Baseball Transforms Children's Futures: Emetore Sponsors 'Smokey Mountain Baseball Project 2026' for the Second Consecutive Year, Empowering Youth from the Slums to the World

Emetore Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Tetsuji Senmei; hereinafter 'Emetore'), the company behind the growth supplement brand SENOBIRU (Senobiru), has sponsored the 'Smokey Mountain Baseball Project 2026' (hereinafter 'SMBP') held in Manila, Philippines, from May 29 (Fri) to May 31 (Sun), 2026, marking its second consecutive year of sponsorship following last year.

SMBP is a project that teaches baseball to children living in the 'Smokey Mountain' slum area of Manila, Philippines, and supports them in obtaining scholarships for high school and university education. The project aims to create educational opportunities through baseball and expand life choices for children.

This year, a diverse group of guests participated on-site, including Kudo Kōkō, a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and former manager of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks; Kajitani Takayuki, former player for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and Yomiuri Giants; Takahashi Tomomi, former player for the Saitama Seibu Lions; Kōmori Yūki and Matsushita Ichirō, both former players for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars; and Manpē, a travel-focused YouTuber from 'EXIT JACK'. Through baseball clinics and exchange events, these guests interacted with the children, providing not only technical coaching but also sharing the importance of having dreams and embracing challenges. Approximately 80 participants, including employees and volunteers from sponsoring companies, visited the site and spent invaluable time with the children.

Kudo Kōkō providing pitching instruction

Kajitani Takayuki observing batting practice (second from left in photo)

◆ Emetore's Motivation for Two-Year Consecutive Sponsorship

Under its mission to 'contribute to building a society filled with children's vitality and smiles, and overflowing with family love,' Emetore develops and sells the growth supplement DR.SENOBIRU and runs various initiatives supporting children's development. As part of its corporate activities, Emetore has supported professional sports teams and various sports organizations to help children access better environments for sports participation. The children's determined efforts toward their dreams in the SMBP deeply resonate with Emetore's core values. Inspired by this shared vision, Emetore has continued its sponsorship of the project for a second consecutive year.

Emetore presents SENOBIRU original shoe cases to the children

Distribution of shoe cases; Emetore's Director and Vice President Iwanaka Shunsuke with a participating child (left in photo)

◆ Comment from NB.ACADEMY (General Incorporated Association), Representative Director Shōgo Shibata

Personally, during my third year of junior high school, I suffered from a serious illness that required a six-month hospitalization. I was told by my doctor, 'You risk going blind, so you should quit baseball.' At that time, what saved me from despair was the goal of carving out my life through baseball. The belief that 'no matter the circumstances, having dreams and goals helps overcome difficulties' is rooted in my own experience, which is why I have continued this project annually since taking it over from JCI Tokyo in 2022. I am confident that in the near future, the children we meet through SMBP in the slums of Manila will take the stage at our international event, the 'Asia Koshien,' and find new, larger dreams and goals.

However, for them to truly cross borders and soar, continuous support such as travel and accommodation expenses is essential. By transcending the environment of the slums and stepping onto the mound or into the batter's box at the Asia Koshien, they can catch the eyes of domestic and international scouts, making pathways to Japanese high schools, universities, and even professional baseball careers more realistic. Moving forward, we aim to further develop the grassroots activities of SMBP that we have nurtured over the past 15 years and welcome corporate, organizational, and individual partners who wish to support these children's challenges. We hope to expand children's possibilities through baseball and grow the future together.

◆ Future Outlook

Emetore will continue to support children striving toward their dreams, both in Japan and abroad.

Sports have the power to help people grow and open up new futures.

Going forward, under the brand concept of 'supporting athletes who aim for the world,' Emetore will contribute to creating environments where more children can pursue their dreams and actively promote social contribution activities through sports.

◆ About SENOBIRU

SENOBIRU, the supplement brand operated by Emetore, runs various initiatives to support future athletes with high aspirations. Under the brand slogan 'You grow stronger by reaching higher,' the company sells DR.SENOBIRU, a supplement rich in arginine to support children's growth, operates the YouTube channel 'To be Stronger' to support junior athletes, and runs the 'Team SENOBIRU' program to encourage children aiming to become future representatives of Japan or professional athletes.

SENOBIRU Official Website

https://senobiru.com/