Tokyo Power Technology's Deaf Athletes Midori Kadowaki and Hiroto Kitadani Certified as Saitama Prefecture's 2026 Platinum Athletes (Shine Division)

Tokyo Power Technology Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President: Jun Motohashi; hereinafter 'the Company'), which develops a wide range of businesses centered on the energy sector, has long been employing athletes with disabilities as part of its promotion of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). We are pleased to announce that two of our deaf (hearing-impaired) athletes, Midori Kadowaki (Athletics 100m/200m) and Hiroto Kitadani (Athletics Pole Vault), have been certified as designated reinforcement athletes for the 'Platinum Athlete (Shine Division)'. This program provides support, including sports science-based reinforcement, to help Saitama Prefecture's next-generation top athletes challenge major domestic and international competitions in peak condition. From left: Midori Kadowaki (Deaf Athletics/100m, 200m), Hiroto Kitadani (Deaf Athletics/Pole Vault) About Platinum Athletes Platinum Athlete Reinforcement Support Project An initiative by Saitama Prefecture aimed at improving the prefecture's athletic competitiveness by selecting designated reinforcement athletes with ties to the prefecture who are active in international and major domestic competitions, and providing them with sports science-based support. [Shine Division] 27 athletes with ties to Saitama Prefecture who are expected to excel in international competitions such as the Paralympics and Deaflympics are certified as designated reinforcement athletes. - Sports science-based support (Physical ability measurement and analysis using specialized equipment, individual guidance and consultation by specialized staff with expertise in sports science) - Individuals who live, work, or study in the prefecture, are registered with a sports organization in the prefecture or an equivalent organization located in the prefecture, or have graduated from a junior high school, high school, special needs school, or university in the prefecture. - Individuals recommended by member organizations of the Japanese Paralympic Committee, organizations related to the Japanese Federation of the Deaf, or sports organizations within the prefecture. Certified Athletes Affiliated with Our Company Midori Kadowaki Date of Birth: July 1, 1992 Sport: Athletics (100m/200m) Hometown: Saitama Prefecture University: University of Tsukuba Graduate School Disability: Sensorineural hearing loss Department: Human Resources Development Group, General Affairs Department 2024 Japan Para Athletics Championships (Kagawa Prefecture) 100m 3rd place, 200m 1st place 2024 58th National Deaf Sports Festival (Gunma Prefecture) 100m 1st place, 200m 1st place 2024 Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics Mixed 4x400m Relay 6th place (New Japan Deaf Record) Women's 4x100m Relay 6th place Hiroto Kitadani Men's Pole Vault Deaf Japan Record Holder Date of Birth: May 14, 2002 Sport: Athletics (Pole Vault) Hometown: Osaka Prefecture University: Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences Disability: Sensorineural hearing loss Department: Labor Group, General Affairs Department 2020 Japan Deaf Athletics Championships Men's Pole Vault 1st place, Men's 100m 2nd place 2022 Summer Deaflympics (Brazil) Men's Pole Vault Gold Medal 2024 World Deaf Athletics Championships (Taiwan) Men's Pole Vault Silver Medal 2025 Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics Men's Pole Vault Bronze Medal About Our D&I Initiatives Athletes affiliated with our company (Sports) [From left] Rio Toyama (Deaf Athletics Men's Hammer Throw), Midori Kadowaki (Deaf Athletics Women's 100m, 200m), Satoshi Osanai (Deaf Athletics Men's Pole Vault), Ryoto Takizawa (Men's Deaf Football), Hiroto Kitadani (Deaf Athletics Men's Pole Vault) *Athlete not in this photo: Akane Kato (Para Athletics Women's 100m, 200m, 400m) Based on the belief that 'the active participation of human resources with diverse values and experiences leads to the creation of new value,' our company implements athlete support measures aimed at creating corporate value. This includes further promoting 'women's participation and the employment of people with disabilities' and realizing an inclusive society through sports support for people with disabilities. As part of these efforts, our company has signed a partnership agreement with the Japan Deaf Athletics Association and a silver partner agreement with the Japan Deaf Football Association, actively supporting the development and popularization of disabled sports. Currently, our company supports a total of six athletes with disabilities: Midori Kadowaki, Satoshi Osanai, Hiroto Kitadani, Ryoto Takizawa, Rio Toyama, and Akane Kato. The affiliated athletes not only excel in competitions but also spread the attitude of taking on challenges and values that respect diversity through internal and external events and information dissemination, contributing to the promotion of understanding of disabled sports and raising awareness of diversity within the company. Through these initiatives, our company will continue to work towards the realization of an inclusive society. Company Profile Company Name: Tokyo Power Technology Co., Ltd.