Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
Corporate
March 4, 2026
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Named Tokyo Sports Promotion Model Company (Sports Practice Category)
Employee and Communities Health Initiatives Recognized
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) has been certified by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as a Tokyo Sports Promotion Company for the 11th consecutive year, in recognition of its ongoing efforts to promote employee participation in sports and physical activity. For FY2025, Otsuka was also selected as a Tokyo Sports Promotion Model Company (Sports Practice Category). This marks the second time the company has received this recognition, following FY2020.
The Tokyo Sports Promotion Company Certification System is established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to recognize companies that actively encourage employee participation in sports and contribute to society through sports-related initiatives. The Model Company (Sports Practice Category) designation is awarded to certified companies that demonstrate particularly advanced initiatives with strong potential for broader impact.
Donation of Otsuka products to the municipality of the winning office as part of the "Inter-office Walking Event."
Otsuka provides a range of opportunities for employees and their families to build sustainable exercise habits and maintain their health, both in the workplace and at home. These include offering its original stretching program "POCARI/fresh" in both in-person and online formats, as well as organizing walking rallies using a smartphone app. In addition, the company holds an "Inter-office Walking Event" every spring and autumn. Since autumn 2023, as part of efforts to raise participants' health awareness while also contributing to local communities, Otsuka has been donating products to municipalities where the winning offices are located. These products are used to support community health events, heat illness prevention measures, and school club activities.
Participants in the "POCARI SWEAT Run & Walk 2025"
In 2025, Otsuka implemented the virtual "POCARI SWEAT Run & Walk" program, designed to promote health and strengthen connections among Otsuka group employees. The initiative encouraged participants to send messages of support to Japanese national team athletes from the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Track & Field Team, cheer on athletes competing in international events, and take part in running and walking activities themselves. Beyond serving as a catalyst for building exercise habits, the program also fosters communication among group employees both in Japan and overseas.
These initiatives were recognized in Otsuka's selection as a FY2025 Tokyo Sports Promotion Model Company (Sports Practice Category).
■Sports promotion initiatives in FY2025
| Program | detail | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Stretching Program"POCARI/fresh" |
・The stretching program, previously conducted once a week at offices and factories, was made available online in 2020 to accommodate remote work. It is now delivered in a hybrid format. ・Archived video content allows employees and their families to participate from home. ・During onboarding training, new employees experience the company's health management initiatives by taking part in POCARI/fresh as a refresh activity. These sessions are shared on the company's internal social network, helping to foster a sense of unity and health literacy across the organization. |
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|
Walking Rallies with smartphone app |
・Otsuka and its health insurance society organize walking rallies using smartphone apps that track and record participants' daily step counts. ・Otsuka launched its "Inter-office Walking Event" in 2022, aims to promote health awareness while contributing to local communities. Since autumn 2023, the company has donated health-supporting products to the municipalities where the winning offices are located. |
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|
Virtual Program"POCARI SWEAT Run & Walk" |
・Since 2021, Otsuka has organized a virtual running program using a smartphone app, enabling employees to participate from anywhere in the world. In 2023, the program was expanded to include walking and other forms of exercise, with participation from Otsuka group employees in Japan and overseas. ・In 2025, the initiative encouraged participants to cheer on Japanese national team athletes from Otsuka Pharmaceutical Track & Field Team, while also taking part in running and walking activities themselves. ・In addition to supporting the development of exercise habits, the program fosters communication among group employees globally. |
Otsuka first issued its Declaration on Health in January 2017. In March 2020, to coincide with the appointment of Makoto Inoue as President and Representative Director in March 2020, the Declaration was renewed to reaffirm the company's commitment to employee health, both internally and externally. Guided by the belief that each employee should be able to work in good health and with vitality, Otsuka will continue to implement a wide range of initiatives, including health seminars and exercise programs. Through these efforts, the company aims to help employees deepen their understanding of health and take proactive steps toward disease prevention and the maintenance and promotion of well-being.
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.
Reference: Otsuka's sustainability initiatives for employee health
https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/sustainability/employees-health/
Based on the corporate philosophy, Otsuka works to address social issues through its business activities, aiming to achieve sustainable growth and contribute to a healthy and sustainable society.
Among the four material issues identified by the company, "Develop Human Capital to Fulfill Our Corporate Philosophy at Good Working Environment" highlights health management as one of the key themes. By leveraging the company's diverse health-related assets and knowledge, Otsuka seeks to promote employee health while fostering a safe and engaging workplace environment where every individual can fully demonstrate their abilities.
To support employees in taking the initiative in maintaining and improving their health, the company provides a variety of programs using its health-related resources. As part of this effort, Otsuka has established a system that encourages each employee to set and work toward personal health goals aimed at improving daily lifestyle habits.
In 2025, Otsuka established the Sustainability Promotion Department to further strengthen its sustainability initiatives, including those related to employee health.
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/
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