Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head office: Tokyo, Japan; President: Makoto Inoue; hereafter Otsuka Pharmaceutical) has concluded a contract with the Japan Professional Basketball League (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; Chairman: Shinji Shimada; hereafter B. League) to become a B. League Supporting Company.

As a total healthcare company dedicated to the corporate philosophy of "Otsuka - people creating new products for better health worldwide," Otsuka Pharmaceutical has adopted a holistic approach to human health. The company is engaged in business operations ranging from treatment of illness through promotion of day-to-day health, including support of physical conditioning and optimum performance for athletes in an extensive array of sports.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical has also entered into cooperative alliances with all 47 prefectures in Japan, working together with local governments and organizations to resolve health-related issues and promote the health and well-being of residents.

As a B. League Supporting Company, Otsuka Pharmaceutical will cooperate with B. League, which is focused on "creating clubs in conjunction with local communities and energizing regional development through popularization and promotion of sports and social contributions."
Cooperative activities will include working with clubs and local communities to support resolution of regional health issues and contribute to further expansion of the B. League.

１． Contribute to health promotion for regional communities and residents through basketball

Having concluded healthcare alliances with numerous local government organizations, Otsuka Pharmaceutical will cooperate with B. League clubs with a home-town focus, offering support for regional communities and residents in sports and healthcare fields.

２． Support physical conditioning and optimum performance for players and officials

In order to support physical conditioning and optimum performance for players and related personnel, Otsuka Pharmaceutical will provide products and information related to health management based on scientific evidence, developed by maximizing medical expertise.

Comment from B. League Chairman, Shinji Shimada

I'd like to express my pleasure and gratitude for the confidence-inspiring partner we have gained through conclusion of a Supporting Company agreement with Otsuka Pharmaceutical. I have high expectations for new cooperative initiatives from a healthcare perspective, working together with local governments and organizations to resolve health-related issues and support B. League clubs and their community contributions as we aim for the next level.

About B. League (Japan Professional Basketball League)

• https://www.bleague.jp/

B. League is Japan's professional men's basketball league, established in September 2016. Aiming to boost the competitive level of Japanese basketball and popularize the sport, the organization was established to support a rewarding sports culture, contribute to health and wellbeing, and promote exchange and goodwill with the world community.

• No. of clubs: B1: 20 clubs; B2: 16 clubs (as of 2020/2021 season)
• B. League 2020/2021 League schedule: October 2, 2020 - spring 2021 (provisional)

B. League Supporting Companies

According to level of contribution, B. League sponsors are ranked as ① B. League Top Partner, ② B. League Partners, and ③ B. League Supporting Companies.