TOKYO, September 27, 2018 -- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.(TOKYO: 4519) announced today it will continue to be the title sponsor of “2018 Wheelchair Softball Tournament in Tokyo” to be held on October 6 and 7, 2018 in Koto-ku, Tokyo following the last year.

Since beginning its sponsorship for the Japanese Para-Sports Association in September 2013, Chugai has been dedicated to raising recognition and promoting dissemination of para-sports by sponsoring and supporting various sports tournaments and conducting educational events for the general public and employees. The company has decided to cooperate in running the 2018 Wheelchair Softball Tournament in Tokyo, one of the largest international tournaments in this field, following the last year through measures including encouraging the participation of employees as volunteers.

The greatest attraction of wheelchair softball is that men and women of all ages and nationalities can compete together on the same field regardless of physical disabilities. The 2018 Wheelchair Softball Tournament in Tokyo hosts a range of fun events including a tournament for local teams, games with Japan’s wheelchair softball national team, the World Champion U.S. national team and Ghana national team, as well as opportunities for visitors to gain some first-hand experience.

Ms. Asuka Kuramochi, a former member of the idol group AKB48 who is currently active as an actress and MC, will appear as a special guest to throw the ceremonial first pitch in the Japan-U.S. friendly game. The game is scheduled to start at 15:00 on October 6.

Overview of the Tournament

*For the Tournament schedule and other information, see the special website by the Kanto Wheelchair Association, the organizer: https://www.kanto-wheelchairsoftball.com/special(Japanese only)