Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) will once again serve as an Official Partner for TOKYO MARATHON 2024 (Sunday, March 3,) helping runners achieve their goals by supporting their performance and conditioning.This marks the company's 17th consecutive year of sponsorship, beginning with the first running of the popular city marathon.

Otsuka offers science-based products and information to support individuals engaging in sports and physical activities, helping them sustain their performance and maintain their health. Our POCARI SWEAT health drink product, which has been increasing its global presence, now supports the dedicated efforts of runners in approximately 450 events in Japan and abroad. At the TOKYO MARATHON, a major event that attracts 38,000 participants from around the world, we strive to support runners in achieving their goals and ensuring the safe operation of the event.

Three days before the race at the TOKYO MARATHON EXPO 2024, Otsuka will offer guidance to runners on race preparation, including information about POCARI SWEAT Jelly, our easily consumable product suitable for immediate use before and during the event. On race day, POCARI SWEAT will be offered at multiple locations, including at the start, at eight aid stations along the course, and at the finish. Through this provision, we aim to ensure runners have ample access to fluids, electrolytes, and essential nutrients for replenishment.

Our education initiative extends to event-supporting volunteers, sharing information on the significance of maintaining hydration and electrolyte levels throughout the race. Together with the runners and other stakeholders, we aim to create a united Tokyo on a day of shared purpose and commitment.

■TOKYO MARATHON EXPO 2024

During the TOKYO MARATHON EXPO 2024 - taking place at Tokyo Big Sight from Thursday, February 29 to Saturday, March 2 - Otsuka will run a booth based on the concept of "Supporting Runners Achieve Their Goals." Here, we will provide insights on maintaining hydration and nutrition before, during, and after the race and offer race-day strategies. As part of our motivation initiative, we will feature the POCARI SWEAT Big Flag, where runners can inscribe messages of support to foster encouragement among participants.

■Provision of Support Products at TOKYO MARATHON 2024

Otsuka will provide some of our science-based Nutraceutical Business products to support runners in their efforts to complete the full distance or set new records. In addition to distributing POCARI SWEAT for rapid hydration and electrolyte replenishment before the start, at aid stations along the course, and after the finish line, Amino-Value Supplement Style, a source of endurance-boosting BCAA, will be distributed before the start; Calorie Mate Jelly containing five major nutrients will be distributed along the course; and BODYMAINTÉ Jelly for management of physical condition will be distributed after the finish line.

■First TOKYO MARATHON PET Bottle and Paper Cup Recycling Initiative

■Otsuka Pharmaceutical Initiatives for a Circular Economy

https://www.otsuka.co.jp/sustainability/circular-economy/ (in Japanese)

Otsuka group established the 2050 Environmental Vision, "Net Zero^*1", with the aim of reducing environmental impact across all its business activities and determined a Circular Economy as one of the material issues to be addressed by environmental policies. The Otsuka Group Plastic Policy^*2 was formulated with the aim of developing packaging suited for a sustainable society. In collaboration with stakeholders, Otsuka group companies are engaged in an extensive range of environmental initiatives.