The longstanding Kanebo men's ekiden team sponsored by Kanebo Cosmetics Co, Ltd. has transferred as a whole to new sponsor Kao Corporation , headed by CEO Yoshihiro Hasebe , effective Oct. 1. Under the new team name Kao Athletics Club it will make a fresh start. From its base in Setagaya, Tokyo, the Kao Athletics Club will aim for the win at races like the East Japan Corporate Ekiden and the New Year Ekiden national championships, but its goals extend further. Under the team motto "Run With Hope" its members will work together to do what's necessary to become a team that produces national representatives at the World Championships and Olympics. The Kanebo team was founded in 1950 in Yamaguchi. After Kanebo's acquisition by Kao in 2006 the team relocated to Setagaya and strengthened its operations by replacing its coaching staff and bringing in a newer generation of athletes. Through 2022 it competed in the New Year Ekiden 59 times, making it one of the teams with...
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