Materiality
Developing communities based on sports

Basic Concepts

Today, we are able to indirectly enjoy sports by watching real-time games and matches both in our own country and abroad thanks to the development of digital technology. However, since actually playing sports requires having equipment, a facility, teammates, and/or instructors, there are people who cannot play sports even if they want to.

Mizuno believes it needs to help create equal opportunities to play sports, regardless of age, physical disability, and place of residence, if it wants to help as many people as possible enjoy sports by maximizing the potential of sports. Therefore, Mizuno puts effort into improving the accessibility of sports and promoting regional sports. By doing so, Mizuno also aims to help people connect and communicate with one another through sports.

It's important to note that Mizuno Group's efforts to promote sports are carried out with commercial purposes in mind, and as a rule, the provision of services or products free of charge is not implemented.

Participating in the Amsterdam Marathon

One of the most well-known activities aimed at promoting sports overseas is the Amsterdam Marathon, held in the Netherlands. Mizuno has been supporting this event since 2000, offering various categories including a full marathon, a half marathon, and an eight-kilometer run, making it an event where participants can enjoy running according to their abilities.

The Amsterdam Marathon is held every year on the third Sunday of October, and the 2023 edition took place on October 15. Over 45,000 runners from more than 105 countries entered, and Mizuno, as the main sponsor, set up flags bearing its name over a 2-kilometer stretch around the venue. During the event, Mizuno also set up a sales stand adjacent to the stadium for the display and sale of apparel and footwear.

Nearly half of the participants in this event are runners from outside the Netherlands, making it a distinctly international and Pan-European event, setting it apart from other races. Through the participation of various runners, Mizuno looks forward to revitalizing the local area and furthering the recognition and penetration of the Mizuno brand, with plans to continue sponsoring the event in the future.

Please click here for more details on this event.

The Amsterdam Marathon 2023

To help all kinds of people, from children to adults, as well as beginners to those advanced, in Europe, the U.S., Australia, Taiwan, South Korea, and China, as well as other countries around the world, Mizuno co-hosts competitions and holds sports clinics relating to running, rugby, badminton and other sports.

Regional sports promotion by top athletes
Holding Mizuno Victory Clinics

In 2007, Mizuno began promoting regional sports, with help from current and former male and female top athletes, by holding Mizuno Victory Clinics, which have top athletes give demonstrations and advice to help participants recognize the fun of sports.

Approximately 230 athletes from 20 different sports, who have competed in the Olympics, World Championships, and other domestic and international competitions, are registered as instructors for our clinics. These athletes not only impart their professional skills and mindset directly to the participants but also foster interaction among them. By having top-level athletes serve as instructors, this program promotes sports in the community, provides athletes with opportunities to shine, and contributes to the integration of elite and community sports.

In 2021, when the impact of COVID-19 persisted, we held 45 sessions. As the response to COVID-19 gradually eased, we were able to hold 111 sessions in 2022 and 107 sessions in 2023.

	FY2019	FY2020	FY2021	FY2022	FY2023
No. of times held	89	24	45	111	107

Collaboration with municipalities in promoting regional sports

Regional sports not only help people improve their physical and mental health but also help residents build communities. By combining the insights and expertise of the public, private, and educational sectors, it becomes possible to carry out more effective activities that meet the specific needs of the region. Mizuno collaborates with municipalities and universities in promoting regional sports.

Operating Sports Facilities

To create opportunities for enjoying sports, it is essential to have places in the community where people can participate in sports activities. Since 2006, Mizuno has been involved in the designated management of sports facilities across Japan. Through the operation and management of these facilities, as well as the provision of age-appropriate programs, Mizuno fosters community interaction and supports the creation of opportunities for people in the region to easily engage in sports. As of March 2024, there are 1,159 contracted facilities in 183 locations nationwide.

Activities to Convey the Joy of Sports

With the aim of letting more children purely experience the joy of baseball, we host the "Mizuno Baseball Dream Cup Junior Tournament," which upholds the philosophy of "No getting angry over mistakes, everyone helping each other." In line with this philosophy, coaches and parents are prohibited from scolding children during games.

To ensure as many children as possible have the opportunity to participate, the tournament has rules that allow players to re-enter the game even after being substituted out. Additionally, to make it easy for children who have never played baseball to participate, teams can join even if they do not have matching uniforms. Mizuno also provides equipment loans to teams that do not have their own gear.

The third tournament was held in 2023, with 917 teams participating from all over the country.

Business Project Aimed at Solving Social Issues through Sports and Community Bonds

In August 2021, Mizuno and Consadole Co., Ltd. jointly launched PROJECT 179, a collaboration project aimed at revitalizing all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido. When companies and organizations that support the project purchase Mizuno products, part of the income from these purchases is used to cover the cost of implementing regional revitalization measures. In the near future, the project will also be open to participation from the general public.

As an example of these initiatives, since 2022, PROJECT 179 has continuously provided original stationery items to all first-year elementary school students across Hokkaido. Additionally, a talk show for this project was held in June 2023.

Mizuno aims to contribute to regional revitalization by leveraging the power of sports through this business project, which addresses social issues by fostering bonds between sports and communities.

Future issues to be addressed

With the aim of promoting sports and increasing the number of people involved in sports, we will provide opportunities, venues, and services not only for "playing sports" but also for "watching sports" and "supporting sports." By doing so, we will create "joy, excitement, and dreams" that contribute to the revitalization of the community. Additionally, by further increasing opportunities for children to enjoy sports freely and joyfully not only in school physical education classes and club activities but anywhere, we will strive to maintain and increase the future sports population and contribute to the realization of a society where people can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Materiality Developing communities based on sports