Former Hanshin Tigers Player Kentaro Sekimoto Appointed as Ambassador for Plaza Pharmacy
Plaza Pharmacy Co., Ltd. has signed an ambassador agreement with Kentaro Sekimoto, a former professional baseball player for the Hanshin Tigers. From April 2026 to March 2027, he will participate in company events and help promote the importance of health and prevention to local communities.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 20:10
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 13:00 (1432h 50m after Published)
Plaza Pharmacy Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yao City, Osaka Prefecture; Representative Director: Norio Oda) has signed an ambassador agreement with Kentaro Sekimoto, a former professional baseball player for the Hanshin Tigers and current baseball commentator.
From April 1, 2026, to the end of March 2027, Mr. Sekimoto will participate in our events and cooperate in building the health of local residents.
◆ Background of Ambassador Appointment
Our company has supported the health of the community by providing appropriate medical care to the areas that need it. Mr. Sekimoto was active with the Hanshin Tigers for 19 years, and especially as the 'God of Pinch Hitting,' he thoroughly fulfilled his expected role in crucial moments. We felt this resonates with our company's stance. Furthermore, he has engaged in daily training and condition management to achieve results when it matters most. We believe there is much to learn in managing the medicine and health of local residents by working together with Mr. Sekimoto, which is why we asked him to be our ambassador.
He will be acting for the community, such as participating in our events until the end of March 2027.
◆ Comment from Kentaro Sekimoto
In the professional world, even with skills and experience, you cannot demonstrate your true ability if your condition is not right. Therefore, I have personally felt the importance of daily accumulation and care. Even now after retirement, health remains the foundation of a fulfilling daily life and the power to take on challenges.
Plaza Pharmacy not only provides medicine but also delivers peace of mind and trust, and I feel great appeal and value in their stance. As an ambassador, I will clearly convey the importance of health and prevention, the value of living each day positively, and the lifestyle habits that can change with just a little awareness, incorporating my own experiences.
◆ Kentaro Sekimoto Profile
Born in 1978 in Nara Prefecture. Drafted in the 2nd round by the Hanshin Tigers in 1996 from Tenri High School. Highly evaluated for his solid play and clutch hitting, he mainly played as a utility player and was called the 'God of Pinch Hitting.' He played exclusively for Hanshin for 19 years and retired in 2015. He currently works as a baseball commentator and TV personality.
◆ About Plaza Pharmacy
Operates 47 dispensing pharmacies and a CS center in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa prefectures. Mainly provides medical care to communities in the form of medical malls and supports doctors in opening their practices. The average number of prescriptions received per store is about 3,000 per month, which is among the top class in Japan.
◆ Company Overview
Company Name: Plaza Pharmacy Co., Ltd.
Representative Director: Norio Oda
Location: 3-5-3 Higashihonmachi, Yao City, Osaka Prefecture
Established: September 1989
Industry: Dispensing pharmacies, leasing of nursing care and welfare equipment, planning and development of medical, nursing care, and commercial complexes, etc.
URL: https://www.plaza-pharmacy.co.jp/
From April 1, 2026, to the end of March 2027, Mr. Sekimoto will participate in our events and cooperate in building the health of local residents.
◆ Background of Ambassador Appointment
Our company has supported the health of the community by providing appropriate medical care to the areas that need it. Mr. Sekimoto was active with the Hanshin Tigers for 19 years, and especially as the 'God of Pinch Hitting,' he thoroughly fulfilled his expected role in crucial moments. We felt this resonates with our company's stance. Furthermore, he has engaged in daily training and condition management to achieve results when it matters most. We believe there is much to learn in managing the medicine and health of local residents by working together with Mr. Sekimoto, which is why we asked him to be our ambassador.
He will be acting for the community, such as participating in our events until the end of March 2027.
◆ Comment from Kentaro Sekimoto
In the professional world, even with skills and experience, you cannot demonstrate your true ability if your condition is not right. Therefore, I have personally felt the importance of daily accumulation and care. Even now after retirement, health remains the foundation of a fulfilling daily life and the power to take on challenges.
Plaza Pharmacy not only provides medicine but also delivers peace of mind and trust, and I feel great appeal and value in their stance. As an ambassador, I will clearly convey the importance of health and prevention, the value of living each day positively, and the lifestyle habits that can change with just a little awareness, incorporating my own experiences.
◆ Kentaro Sekimoto Profile
Born in 1978 in Nara Prefecture. Drafted in the 2nd round by the Hanshin Tigers in 1996 from Tenri High School. Highly evaluated for his solid play and clutch hitting, he mainly played as a utility player and was called the 'God of Pinch Hitting.' He played exclusively for Hanshin for 19 years and retired in 2015. He currently works as a baseball commentator and TV personality.
◆ About Plaza Pharmacy
Operates 47 dispensing pharmacies and a CS center in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa prefectures. Mainly provides medical care to communities in the form of medical malls and supports doctors in opening their practices. The average number of prescriptions received per store is about 3,000 per month, which is among the top class in Japan.
◆ Company Overview
Company Name: Plaza Pharmacy Co., Ltd.
Representative Director: Norio Oda
Location: 3-5-3 Higashihonmachi, Yao City, Osaka Prefecture
Established: September 1989
Industry: Dispensing pharmacies, leasing of nursing care and welfare equipment, planning and development of medical, nursing care, and commercial complexes, etc.
URL: https://www.plaza-pharmacy.co.jp/
FAQ
What is the period of Kentaro Sekimoto's ambassador role for Plaza Pharmacy?
The contract is for one year, from April 1, 2026, to the end of March 2027.
What is the purpose of appointing him as an ambassador?
To cooperate in building community health and to promote the importance of health, prevention, and positive lifestyle habits.
What kind of company is Plaza Pharmacy?
It is a company operating 47 dispensing pharmacies mainly in Osaka, providing local healthcare primarily through medical malls.