"Dad" is cheering them on too!? SoftBank Team Japan takes on the America's Cup

On April 30, SoftBank announced the launch of "SoftBank Team Japan" in partnership with the Kansai Yacht Club, declaring its challenge for the 35th America's Cup, an international yacht race. The America's Cup is a match race sailing competition dating back to 1851, considered the pinnacle of yacht racing. Its winner's cup is known as the world's oldest sports trophy.
The Japanese team will compete in the "World Series," the preliminary event for the competition held in Portsmouth, UK, and other locations starting in July 2015, aiming to qualify for the final "America's Cup" event to be held in the Bermuda Islands in June 2017.
This will be the fourth time the Japanese team has challenged for the Cup, following their 2000 attempt and marking a return after a 15-year absence.

At a press conference held the same day at SoftBank's headquarters in Minato Ward, Tokyo, Team General Manager Kazuhiko Hayafuku stated, "This will be an even more important competition for the crew. We aim to build a strong team and target victory." Hirofumi Kono, Chairman of the Japan Sailing Federation, which oversees sailing sports, remarked, "The participation of the Japanese national team in this competition, which is the dream of all yachting enthusiasts, will provide a tailwind for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Tatsuro Kurisaka, Head of Brand Promotion at SoftBank, stated, "Our company challenges itself daily on the world stage. We want to rally our entire group to support and back the Japanese team as they aim for the top."

Talents Terry Ito and Manami Hashimoto took the stage. Terry, a yacht enthusiast since high school, passionately spoke about the sport's appeal, saying, "Japan's participation might inspire more future sailors." Hashimoto expressed her hope, saying, "How wonderful it would be to actually see the event."

SoftBank News Release: http://www.softbank.jp/corp/news/press/sb/2015/20150430_01/