#Japan #Osaka #Konoike Group #FC Basara Mainz #Shinji Okazaki

KONOIKE Group Partners with FC Basara Mainz

KONOIKE Group, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, has made a significant step in the world of soccer by entering into a sponsorship agreement with FC Basara Mainz. This German soccer club, which competes in the sixth tier of the German league system, is known for its commitment to nurturing young Asian football talents. The agreement also coincides with the appointment of Shinji Okazaki, former Japanese national team player, as the official ambassador of KONOIKE Group.

Background of FC Basara Mainz

FC Basara Mainz, established with the vision of fostering soccer players who can thrive globally, plays an essential role in providing young athletes with opportunities to challenge themselves overseas. Under the guidance of Shinji Okazaki, the club aims to develop a robust platform for aspiring soccer players from Asia.

Okazaki's journey is a testament to this ambition. After starting his career in Japan's J-League in 2005, he gained invaluable experience playing for various clubs in Europe, including Germany and England. His record of 119 international matches, scoring 50 goals for the Japanese national team, highlights not only his skills but also his passion for the sport. After retiring from active play in 2024, he will continue to shape FC Basara Mainz as their head coach, guiding aspiring players to pursue their dreams on an international stage.

KONOIKE Group's Vision and Commitment

The KONOIKE Group, with its mission to innovate societal foundations and create new value, has actively expanded its operations globally, establishing 36 bases overseas. The company places a high priority on developing human resources that can shine in international environments. This aligns perfectly with FC Basara Mainz's objective of fostering global soccer talents.

Significantly, the recent joint venture with the German EPG Group signifies KONOIKE's commitment to embracing Industry 4.0 advancements, which utilize AI and IoT technologies to optimize production processes. The synergy between KONOIKE's vision and FC Basara Mainz's goals has led to this fruitful partnership.

Statements from Leadership

Shinji Okazaki expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "I am delighted and feel a strong sense of security as we formalize this sponsorship with KONOIKE Group. Since its establishment, FC Basara Mainz has been dedicated to cultivating talents through overseas challenges. I respect companies like KONOIKE that continuously strive to take on new challenges abroad. Together, as we look toward the next decade, we hope to collaborate as comrades fighting in Germany's soccer landscape."

On the other hand, KONOIKE Group's executive director, Tadaaki Konoike, commented on the shared vision between the company and the club, underscoring his admiration for the ethos of FC Basara Mainz. “We are inspired by the determination of the players to carve their own opportunities and challenge the world,” he remarked. “The journey of Coach Okazaki, stepping into a new role post-retirement, mirrors our transformative mindset. We are excited to support young talents in their quest to succeed on the global stage.”

Looking Forward

The partnership between KONOIKE Group and FC Basara Mainz represents a pivotal moment for both entities. By working together, they aspire not only to enhance soccer talents but also to contribute meaningfully to the global sports community. This collaboration stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, showcasing that with the right environment and support, dreams of competing on the world stage are entirely within reach.

For more information about FC Basara Mainz, please visit their official website at FC Basara Mainz.