#Japan #Tokyo #Swimming #NOK Group #Teppei Morimoto

NOK Group's Teppei Morimoto Heads to the 2026 World Championships

NOK Group's competitive swimmer, Teppei Morimoto, has earned his place on the Japanese national team for the upcoming 18th World Championships (25m), taking place from December 1 to 6, 2026, in Beijing, China. Competing in the men’s 200m butterfly, Morimoto recently achieved a personal best, securing a notable second place in the Japanese Championships.

At the selection event held in October 2026, Morimoto competed in the men’s 200m butterfly at the 68th Japanese Championships (25m). In the final, he finished with a remarkable time of 1:50.23, surpassing the national quota set by the Japan Swimming Federation. His achievement not only qualifies him for the World Championships but also showcases his dedication and performance under pressure.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to represent Japan again on the world stage,” said Morimoto. “Thanks to the support of everyone who cheers for me, I was able to concentrate on my training, leading to this new personal best. My goal for the World Short Course Championships is to further improve my performance and win a medal. I aim to deliver a powerful and inspiring race that reflects my aggressive swimming style and strong finish in front of my supporters.” He pledged to continue rigorous training leading up to the event, ensuring he is fully prepared.

Event Overview

• - Event: 18th World Championships (25m)
• - Dates: December 1-6, 2026
• - Location: Beijing, China
• - Event: Men’s 200m Butterfly

Teppei Morimoto's Background

Born on April 7, 2002, in Osaka, Teppei started swimming at the age of five. He made headlines during his senior year at Kindai University Affiliated High School in 2021, where he set a new national high school record for 100m and 200m butterfly in short course events. His impressive performance continued into the Tokyo 2020 Olympics selection, where he ranked third in the 200m butterfly.

In 2022, he secured a sixth-place finish at the World Short Course Championships in Melbourne, and further success followed in 2023, where he marked a personal best of 1:54.74 at the Japanese Championships, cementing his spot as a representative for the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka. He continues to shine in competitions, achieving tenth place in the semifinals at the World Swimming Championships and seventh at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Morimoto’s competitive journey exemplifies his resilience and aims to elevate his performance to new heights. After graduating from university in April 2025, he joined NOK Group as an athlete-employee, continuing to balance professional pursuits with competitive athletics.

Notable Achievements

• - 2021: 3rd Place at Japan Championships (Olympic Selection)
• - 2022: 6th Place at World Championships (25m, Melbourne)
• - 2023: 2nd Place at Japan Championships (World Swimming Qualification)
• - 2024: 2nd Place at Japan Championships (25m)
• - 2026: 2nd Place at Japan Championships (25m)

NOK Group Athlete Employee Program

Since 2019, NOK Group has been employing current athletes as part of its commitment to social contribution through sports promotion. These athlete-employees engage in events focusing on health and well-being, leveraging their unique insights from competitive sports to foster internal communication and community engagement.

About NOK Group

NOK Group prides itself on its core mission: “Essential Core Manufacturing” which signifies the role they play in creating a safe and comfortable society. Comprising five key companies including NOK Corporation and Eagle Industry Co., Ltd., NOK Group integrates unique technological strengths to develop innovative products and reliable solutions. Presently, with approximately 43,000 employees across 20 countries and regions, the group continues its commitment to serve a variety of industries, from automotive to healthcare, consistently providing cutting-edge technology and products worldwide.