#Japan #Tokyo #Nutrition #Sports #Ajinomoto

Discovering the Joy of Sports and Nutrition at Ajinomoto Stadium's Thank You Day

On June 20, 2026, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. hosted the 18th edition of the 'Thank You Day' at Ajinomoto Stadium and Keio Arena Tokyo. This event was designed to bring together top athletes and attendees, allowing approximately 14,000 participants to engage in a unique program celebrating the fusion of sports and nutrition. Participants of all ages had the opportunity to learn about the importance of nutrition through various interactions with athletes, highlighting the need to respect diversity and individuality.

Engaging Talk Show with Top Athletes

One of the highlights of the event was a talk show featuring seven renowned athletes supported by Ajinomoto Co., Inc. The lively discussions were led by MC Yukihiro Iwabuchi, with insights shared from various athletes, including a light-hearted exchange that filled the atmosphere with laughter. For instance, Olympian Atsushi Yamamoto shared his love for gyoza, emphasizing the deliciousness of AJINOMOTO gyoza as well as homemade versions created by his wife. Junta Kosuda shared valuable experiences from international competitions, explaining how frozen meals like “Aete,®” provided crucial support for his conditioning during events.

Athlete Kentaro Torii revealed his passion for cooking, introducing a unique method using 'Cook Do®', while Kazuki Nanano expressed his fondness for Knorr® Seafood Jigae Soup, showcasing practical examples of meal support during his overseas trips. The talk concluded with Renji Torikai boldly proclaiming his intent to make the upcoming competition his own, receiving an enthusiastic round of applause from the audience.

Sports Nutrition Education with 'Winning Meal' Class

Former competitive swimmer and 'Winning Meal' ambassador, Joji Matsuda, conducted a workshop focused on sports nutrition. The session attracted 94 participants, including children engaged in sports and health-conscious parents. Through sharing experiences from his athletic career and current trail running endeavors, Matsuda taught attendees the importance of balanced nutrition. He explained techniques such as the 'Five Wheel Strategy' and 'Soup Strategy' to make implementing 'Winning Meals®' easier in everyday life, inspiring attendees to work towards their goals through better nutrition.

Special Talk Show with Junta Kosuda

Athlete Junta Kosuda, who represented Japan in Paralympic snowboarding at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, hosted a special talk show at Keio Arena Tokyo. He shared reflections on his experiences during the competition and discussed his daily meals, highlighting the advantages of utilizing Ajinomoto frozen meals like 'Aete,®'. Kosuda's uplifting journey over the past decade, following a major life change, left attendees feeling inspired and empowered.

Interactive Experiences with Athletes

The event was filled with interactive content, allowing participants to engage in fun sports experiences. Among these was a running workshop led by athlete Atsushi Yamamoto, where participants learned the fundamentals of running and enjoyed the thrill of sports.

Another engaging activity was a wheelchair basketball session, where participants experienced the excitement of this dynamic sport while learning to maneuver the specialized wheelchairs. Furthermore, Kentaro Torii led a 'Blind Football' experience, emphasizing the critical role of voice and sound in this unique sport. In addition, a para table tennis session facilitated interactions with top players, showcasing the distinct gameplay and charm of the sport.

Promoting Health Through Walking

Joji Matsuda and Atsushi Yamamoto also hosted a 'Healthy Walking Class', where they taught proper walking techniques. Participants were guided to check their posture and then engaged in an interval walking exercise at the stadium's warm-up space. The session encouraged attendees to seek health benefits through active movement and included a Q&A segment focusing on nutrition and exercise.

Hands-on Experiences from Ajinomoto Group

Various experiential booths operated by Ajinomoto Group companies were also present, providing tastings and sampling opportunities. Ajinomoto AGF showcased their 'Blendy®' My Bottle Stick, while Ajinomoto Frozen Foods offered tastings of their 'Lotus Root and Basil Chicken Fried Dish'. J-Oil Mills also engaged families with a gacha gacha project and a large display, making the event enjoyable for attendees of all ages.

Ultimately, the Thank You Day exemplifies Ajinomoto Group's commitment to supporting athletes and promoting health through inclusive activities, aiming for a society where everyone can thrive and pursue their challenges.

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Event Details

• - Event Name: Ajinomoto Stadium Keio Arena Tokyo Thank You Day
• - Date: June 20, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• - Location: Ajinomoto Stadium, 376-3 Nishimachi, Chofu, Tokyo
• - Participants: Joji Matsuda (Olympic swimmer), Atsushi Yamamoto (Paralympic athlete), Junta Kosuda (Paralympic snowboarder), Kentaro Torii (Former Blind Soccer representative), Renji Torikai (Japan wheelchair basketball representative), Yukihiro Iwabuchi (Japan para table tennis representative), Kazuki Nanano (Japan para table tennis representative).

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. is an official partner of JPC, providing various food and nutritional products to support top athletes.