Bridgestone Olympic Sponsorship Activities Press Conference

In June 2014, the company became the first tire manufacturer to sign a "TOP Sponsor" agreement, the highest level of sponsorship, with the International Olympic Committee.

(Related article: Bridgestone Becomes 11th IOC Official Partner[June 20, 2014] )

The agreement covers five Summer and Winter Games, including the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, through the 2024 Summer Games. In addition to being able to use the official sponsor designation and Olympic logos in promotional activities, the company is the official tire supplier for Games vehicles. It also holds priority negotiation rights for supplying seismic isolation rubber used in competition facilities and bicycles (excluding electric and motor-assisted types) used by athletes and officials.

Regarding the Worldwide Partner agreement, Vice President Mahiko Nishiyama stated, "We believed the Olympics would be the ultimate communication platform for us to become a truly global company as the world's number one tire manufacturer." He also revealed "CHASE YOUR DREAM" as the key message for Bridgestone's manifesto to be conveyed through the Olympics, expressing the company's desire to realize "contributing to local communities," "practicing social responsibility," and "respecting diversity" for the world.

Executive Officer Michihiro Suzuki, in charge of Global Brand Strategy and Motorsports, presented on corporate activities leveraging Olympic sponsorship rights.

He announced that ahead of the Rio Olympics in August, advertisements featuring the manifesto are running in newspapers and magazines, alongside a dedicated website, with TV commercials set to air from the end of June. Furthermore, OOH advertising is planned for Rio starting in July, targeting airports, major highways, and public transportation.

He stated that, looking toward 2020, Bridgestone will promote legacy creation initiatives across the entire company under the activity theme "2020: Supporting Each and Every Person, Then, With You, Toward the Next View." He introduced the community-focused event "Bridgestone × Olympics a GO GO! ", co-hosted with the Japanese Olympic Committee. This event offers experiential programs for local residents, Group employees, and their families. Participants engage in sports alongside Olympians to feel closer to the Olympics while learning more about the Bridgestone Group. The first event will be held on July 3 in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, the birthplace of the company. Subsequent events are scheduled for October at the Tokyo Plant (Kodaira) and November at the Yokohama Plant.

Two Olympians took the stage for a discussion: sportscaster Tsuguharu Ogihara (who competed in the Nordic combined at the Nagano Olympics) and Bridgestone Cycle's Department Manager Mitsuhiro Suzuki (who competed in cycling at the Seoul Olympics).

Both spoke about the excitement and nerves they felt during their competitions and expressed great anticipation for the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Regarding the company becoming a Worldwide Partner, Ogihara stated, "Partners are now indispensable to the Games, and having a Japanese company involved is a source of pride for the athletes." Ogihara, participating in the Kurume event, said, "Sport has the power to unite people. I want to exercise together and get to know the local people." Department Manager Suzuki added, "Ahead of the Rio Games, we look forward to welcoming many participants."

Suzuki highlighted Bridgestone Cycle's over 50-year involvement with cycling, noting the company's history of producing many Olympians. He introduced the sports cycling brand "Anchor" and the cycling team "Anchor Cycling Team." He discussed the appeal of the sport with cycling enthusiast Mr. Ogihara. He also expressed hope for the success of triathlete Ai Ueda, whom the company supports, at the Rio Games, and stated that they will actively support athletes competing in the Rio Paralympics.