Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) and Japan Professional Football League Club Tokushima Vortis Co., Ltd. (Tokushima Vortis) held a collaborative development and exchange program for junior soccer players from Middle Eastern countries in Tokushima Prefecture in August. This program marked the fifth phase of the "POCARI SWEAT × TOKUSHIMA VORTIS Football Dream Project.

This joint program focuses on promoting and maintaining health through football and other sports activities, primarily in Asia and the Middle East, while also contributing to Tokushima Prefecture, the birthplace of the Otsuka group companies. Through coaching athletic and football skills, along with health education to promote fitness of local players, the project provides opportunities for exchange of human resources on a global scale. It also contributes to regional vitalization under the Comprehensive Health Promotion Partnership between Otsuka and Tokushima Prefecture.

The fifth phase of this project concentrated on junior players from the Middle East, where POCARI SWEAT has been available since 1983. The program was conducted from August 18th to August 26th, 2025. In February, Arab Otsuka Nutraceuticals Co., Ltd. (AON), Otsuka's Egyptian affiliate, organized a soccer tournament marking the 40th anniversary of POCARI SWEAT in the Middle East. AON hosted the "POCARI SWEAT Gulf Cup 2025" for the U-10, U-12, and U-14 divisions as part of the anniversary celebration.

During their stay in Tokushima, the players took part in joint training sessions with the Tokushima Vortis Academy and interacted with the top team to strengthen their soccer skills. They also participated in the "Vortis Conditioning Program" and received information from Otsuka on sports nutrition, hydration and electrolyte replenishment. Alongside their focus on sports, the players had opportunities to experience local Tokushima culture, including practicing the Awa Odori dance, visiting the Iya Valley's Kazurabashi bridge, and seeing the Naruto Whirlpools and many other experiences .

■About the POCARI SWEAT Gulf Cup

The POCARI SWEAT Gulf Cup is an international exchange soccer tournament for junior players (U-10, U-12, U-14) in the Middle East. It is hosted by AON to mark the 40th anniversary of POCARI SWEAT sales in the region. In 2022, Oman hosted the first edition, which later expanded to include the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Subsequently, the tournament evolved into an international event, across the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Held in February 2025, it became the largest tournament in the area, with the goal of enhancing youth competitiveness while promoting health awareness and international exchange. Approximately 1,200 teams and players from 15 countries participated in this tournament. From the U-14 division, three top performers were selected to join the "POCARI SWEAT × TOKUSHIMA VORTIS Football Dream Project.

POCARI SWEAT Gulf Cup 2025：https://pocarisweatme.com/pocari-sweat-gulf-cup-2025/

■Activities in Tokushima

The three players who visited Japan participated in joint training sessions with the Tokushima Vortis Academy, underwent conditioning programs, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Tokushima Prefecture, and engaged in cultural experiences, such as visiting the Otsuka Museum of Art, practicing the Awa Odori dance, taking a trip to the Iya Valley's Kazurabashi bridge and Naruto Whirlpools, and experiencing indigo dyeing. They improved their soccer skills through various initiatives, including the Vortis Conditioning Program and a seminar from Otsuka on hydration and electrolyte replenishment, and nutritional management. Additionally, during their attendance at a Tokushima Vortis home game, they were introduced at the stadium, allowing them to interact with local residents.

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

About Otsuka

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a total healthcare company that focuses on each individual's potential to enhance their well-being. Our medical-related business provides treatments and diagnostics for both physical and mental health. Our nutraceutical business supports daily health maintenance and improvement. Otsuka's unique products and services are based on scientific evidence, under the guidance of our corporate philosophy: Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide. For further information, please visit. www.otsuka.co.jp/en/