Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) will once again serve as an Official Partner for TOKYO MARATHON 2025 (Sunday, March 2), supporting the conditioning of 38,000 runners from Japan and around the world with products such as POCARI SWEAT as they strive to achieve their goals. This marks the company's 18th consecutive year of sponsorship, beginning with the first running of the popular city marathon.

POCARI SWEAT is a global brand available in more than 20 countries and regions. It is based on the universal concept of providing rapid hydration and replenishment of electrolytes, essential for maintaining and improving health in daily life. It promotes the importance of "hydration and electrolyte replenishment" in various situations, tailored to different cultures and customs. POCARI SWEAT supports runners worldwide, particularly in the field of running and marathons, through initiatives such as POCARI SWEAT Run, a running event held primarily in Asia. During the TOKYO MARATHON EXPO 2025 - taking place at Tokyo Big Sight from Thursday, February 27 to Saturday, March 1 - the Otsuka booth will introduce the unique benefits of POCARI SWEAT to runners from around the world while showcasing various initiatives being carried out globally.

■Provision of Support Products at TOKYO MARATHON 2025

The human body contains not only water but also crucial electrolytes like sodium. POCARI SWEAT, a beverage designed to closely resemble human body fluids, will be provided to runners before the race, at hydration stations along the course, and immediately after the race to help optimize hydration and electrolyte replenishment. Runners will also receive other support products tailored to different phases of the marathon. Before the race: Amino-Value Supplement Style - containing BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) to support endurance. During the race: Calorie Mate Jelly - containing 5 major nutrients in a convenient pouch format. After the race: BODYMAINTÉ Jelly - supporting recovery and maintenance of physical condition. Through these products, Otsuka aims to help runners stay in peak condition and achieve their marathon goals.

■TOKYO MARATHON PET Bottle and Paper Cup Recycling Initiatives

PET bottles used during TOKYO MARATHON 2025 will be collected as part of a "Bottle-to-Bottle" resource circulation initiative. The bottles provided to runners at aid stations will be gathered and sorted for processing into PET material, which Otsuka and other beverage manufacturers will use to produce new PET bottles.

The paper cups used at aid stations will also be recycled. Discarded cups will be placed in dedicated collection boxes and then processed into recycled materials. At the TOKYO MARATHON EXPO 2025, Otsuka will recreate a POCARI SWEAT hydration station from the marathon. Visitors will have the opportunity to drink POCARI SWEAT and see firsthand the recycling process in action, helping to raise awareness about sustainability efforts.

Reference: POCARI SWEAT Run

POCARI SWEAT Run is a running event organized by Otsuka since 2012, held in countries such as Indonesia and Singapore. These events aim to promote sports and healthy lifestyles tailored to local cultures and environments while encouraging exercise and proper hydration with electrolytes.

 

Based on the corporate philosophy of 'Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide', Otsuka Pharmaceutical continues to contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world.