SWANS x Hanshin: Takumu Nakano Signs Sunglasses and Equipment Contract

Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: 3-25-8 Chodo, Higashiosaka, Osaka; President: Naoyuki Yamamoto), which manufactures and sells industrial safety protective equipment, sports eyewear, eyeglasses, optical instruments, etc., has concluded a SWANS sunglasses and equipment contract with professional baseball player Takumu Nakano of the Hanshin Tigers, effective January 1, 2026. Furthermore, the contract with Koji Chikamoto, which has been ongoing since January 2021, has been renewed, entering its sixth year in 2026. Both players will cooperate with us in promotional activities, advertising, and sales promotion for the sunglasses manufactured and sold by our company. The contract period for both is one year, from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

Player Nakano is a key player who won his second Golden Glove Award in three years in the Central League and his first Best Nine award, greatly contributing to the Hanshin Tigers' league championship. He has used sunglasses for eye protection in the past, but he has reportedly felt difficulty seeing due to the field of vision becoming too dark when fielding ground balls on the infield with dark soil.

Therefore, upon the recommendation of Player Chikamoto, an established leadoff hitter who has won the Golden Glove Award for five consecutive years in the Central League, received the Best Nine award five times, and won the stolen base title for four consecutive years, he tried SWANS sunglasses equipped with the "ULTRA LENS for BALLSPORTS" for baseball and tennis. As Player Chikamoto, who competes on the same team, actually used them, he experienced their performance firsthand. In addition to this, he evaluated the sunglasses for their ability to ensure a bright and natural field of vision while suppressing glare, and for the minimal visual discomfort when putting on or taking off the sunglasses, which led to the conclusion of this contract.

In the professional arena where high concentration is required daily, securing vision and protecting the eyes are crucial elements supporting stable performance. Recently, an increasing number of players are wearing sunglasses not only to protect their eyes from strong sunlight and sand dust (UV protection, debris protection) but also to improve the visibility of hit balls and other balls, thereby reducing errors. This "ULTRA LENS for BALLSPORTS" is also incorporated into models that comply with high school baseball regulations, and models approved by the Boys League and Young League, supporting the comfortable vision and performance of a wide range of players, from juniors to top athletes.

Yamamoto Kogaku will continue, with its business concept of "Comfortable Safety," to contribute to the performance improvement and medium-to-long-term condition maintenance of players Nakano and Chikamoto through the provision of SWANS eyewear, and to support their success from the perspective of "vision."

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FAQ

Who is the manufacturer that signed the contract with professional baseball player Takumu Nakano?

The contract was signed by Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd., which manufactures and sells SWANS sunglasses.

What is the specific duration of the sunglasses and equipment contracts for the players?

The contract period for both players is one year, running from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

Why did Takumu Nakano decide to try SWANS sunglasses equipped with the special lens?

He tried them because he had difficulty seeing ground balls on infields with dark soil when using his previous dark sunglasses, and Koji Chikamoto recommended SWANS.

Who recommended the SWANS sunglasses to Takumu Nakano, and what are some of his achievements?

Koji Chikamoto recommended them; he has won the Golden Glove Award for five consecutive years and won the stolen base title for four consecutive years.

What specific lens technology is featured in the sunglasses that Takumu Nakano tried?

The SWANS sunglasses are equipped with the 'ULTRA LENS for BALLSPORTS' designed for baseball and tennis.

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