#Japan #Tokyo #Bears Camellia #Queens 8 #Dual Career

Bears Women’s Track Team Pursues Excellence

In a remarkable move towards establishing a solid athletic legacy, the Bears women's track team, officially known as Bears Camellia, is gearing up for a bright future. Founded by the leading service company Bears, the team has recently welcomed two new athletes, Susan Camoso and Naho Kadowaki, as part of their fourth cohort as they aim to compete at the highest levels, including the prestigious Queens 8 in 2026.

Established on April 1, 2022, Bears Camellia is part of a broader initiative to elevate women in sports under the Bears brand. This year marks an exciting transition for the team, as it seeks to build on its past achievements and set ambitious goals for the upcoming seasons. Notably, the inclusion of Hanako Tanaka as manager speaks volumes about the team's commitment to having experienced individuals at the helm; having secured second place in the Queen’s Ekiden in 2016, Tanaka’s experience will undeniably prove invaluable.

Simultaneously, Hidenori Yamanaka, who has been serving as the running coach since 2022, will continue to refine his coaching skills while playing on the track for the NTT Business Associates East Japan Team. This dual career concept marks a fresh approach in sports, enabling athletes to balance competitive commitments and personal development effectively.

The ambitious trajectory that Bears Camellia has laid forth includes targeting a top-three finish in the 2025 Princess Ekiden and striving for a top-ten position in the Queen's Ekiden as they prepare for the Queens 8 in 2026.

Achievements and Goals

Despite being a relatively new team, Bears Camellia has a record that speaks volumes. Just a year and a half post-establishment, the team made an admirable debut at the Princess Ekiden, finishing in 20th place. Following this, they managed to secure 14th in the Prince Ekiden, allowing them to advance onwards. The highlight of their emerging journey came with their inaugural participation in the Queen's Ekiden, where they finished in an encouraging 23rd position.

With the entire roster of athletes engaging in a balanced professional life as full-time employees, the concept of dual careers is heavily emphasized. The training partnership with the Waseda University Sports Science Institute, under the expert supervision of Motoko Taguchi, coupled with collaboration from the innovative Sports Motivation Inc., ensures that athletes are not just training physically but also developing as well-rounded individuals.

The overarching mission of Bears Camellia encapsulates both the pursuit of athletic excellence and the simultaneous fostering of professional career paths. By offering hope, dreams, and real smiles to society at large, the organization believes in creating lasting impacts through sports.

Their recent collaborations also include support from renowned brand Under Armour, which acts as an official brand partner, further enhancing the team’s capabilities and visibility.

To follow the team’s journey or to find out more about their activities, visit their official website: Bears Camellia.

About Bears

Founded in October 1999 and celebrating its 25th anniversary in October 2024, the Bears company has set itself apart as a leading provider of household services in Japan. Alongside their track department, they also sponsor a performance team, Bears Ray, currently ranked 3rd globally, as well as a wind orchestra ensemble. By offering diverse career opportunities, Bears is committed to enriching the lives of both customers and employees, thereby creating a nurturing workspace that fosters personal and professional growth.

For inquiries, their dedicated contact channels can be found on Bears Website.

Bears is here to make your life easier while encouraging athletes to excel both on and off the field.