Towards a New Chapter After Retirement: Former Japan National Team Player Yoichiro Kakitani Challenges Next-Generation Athlete Development with VITAS

Background of this Partnership

This initiative came about because VITAS deeply resonated with Mr. Kakitani's sincere dedication to maintaining his own condition even after retirement, and his strong passion for nurturing the next generation of athletes.

His experience fighting at the top level and his ongoing commitment to challenges align perfectly with VITAS's brand philosophy of "adding vitality to everyone."

As he embarked on his post-retirement journey, his desire to give back his experiences and aspirations to the next generation deepened, leading to the realization of this partnership.

Story: Formal Partnership Begins After the Last Match

Nutrition brand "VITAS" has supported the performance of athletes competing on the front lines of various sports. This time, we welcome former Japan national team footballer Yoichiro Kakitani (36), who continues to captivate fans with his overwhelming skill, as a new partner.

The bond between VITAS and Mr. Kakitani dates back to the end of last year. On December 14, 2025, the retirement match "YANMAR presents THE LEGEND DERBY YOICHIRO KAKITANI -LAST MAGIC-" was held at Yodoko Sakura Stadium. VITAS walked alongside him as an official partner during his final stage, where he bid farewell to the pitch amidst the regrets of many fans. From that day, when we supported him with respect for his career, touched by the venue's excitement and the supporters' passion, this formal partnership was forged.

Mr. Kakitani, known as a "genius" for his exceptional technique and star power that continues to fascinate fans, has created numerous legendary goals not only in domestic leagues but also on European and Japan national team stages.

Now in his mid-30s, his stoic attitude towards his body in pursuit of further evolution continues to greatly influence the next generation of athletes. Great expectations are placed on his continued challenges in a new stage, different from the pitch, in 2026.

VITAS supports anti-doping activities based on the spirit of "protecting the health of all people and safeguarding clean and fair sports." Some of its products have obtained Informed-Choice certification, safely and powerfully supporting the activities of top athletes who require split-second judgment and high physical levels.

Future Initiatives

Going forward, in addition to providing supplements, we will promote support for nurturing next-generation athletes through jointly held soccer schools and development events for children, and dissemination of information on conditioning.

Furthermore, we will not only aim to improve athletic performance but also widely communicate the importance of healthy body building, and work to create social value through sports.

Comments

Mr. Yoichiro Kakitani

I have been appointed as a sports ambassador for VITAS, with whom I was involved in my retirement match at the end of last year.

From now on, together with VITAS, I want to be a presence that can support everyone's challenges.

Also, I would be happy to actively engage in events for children and support a bright future!

Tatsuya Takahashi, CEO of Three Peace

As a sports fan, the "spark that changes the atmosphere in an instant" shown by Yoichiro Kakitani is still deeply etched in my heart.

Now that he has taken off his uniform, I dared to ask for a partnership because we shared a strong common desire to "seriously strengthen Japan's junior generation" with him. In the future, through various activities including soccer schools, we will directly deliver his "world-knowing experience" and our belief in "building a foundation for a body that can compete" to the next generation of athletes.

Our nutritional science will fundamentally support all the challenges of the man called "genius" as he conveys his passion to children on a new stage.

Hand in hand with Mr. Kakitani, we will correctly and strongly nurture the potential of the junior generation pursuing their dreams. I am confident that this challenge will be a major driving force to boost the future of the entire Japanese sports world.

Yoichiro Kakitani Profile

Date of Birth: January 3, 1990 (36 years old)

Height: 177cm / Weight: 68kg

Hometown: Osaka Prefecture

At Cerezo Osaka, he inherited the legendary number "8" and received the J-League Best Eleven award in 2013. He is also the first player in J-League history to win the J-League Best Goal Award multiple times (2013, 2021).

As a Japan national team player, he participated in the 2014 Brazil World Cup and was the top scorer in the East Asian Cup, creating numerous legendary goals on both domestic and international stages.

【Nutrition Brand "VITAS"】

VITAS is a nutrition brand launched in 2021 with the concept of "adding vitality to everyone."

Committed to safe and high-quality domestic production, several products, including protein, have obtained the international anti-doping certification "Informed-Choice."

We develop products that are easy to drink and delicious, so that not only those who regularly engage in sports and fitness but also those who are starting to become health-conscious can incorporate them.

In addition, we actively promote multifaceted support such as event hosting and dual career employment. We continue corporate activities that expand people's health and potential through sports.

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【About Three Peace Co., Ltd.】

Company Name: Three Peace Co., Ltd. Representative: Tatsuya Takahashi, Representative Director Head Office: Ikebukuro Southern Place 6F, 3-13-5 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Business Activities: Planning, development, and sales of health foods, etc. Established: August 2015 Capital: 10,000,000 JPY TEL: 03-6812-1093 Corporate Website: https://three-peace.tokyo/