• Based on the theme of "Thinking about Health and the Environment," the annual Asan Walking Festival in Itano, cosponsored by the community and local businesses, offered an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Asan mountain range in Tokushima Prefecture's Itano Town.
• The Otsuka Pharmaceutical Tokushima Itano Factory grounds were opened as a section of the walking course. Visitors were also given the opportunity to view SOYJOY and SoyCarat production lines at the factory, an innovative facility that emphasizes the importance of good health and environmental stewardship.
• A soccer workshop hosted by the Tokushima Vortis soccer club was among several community-sponsored attractions. Over the years, the Asan Walking Festival has grown into a popular event, with approximately 10,000 people participating in the 7th annual outing on Sunday, November 15.

Tokyo Japan - The Tokushima Itano Factory of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku Tokyo; President: Tatsuo Higuchi) was among the cosponsors of the 7th Asan Walking Festival in Itano, held on Sunday, November 15 under the theme of "Thinking about Health and the Environment."

Offering an opportunity to walk amidst the natural beauty of the Asan mountain range, the Festival is organized by the Tokushima Prefecture town of Itano with the support and cooperation of local businesses. The number of participants has steadily increased, with this year's 7th annual Asan Walking Festival attracting approximately 10,000 participants. In addition to opening the grounds of its Tokushima Itano Factory as part of the walking course, Otsuka Pharmaceutical conveys the importance of good health and environmental stewardship through tours of SOYJOY and SoyCarat production facilities within the Itano Factory Soylution* plant. This year, a disaster training exercise was also well received by participants. Special guest Masumi Fuchise, Japanese entrant in the London Olympics women's 20km race walk and member of the Otsuka Pharmaceutical track team, walked together with participants and later offered encouragement through live radio commentary.

Located adjacent to the Tokushima Factory, science theme park Asutamuland Tokushima hosted environmentally oriented events and "local production for local consumption" booths offering regional specialties. Among the other local attractions enjoyed by participants was a soccer workshop overseen by coaches from the Tokushima Vortis Soccer School.

Tokushima Itano Factory Overview