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Historic Kanebo Team Moves to New Sponsor Kao

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 the longest histories in the country.

Along with the transfer of team operations to Kao, the team will not only pursue goals in athletics but will also seek to contribute to social activities through intramural and extramural sport and health initiatives spearheaded by Kao's ESG management. It will seek success as a next-generation corporate team that creates added value in new areas with an eye to contributing to the overall corporation's business activities. Under head coach Toshinari Takaoka the 15 athletes and 4 staff members of the new Kao Athletics Club will build on its Kanebo-era traditions to create a new history and help spread the development of sports within Japan.

source article:
translated by Brett Larner

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