Thespa Kusatsu Gunma fell to a 2-0 defeat at home against Shonan Bellmare in a J2/J3 100 Year Vision League match on March 20, 2026. The visiting J1 League side, Shonan Bellmare, demonstrated their superior quality with a professional performance to see off the challenge from the J3 League hosts. This pre-season or cup fixture served as a valuable test for both clubs, with Shonan's clinical edge proving decisive. Shonan Bellmare took control of the match early, scoring a goal in each half to secure a comfortable victory. The first goal came from a set-piece situation, highlighting a potential area of weakness for Thespa Kusatsu, while the second was a swift counter-attack finished calmly past the home goalkeeper. A key incident saw Thespa Kusatsu have a goal disallowed for offside, which could have changed the complexion of the game had it stood. The standout performance came from Shonan's midfield, which dominated possession and dictated the tempo throughout the ninety minutes. For Thespa Kusatsu, the match provided a clear benchmark of the level required to compete with higher-division opposition. The home manager acknowledged the gap, saying, "We learned a lot today about the intensity required," while the Shonan coach commented, "It was a good run-out and we achieved our objectives." The lineups reflected Shonan's stronger squad depth, with several first-team players getting valuable minutes ahead of their league campaign.