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Eight Design and Kohei Matsumoto: A Partnership Rooted in Resilience

Eight Design Co., Ltd., based in Nagoya, has recently announced a sponsorship agreement with player Kohei Matsumoto, who previously played for Kochi United SC. This collaboration is a significant step for Eight Design in fulfilling its mission to support dedication and perseverance in the world of sports.

The Origin of the Sponsorship

This partnership stems from Eight Design's belief in the power of encouragement. The company aims to resonate with Matsumoto's inspiring journey, having overcome a life-altering injury to continue his professional career. The courage he displayed during his struggles serves as a powerful message of hope and determination. Matsumoto’s relentless drive to believe in himself amid difficulties deeply aligns with the values that Eight Design holds in the context of urban and community development. Through this sponsorship, Eight Design aims to amplify Matsumoto's message in regional and social contexts, fostering an environment of support and encouragement.

Kohei Matsumoto’s Reflections

Kohei Matsumoto commented, "I am incredibly grateful to have established this partnership with Eight Design. Their philosophy of 'designing joy' and contributing positively to society resonates deeply with me. As I engage with my daily activities, I strive to embody these values and give back to my community. I carry the significant responsibility of representing such a remarkable company, and I will never forget the importance of gratitude, humility, and earnestness in my work. My goal is to return this generosity through my performance."

A Closer Look at Kohei Matsumoto

Born on May 3, 1989, in Osaka, Kohei stands at 173 cm and plays as a side back or wingback. His football journey began with Cerezo Osaka’s junior youth team before transferring to Gamba Osaka's youth academy, achieving national accolades in high school. Upon graduation, he joined the youth setup of the renowned Chelsea FC in England. He later played for Auckland City FC, a top-tier team in New Zealand.

Matsumoto marked a significant moment in his career by participating in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019 as the only Japanese player. However, his journey took a tragic turn in May 2020, when he lost vision in his right eye due to an unexpected accident while training with Hamilton FC in New Zealand. Relying on the minimal vision in his left eye, he underwent challenging rehabilitation, ultimately making a remarkable return to competitive sports.

In May 2022, he started playing for Deuzon Kobe in the F-League and excelled as a professional futsal player. Moreover, he was appointed a key player for Japan’s national team in low-vision futsal, winning the championship at the Low Vision Futsal Japan Championship in January 2023 and claiming the MVP title.

After over three years since the accident, Matsumoto announced a recontracting with Hamilton FC in August 2023, symbolizing his complete return to soccer. With aspirations to compete in the OFC Oceania Champions League as a captain in May 2024, he is set to shine again on the international stage. In 2025, he will make history as Japan's first visually impaired J-League player, joining Kochi United SC.

Final Thoughts

The sponsorship between Eight Design and Kohei Matsumoto exemplifies more than a business transaction; it embodies a rich narrative of perseverance and mutual support. Together, they contribute to showcasing resilience within professional sports, encouraging both local and wider communities to foster an environment characterized by support, empathy, and shared strength. This partnership sets a new precedent for collaborations between corporations and athletes focusing on shared values and social responsibility.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please reach out to:
Eight Design Co., Ltd.
2-16-5 Tsuruma, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-0064
Phone: 052-883-8748
Email: [email protected]
Website: Eight Design