TOKYO, August 3, 2026 -- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) announced today that it will become a “Healthcare Innovation Partner” of the Japan Basketball Association (JBA; Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President: Shinji Shimada). 

JBA is guided by its vision, “Energizing Japan Through Basketball!”, and strives to create vitality across Japan through the growth and challenges of everyone involved in the sport. Chugai's mission is to create new value through the provision of innovative medicines and services, thereby contributing to healthcare and the health of people around the world, with the ultimate goal of helping people lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

There is a shared spirit of challenge between the Japan national basketball team, AKATSUKI JAPAN, competing on the global stage, and Chugai's commitment to continually pursuing new challenges in creating innovative medicines. Inspired by the belief that such challenges can bring energy and hope to society, Chugai and JBA have agreed to embark on this partnership.

Through this partnership, Chugai will contribute to the promotion and development of basketball in Japan while working together with JBA to create new value at the intersection of sports and health.

Comment from Shinji Shimada, President, Japan Basketball Association
We are truly delighted to have agreed to embark on this partnership between Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and the Japan national basketball team, AKATSUKI JAPAN, and would like to express our sincere gratitude for this opportunity.
We are deeply inspired by Chugai’s spirit of challenge, which has enabled the company to break new ground and pioneer numerous unexplored areas.
We believe that Chugai, which values the connections and vitality fostered through sports, will be a strong source of encouragement for our players as they compete on the world stage, never giving up even when confronted with difficult challenges and obstacles. Together, we hope to deliver positive energy and inspiration to people across Japan.

As fellow challengers, we will continue to move forward together with determination toward the further growth and success of AKATSUKI JAPAN and a future filled with new possibilities.