Swiss sportswear brand On signs Japanese Athlete Kotaro Shinohara
TOKYO, Japan, March 27th, 2025 - Swiss sportswear brand On has announced the signing of Japanese long-distance running sensation Kotaro Shinohara to an athlete contract in January this year. Shinohara holds the Japanese collegiate record in the half marathon. Shinohara, transitioning from collegiate to professional running, has signed a sponsorship agreement with On and will join the esteemed Fujitsu corporate track and field team.
During his tenure as captain of Komazawa University's track and field team, Shinohara established himself as one of Japan's most promising distance runners. His personal bests include 27:35.05 in the 10,000m and an impressive 59:30 in the half marathon, which stands as the fastest time ever recorded by a collegiate runner in Japan.
A standout performer in Japan's celebrated Ekiden relay tradition, Shinohara delivered exceptional performances in the country's three major collegiate Ekiden relay races since his freshman year throughout his university career. As team captain during his senior year, he finished at the 3rd place in Leg 6 of the Izumo Ekiden and won Leg 7 of the All-Japan University Ekiden. He also performed strongly in the prestigious New Year Ekiden, completing the most competitive Leg 2 in 1:06:14.
In February, Shinohara concluded his collegiate career spectacularly, running a 59:30 at the Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon.
As of April, Shinohara will be part of the Fujitsu track and field team under Coach Oyagi’s guidance as part of the elite Goat Project. His immediate focus includes September's World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with longer-term aspirations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His next race is scheduled for April 12 at the 33rd Kanaguri Memorial Middle-Distance Meet in Kumamoto, where he will compete in the 5000m.
Speaking on his decision to join On, Shinohara said:
“I really like On’s products and decided to team up with them as I take on the global stage. I feel that On truly understands and supports me. My biggest goal this year is to compete in the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, representing Japan. I will pursue my athletic dreams as an On athlete. Please cheer me on!”
Welcoming Kotaro to the team, On's Athlete Management Lead Steve DeKoker commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kotaro to the On Team. He is an exceptional athlete who truly embodies the On spirit – driven, dedicated, and always striving for peak performance. This signing represents a significant step for On as we continue to grow and expand into new markets, particularly in Japan, where running has such a rich history and passionate community.”
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About On
On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Fifteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® and LightSpray™ innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.
On is present in more than 80 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.