Chugai Pharmaceutical Becomes Healthcare Innovation Partner of Japan Basketball Association, Advance Sports and Health

Chugai Pharmaceutical has announced a new partnership with the Japan Basketball Association (JBA), becoming the organization's Healthcare Innovation Partner. The collaboration brings together Chugai's commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative medicines and JBA's vision of promoting basketball as a way to inspire and energize communities across Japan.

The partnership is built on a shared commitment to innovation, growth, and continuous challenge. Chugai highlighted the determination of AKATSUKI JAPAN, the country's national basketball team, as reflecting the same spirit that drives the company's efforts to develop innovative medicines and improve patient care. Both organizations believe that pursuing ambitious goals can create positive social impact and inspire people.

Comment from Shinji Shimada, President, Japan Basketball Association, “We are truly delighted to have agreed to embark on this partnership between Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and the Japan national basketball team, AKATSUKI JAPAN, and would like to express our sincere gratitude for this opportunity.

We are deeply inspired by Chugai’s spirit of challenge, which has enabled the company to break new ground and pioneer numerous unexplored areas.

We believe that Chugai, which values the connections and vitality fostered through sports, will be a strong source of encouragement for our players as they compete on the world stage, never giving up even when confronted with difficult challenges and obstacles. Together, we hope to deliver positive energy and inspiration to people across Japan.”

Through the collaboration, Chugai and JBA aim to explore opportunities at the intersection of sports and healthcare, promoting healthier lifestyles while supporting the continued development of basketball in Japan. The partnership is expected to encourage initiatives that combine health awareness with sports participation and community engagement.

Comment from Osamu Okuda, President and CEO, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

We are honored to support AKATSUKI JAPAN as a partner of the Japan Basketball Association. We deeply resonate with JBA's efforts to promote the healthy physical and mental development of people and to help build a prosperous society through basketball.

Athletes competing on the global stage often face formidable obstacles. Yet, while keeping their eyes on the goals beyond those challenges, they continue striving forward. Their dedication not only brings courage and inspiration to people, but also helps foster bonds among teammates and encourages others to take the first step toward new challenges.

Through this partnership, we will support the ambitions of AKATSUKI JAPAN and, as a Healthcare Innovation Partner, work together with JBA to advance initiatives that help their challenges generate even greater vitality throughout society. 

By aligning their respective missions, Chugai and the Japan Basketball Association hope to create new value that extends beyond the basketball court, contributing to both public health and the long-term growth of the sport across the country.