Kirin Group From "Sponsor" to "Partner" of the Japan National Soccer Team

On May 25, Kirin, Kirin Brewery, and Kirin Beverage reached a basic agreement with the Japan Football Association (JFA) to become an "Official Partner of the Japan National Football Team." They held a press conference at Tokyo's National Yoyogi Stadium ahead of the send-off event for SAMURAI BLUE, who will compete in the World Cup in Brazil. The contract period runs from April 2015 to December 2022.

The Kirin Group has supported the Japanese national team for 36 years, since sponsoring Japan's first major international soccer tournament, the "Japan Cup" (now the Kirin Cup Soccer), held in 1978. With this agreement, the title changes from "Official Sponsor of the Japan National Soccer Team" to "Official Partner of the Japan National Soccer Team," marking a new beginning. Kirin President Isosaki and JFA President Kuniyoshi attended the press conference. They signed the agreement document concerning the basic agreement and held a signing ceremony.

Chairman Oni stated, "Kirin has supported Japanese soccer since its challenging early days. To express our strong mutual trust, we are changing the designation to 'Partner' and ask for their continued support." President Isozaki remarked, "Moving forward, we shift from a supporting role to one of cheering alongside everyone. Under soccer's new slogan, 'Let's show a new Japan,' we aim to energize the nation through soccer together with fans and supporters."
The Kirin Group website ( http://www.kirin.co.jp/csv/soccer/newjapan.html ) features national team support content, including soccer-related TV commercials.