Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) will serve as an Official Partner of Tokyo Marathon 2026, which will be held on Sunday, March 1. Through products including POCARI SWEAT, Otsuka will support runners from Japan and around the world in maintaining optimal conditioning as they pursue their goals. This sponsorship marks Otsuka's 19th consecutive year of partnership since the inaugural Tokyo Marathon.

POCARI SWEAT was developed as a health drink formulated to replenish the fluids and electrolytes (ions) lost through perspiration. Today, it has grown into a global brand available in more than 20 countries and regions worldwide. Within the running and marathon community, particularly across Asia, Otsuka supports runners through initiatives such as the "POCARI SWEAT Run," encouraging athletes beyond Japan as they push their limits. At Tokyo Marathon 2026, under the theme "Believe in People's Potential," Otsuka will help approximately 39,000 runners from around the world maintain optimal conditioning. On race day, employees from across the Otsuka group will also take part as hydration station volunteers, cheering on runners as they strive to reach the finish line.

■Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2026: Sharing the Theme "Believe in People's Potential" with Visitors from Around the World

At the Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2026, to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from Thursday, February 26 to Saturday, February 28, Otsuka will present a range of interactive experiences under the theme "Believe in People's Potential." Visitors to the Otsuka booth can take part in the "POCARI SWEAT Hydration Experience," which recreates a race-day hydration station, as well as enjoy a dedicated photo spot and product sales. Video content highlighting the global presence of POCARI SWEAT, including the POCARI SWEAT Run, will also be featured, showcasing the brand's international activities to attendees from around the world.

■Products Provided at the Event

As part of its nutraceuticals business, Otsuka will provide a range of evidence-based products to support runners before, during and after the race. Because the human body loses both fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium, through perspiration, maintaining balance is critical to performance. POCARI SWEAT, formulated with a composition similar to that of body fluids, will be available before the race, at hydration stations along the course, and immediately after the finish to promote efficient water and electrolyte replenishment.

Ahead of the race, runners will also be offered "Amino-Value SUPPLEMENT STYLE," which provides BCAAs to support endurance performance, along with "Calorie Mate JELLY," a convenient source of five essential nutrients. After crossing the finish line, "BODYMAINTÉ Jelly" will be available to assist with post-race condition management and recovery, helping runners restore their physical balance.

In addition, approximately 11,000 volunteers will receive Calorie Mate Jelly to support their physical condition as they contribute to the smooth operation of the marathon throughout the day.

■"Bottle-to-Bottle" Horizontal Recycling Initiative

More than 90% (by volume) of Otsuka's PET bottle beverage products use bottles made from 100% recycled PET resin. On race day, Otsuka will continue its "bottle-to-bottle" horizontal recycling initiative, collecting used PET bottles to recycle them into new ones. PET bottles provided at hydration stations will be collected separately, processed, and reused as raw materials for new PET bottles. These recycled bottles are then used by Otsuka and other beverage manufacturers as containers once again. This initiative has been implemented at the Tokyo Marathon since 2024.

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.

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/