Ryobi Holdings Announces Official Sponsorship with Professional Golfer Hana Wakimoto: Together Toward an 'Unimaginable World'

Ryobi Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture; Representative Director and COO: Takeo Miyake) is pleased to announce the signing of an official sponsorship agreement with professional female golfer Hana Wakimoto (affiliated with GMO Internet Group).

Professional Golfer Hana Wakimoto (affiliated with GMO Internet Group)

Hana Wakimoto has been diligently adjusting her game while managing her physical condition, preparing for her return to competition. She plans to rejoin the tour this season, with her comeback tournament set for the 'Ai Miyazato Suntory Ladies Open Golf Tournament,' opening on June 11. We are deeply honored and encouraged to have connected with Ms. Wakimoto at this pivotal moment and to welcome her as a partner in mutual growth.

The Ryobi Group will celebrate its 115th anniversary in 2025. Based in Okayama, the group has continuously pursued new challenges across a wide range of businesses, including transportation, logistics, information technology, and urban development, all under the brand message 'Toward a world beyond imagination.'

May every swing from Ms. Wakimoto inspire courage in many people.

And together, let us journey toward uncharted horizons—an 'unimaginable world.'

Ryobi Holdings

■ Background and Purpose of the Sponsorship

Hana Wakimoto is known for her powerful, graceful shots and consistent performance, leveraging her tall frame to remain at the forefront of Japan’s professional women’s golf scene, aiming for even greater achievements.

The partnership was formed as Ryobi Group’s mission—to support individuals and initiatives that challenge the future and create new value and vitality for society—deeply resonated with Ms. Wakimoto’s determined pursuit of excellence. Through this agreement, we will support her competitive activities and promote the positive power of sports and a culture of encouragement within local communities.

■ Hana Wakimoto (Wakimoto Hana) Player Profile

Hana Wakimoto

Born on October 4, 1997, in Kobayashi City, Miyazaki Prefecture.

Introduced to golf at age 8 by her father, she passed the Japan Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association (JLPGA) professional qualifying test in 2018. That same May, she claimed her first professional victory at the 'SAMPO Ladies Open' on the Taiwan TLPGA Tour.

She began full-time participation in the JLPGA Tour in 2019. At the 'AXA Ladies Golf Tournament in MIYAZAKI,' held in her hometown of Miyazaki Prefecture, she started in first place and played in the final group on the final day, finishing tied for 4th and securing her first seed qualification with a 47th-place finish in the season prize money rankings.

She continued to steadily improve, achieving her first domestic tour victory in 2022 at the Step-Up Tour's 'Hanasaka Ladies Yanmar Golf Tournament.'

In 2023, she competed on the JLPGA Tour with a 11th-place qualification in the QT rankings and made her debut at the overseas major championship, the 'U.S. Women’s Open,' in July.

During the 2024 season, she participated in the JLPGA Tour with a 7th-place QT ranking, recording five top-10 finishes. She also tied for 6th at the USLPGA Tour's 'TOTO Japan Classic,' showcasing her presence both domestically and internationally.

As a seeded player in the 2025 season, she recorded three top-10 finishes, including a tied 5th at the 'Meiji Yasuda Ladies Golf Tournament.' Then, in November at the '41st Itoen Ladies Golf Tournament,' she achieved her long-awaited first victory on the JLPGA Tour.

■ Mutual Encouragement: Comments from Both Parties

＜Comment from Hana Wakimoto＞

I am honored to have entered an official sponsorship agreement with the Ryobi Group, headquartered in Okayama.

The Ryobi Group began in 1910 with a small 11.5km railway and has grown into a historic corporate group celebrating its 115th anniversary. Through approximately 50 businesses spanning transportation, logistics, urban development, IT, food services, and elderly care, the group has consistently supported the 'most essential aspects of people’s lives.'

I deeply resonate with the brand message 'Toward a world beyond imagination.' As a professional golfer, I face daily practice aiming for my own 'unimaginable world.' I feel truly encouraged to be able to compete alongside a company that has continuously challenged itself for 115 years.

I will continue to pour my soul into every shot, striving to deliver performances that exceed your imagination. Thank you for your continued support.

Hana Wakimoto

＜Comment from Takeo Miyake, Representative Director and COO, Ryobi Holdings Co., Ltd.＞

We are delighted to embark together with Ms. Wakimoto toward an 'unimaginable world.'

Our Ryobi Group began 115 years ago with just a 11.5km railway. Since then, over more than a century, we have continuously embraced change and challenge to reach where we are today.

Ms. Wakimoto’s relentless daily efforts and sincere dedication to reaching greater heights deeply align with our 'DNA of challenge.'

In the demanding world of golf, where she strives to break through her limits, we too aim to create new value in response to societal challenges and deliver 'unimaginable' joy and surprise.

The Suntory Ladies tournament begins on June 11. All Ryobi Group employees will give their full support for her season debut! Let’s go together and discover unseen horizons.

■ Overview of the Sponsorship Agreement

・Contracting Party: Casa Partners Co., Ltd.

・Contract Period: Starting June 2026 (1-year contract, extendable up to 2 years)

■ Future Initiatives

We will leverage Ms. Wakimoto’s outreach to promote sports development and contribute to local communities, while further enhancing our corporate brand value. Through various events and promotions, we aim to deliver new value and inspiration to a broad range of generations.

■ Company Overview: Ryobi Holdings Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 5th Floor, Mori no Machi Grace Office Square, 2-10-12 Shimoishii, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture

Established: July 1910

Capital: 400 million yen

Representative: Representative Director and COO Takeo Miyake

Main Businesses: Transportation and logistics, real estate, warehousing and customs, supermarket operations, vehicle maintenance, manufacturing

URL: https://www.ryobi-holdings.jp/

Ryobi Holdings

Ryobi Group