#Japan #Tokyo #Olympic Athletes #LOCOK #Project Yareba

New Leadership at LOCOK Athletics Club

The LOCOK Athletics Club, managed by LOCOK Corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, is excited to announce its new leadership team, effective April 1. Former TBS announcer Tomohiro Ishii has stepped in as General Manager, while Olympic racewalker Kumiko Okada has been appointed as head coach. Furthermore, Hana Sekine, an Olympian in the women's 10,000 meters, has taken on the role of Academy Director.

This transition is part of the announcement of the new project, 'PROJECT YAREBA, DEKIRU!' (If You Try, You Can Do It!), which will be formally introduced during a press conference on April 21. This event will feature notable speakers including Tomohiro Ishii, Kumiko Okada, and Koko Umemura, a representative athlete of the racewalking team. The project aims to present a novel form of education where athletes serve as living textbooks.

Press Conference Details

The press event will include a talk session led by the new leadership team, along with statements from athlete Koko Umemura regarding her aspirations for the season, followed by a photo session.

Date and Time: April 21, 2026, from 13:30 to 14:30 (Doors open at 13:00)
Venue: LOCOK Wellness Garden Shinagawa Gotenyama
Address: 4-7-35 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, on the first floor of the Gotenyama Trust Tower, alongside the Tokyo Marriott Hotel.
Speakers:

• - Tomohiro Ishii (Director and GM of LOCOK Athletics Club)
• - Kumiko Okada (Head Coach, LOCOK Athletics Club)
• - Koko Umemura (LOCOK Athletics Club Member)
• - Daiki Ishii (CEO of LOCOK Corporation)

Expected Agenda:

• - Opening remarks and project overview by Daiki Ishii
• - Greetings from the new leadership team
• - Talk session featuring Tomohiro Ishii, Kumiko Okada, and Koko Umemura
• - Season declaration by Koko Umemura
• - Q&A segment
• - Photo session and individual interviews

Messages from the New Leadership

Tomohiro Ishii (Director and GM)

As the newly appointed General Manager of LOCOK Athletics Club, I am thrilled to take on this role. My history as a TBS announcer and participation in numerous sports events has granted me invaluable experiences witnessing the highs and lows faced by elite athletes. LOCOK boasts a rich history of over 35 years and is committed to fostering human growth through our unique educational approach at Tsukushikai Kindergarten.

I believe in instilling values such as 'making it a habit to try' and 'persevering towards your goals,' all of which I learned during my time at Tsukushikai. As we embark on this new journey, I intend to integrate these tenets into our team culture. Under Coach Okada's guidance, I am confident that our athletes, including Koko Umemura, will fiercely pursue excellence, illuminating the paths of hope for the community and the youth.

Kumiko Okada (Head Coach)

In my new role as the head coach, I look forward to collaborating with Koko Umemura and fostering a team built on mutual support and growth. My journey began with dreams of competing in the Olympics, and I wish to return the favor by sharing the grit I gained through countless challenges. I am eager to cultivate a nurturing environment for all our athletes and the community.

Hana Sekine (Academy Director)

As the newly appointed Academy Director, I strive to ignite children's passion for movement and broaden their horizons through sports. Our project carries the motto 'If You Try, You Can Do It!', and I am dedicated to uplifting the community alongside children and their parents.

About 'PROJECT YAREBA, DEKIRU!'

This initiative aims to implement the educational philosophy of Tsukushikai Kindergarten, founded 33 years ago, in the context of sports. Our goal is to inspire a spirit of challenge and resilience across generations by transforming elite athletes into effective role models.

We will continue to develop community-driven programs that enhance health, vitality, and lifelong learning for people of all ages, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and personal growth. Further plans for additional community engagement, multisensory learning experiences, and supportive environments for seniors will be unveiled in future events.

You can learn more about LOCOK Athletics Club's mission and activities at our official website.

For media inquiries and attendance at the press conference, please fill out our application form.

For more information, contact: LOCOK Corporation, PR Department. Email: [email protected], Website: www.locok.jp.