 6th | 36 | 14 (4) | 1 | 15 (2) | 47 | 44 | 3 | 51 | 2,674 | 1st round | 3rd round | |
| 2000 | 11 | 4th | 40 | 21 (2) | 1 | 14 (2) | 55 | 49 | 6 | 68 | 3,477 | 1st round | 3rd round | ||
| 2001 | 12 | 5th | 44 | 20 (6) | 6 | 11(1) | 73 | 43 | 30 | 78 | 3,864 | 1st round | 1st round | ||
| 2002 | 12 | 6th | 44 | 14 | 17 | 13 | 52 | 42 | 10 | 59 | 5,266 | Not eligible | 4th round | ||
| 2003 | 12 | 6th | 44 | 18 | 7 | 19 | 52 | 61 | −9 | 61 | 5,058 | 3rd round | |||
| 2004 | 12 | 2nd | 44 | 26 | 9 | 9 | 63 | 38 | 25 | 87 | 6,108 | 5th round | |||
| 2005 | J1 | 18 | 13th | 34 | 12 | 5 | 17 | 39 | 50 | −11 | 41 | 9,980 | Quarter final | Semi final | |
| 2006 | 18 | 12th | 34 | 13 | 5 | 16 | 43 | 55 | −12 | 44 | 10,234 | Group stage | 5th round | ||
| 2007 | 18 | 15th | 34 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 24 | 40 | −16 | 35 | 11,465 | Group stage | 4th round | ||
| 2008 | 18 | 12th | 34 | 12 | 7 | 15 | 36 | 45 | −9 | 43 | 9,350 | Group stage | 5th round | ||
| 2009 | 18 | 13th | 34 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 40 | 47 | −7 | 39 | 13,707 | Group stage | 3rd round | ||
| 2010 | 18 | 12th | 34 | 11 | 9 | 14 | 39 | 45 | −6 | 42 | 11,064 | Group stage | 4th round | ||
| 2011 | 18 | 13th | 34 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 38 | 48 | −10 | 42 | 12,221 | 2nd round | 2nd round | ||
| 2012 | 18 | 13th | 34 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 38 | 45 | −7 | 44 | 10,637 | Group stage | 4th round | ||
| 2013 | 18 | 14th | 34 | 14 | 3 | 17 | 45 | 48 | −3 | 45 | 11,138 | Group stage | 2nd round | ||
| 2014 | 18 | 16th | 34 | 9 | 8 | 17 | 44 | 60 | −16 | 35 | 10,811 | Group stage | Quarter final | ||
| 2015 | J2 | 22 | 1st | 42 | 26 | 8 | 8 | 72 | 37 | 35 | 86 | 9,490 | Not eligible | 3rd round | |
| 2016 | J1 | 18 | 5th | 34 | 15 | 11 | 8 | 41 | 36 | 5 | 56 | 11,814 | Quarter final | Semi final | |
| 2017 | 18 | 18th | 34 | 5 | 10 | 19 | 28 | 60 | −32 | 25 | 11,464 | Group stage | Quarter final | ||
| 2018 | J2 | 22 | 5th | 42 | 21 | 8 | 13 | 65 | 48 | 17 | 71 | 9,224 | Not eligible | 3rd round | |
| 2019 | 22 | 3rd | 42 | 20 | 15 | 7 | 62 | 40 | 22 | 75 | 9,478 | 3rd round | |||
| 2020 † | 22 | 15th | 42 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 43 | 52 | −9 | 53 | 2,515 | Did not qualify | |||
| 2021 † | 22 | 16th | 42 | 9 | 15 | 18 | 51 | 56 | −5 | 42 | 4,311 | 2nd round | |||
| 2022 | 22 | 19th | 42 | 10 | 13 | 19 | 48 | 64 | −16 | 43 | 5,272 | 3rd round | |||
| 2023 | 22 | 21st | 42 | 11 | 6 | 25 | 37 | 71 | −49 | 39 | 6,862 | 3rd round | |||
| 2024 | J3 | 20 | 1st | 38 | 25 | 10 | 3 | 72 | 32 | 40 | 85 | 7,472 | 2nd round | 2nd round | |
| as RB Ōmiya Ardija | |||||||||||||||
| 2025 | J2 | 20 | 6th | 38 | 18 | 9 | 11 | 60 | 39 | 21 | 63 | 11,315 | 2nd round | 1st round | |
| 2026 | 10 | TBD | 18 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| 2026-27 | 20 | TBD | 38 | TBD | TBD | ||||||||||
- Key
- Pos. = Position in league; P = Games played; W = Games won; D = Games drawn; L = Games lost; F = Goals scored; A = Goals conceded; GD = Goals difference; Pts = Points gained
- Attendance/G = Average home league attendance
- † 2020 & 2021 seasons attendances reduced by COVID-19 worldwide pandemic.
- Source: J. League Data Site
