TOKYO, Jun. 28, 2023 – All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest and 5-Star airline for ten consecutive years, announced a partnership agreement with renowned Japan National Team football player, Kaoru Mitoma. ANA signed the agreement with Kaoru Mitoma on June 1, 2023.
Kaoru Mitoma plays for Brighton & Hove Albion FC and the Japan National Team, and is known for his unwavering determination and spirit, demonstrated by his unforgettable “One-Millimeter Miracle” during the 2022 World Cup. His dedication to the sport has also made him an inspiring national figure, encouraging others to pursue their passions in Japan and worldwide.
In recent years, the airline industry encountered significant challenges, and as we overcome the global pandemic, the ANA Group established its new management vision, “Uniting the World in Wonder” as a testament to its passion and commitment to shaping a new future. Impressed by Kaoru Mitoma’s embodiment of the same spirit, ANA offered a partnership agreement to fully support his endeavors.
“Mr. Mitoma’s inspiring work ethic and ever-evolving play are important values shared by the ANA Group,” said Shinichi Inoue, President and CEO of ANA. “ANA is prepared to fully support Mr. Mitoma, and through this new partnership, ANA is committed to delivering joy and excitement to our customers worldwide. We look forward to building our relationship with Mr. Mitoma, exploring fresh avenues for collaboration and creating experiences together.”
“I am very happy to announce my partnership with ANA,” said Kaoru Mitoma. “I believe ANA Group’s support will help me consistently maintain peak performance by allowing me to focus on the game that I love. Together with the ANA Group, it is my goal to meet the hopes, dreams and expectations of the great football supporters.”
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Name: Kaoru Mitoma
Date of birth: May 20, 1997 (age 25)
Height:178cm
Birthplace: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Kaoru Mitoma joined Kawasaki Frontale (J1) from University of Tsukuba in 2020. Despite being a rookie, he played 30 games, scored 13 goals (a rookie record) and provided 12 assists (becoming the first rookie in J-League history to win the assists title), contributing greatly to Kawasaki Frontale’s championship. On August 10, 2021, he announced his full transfer to Brighton and Hove Albion FC (“Brighton”) of the Premier League, the first division of professional football in England. In the 2021 season, he moved to the Belgian First Division A club Royal Union Saint-Giroudes, where he scored seven goals in 27 appearances and helped the team to a breakthrough season. In July 2022, he returned to Brighton, where he scored eight goals and assisted three in the 22/23 season (as of 3/21), including a Cup final. He also played in every game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, leading Japan to the best 16 for the second consecutive tournament.