#Japan #Tokyo #Yoshio Itoi #KOTONA #Nana Takagi

KOTONA's Business Circus at Japan Sports Week 2026

From April 15 to 17, 2026, KOTONA, a forward-thinking advertising agency known for its unique approach called "design marketing," will showcase its exceptional booth at the highly anticipated Japan Sports Week 2026, held at Tokyo Big Sight. This year, KOTONA is transforming its exhibit from last year's nostalgic "festival" concept into an exciting "Circus" theme.

A New Level of Creativity

KOTONA has constantly pushed boundaries in advertising by combining design and marketing to effectively convey the value of various brands. This year's booth promises to be a sensory experience infused with creativity and adventure. Attendees will find a vivid space adorned with red and white stripes, reminiscent of traditional circuses, where the artistry of marketing will come to life.

Special Guest Appearances

The booth will feature daily guest appearances from elite athletes, including former professional baseball player Yoshio Itoi and Olympic gold medalist Nana Takagi. They will engage with visitors, offering new perspectives on the intersection between sports and marketing while sharing insights from their careers.

April 16th Appearance: Yoshio Itoi

On April 16, at 11:30 AM, Itoi will conduct live consulting sessions titled "Superhuman Public Consulting," where he will address real issues faced by booth visitors, providing expert insights to help them overcome promotional challenges.

Profile:
Born in Kyoto in 1981, Itoi started his professional career as a pitcher before transitioning to an outfielder, where he flourished as a hitter. He played successfully for the Nippon Ham Fighters, Orix, and the Hanshin Tigers, boasting a remarkable batting average over .300. Known for his extraordinary athleticism and charismatic personality, Itoi remains a beloved figure even after his retirement in 2022, continuing his work as a commentator and talent across various media platforms.

April 17th Appearance: Nana Takagi

On April 17, at 2:00 PM, Takagi will be joined by KOTONA's CEO, Akihisa Yamazaki, to discuss how athletes can elevate advertising strategies from mere promotions to key business strategies. They will reveal four core elements that can foster a superior athlete collaboration:
1. Trust and Cleanliness: Instantly elevate brand value through the athlete's presence.
2. Importance of Empathy: Lessons from CANNA on creating deep partnerships.
3. Three Tangible Benefits: Logical advantages that hiring an athlete brings to a brand.
4. The Value of Co-Creation: Understanding the reasons for collaboration from both the athlete's and brand's perspectives.

The presentation will also feature a Q&A session where company representatives can voice their marketing challenges directly to Takagi and Yamazaki.

Profile:
Born in 1992 in Hokkaido, Takagi represented Japan in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. She earned gold medals in the women's team pursuit and mass start at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, and a silver medal in the team pursuit at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. After retiring in April 2022, she has actively participated in media and speaking engagements, and has recently been appointed as the official ambassador for the CBD skincare brand "CANNA" starting in March 2025.

Engaging Experiences and Exclusive Offers

Visitors to the KOTONA booth can anticipate exciting experiences and offerings:

• - Discount Roulette: Companies that engage with KOTONA during the event can participate in a discount roulette, which offers additional value and limited-time special offers.
• - Free Ramune: All attendees visiting the booth will receive an original Ramune, designed to boost concentration and energy.

Event Details

• - Exhibition Name: Japan Sports Week 2026
• - Date: April 15-17, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM
• - Location: Tokyo Big Sight, South Exhibition Hall
• - Booth Number: [5-39]
• - Organizer: RX Japan Co., Ltd.

For free visitor registration on the day of the event, please visit: Japan Sports Week Registration.

About KOTONA

Headquartered in Osaka, KOTONA is an advertising agency that specializes in PR, commercial production, web advertising, brand development, social media management, and more. With a commitment to combining high-quality design with strategic marketing, KOTONA aims to solve various business challenges through a creative approach.