The press conference was held in a hybrid format, both online and offline, and was attended by numerous media representatives.
Mr. Koichi Sugawara, Representative Director and Chairman of Kaneka Corporation, and Mr. Koizumi, President of the club, attended the conference and announced the background leading to the agreement and future initiatives with Kaneka Corporation.
Comment from Mr. Koichi Sugawara, Representative Director and Chairman of Kaneka Corporation:
"Kashima Antlers has the idea of 'energizing,' 'invigorating,' and 'creating a new future' through football. Kaneka wants to work with Antlers to promote 'health management,' 'SDGs management,' and 'ESG management.' We want to dream big with Antlers. 'Having confidence to win, and having a game plan and teamwork for that' - I am confident that this is a philosophy Kaneka shares with Antlers."
Comment from Kashiwa Antlers President Fumio Koizumi:
"We are extremely pleased to have signed such a wonderful partnership agreement with Kaneka Corporation. We want to team up to make society better through Kaneka's new technologies and products."
Finally, Ayase Ueda, wearing the 2021 season 1st uniform, and Hiroki Machida, wearing the 2021 season 2nd uniform, appeared for a photo session with uniforms featuring the Kaneka Corporation logo.
Ayase Ueda:
"I am delighted to be able to fight alongside Kaneka, who has supported the club since its inception. I also think the logo is very cool. I look forward to fighting in a uniform with this logo."
Hiroki Machida:
"I believe that initiatives focused on the global environment are very important. I am very happy that we can work with Kaneka on global issues through SDGs."
The Kaneka Corporation logo will be displayed on the left front hem of the uniform pants starting from the 33rd round of the 2021 Meiji Yasuda Life J1 League against FC Tokyo on Saturday, October 23rd.
Click here for the announcement of the official partner agreement with Kaneka Corporation.