PARTNER STORY

All the partners who support Urawa Reds in various ways.
We will talk about the history of the partners and the Reds behind it, as well as their passion.

Since 2019, the Urawa Reds uniform has the word "Enecle" on the clavicle. Horikawa Sangyo uses this "Enecle" as a general service brand name.

Domestic fuel was rationed during and for some time after the war. In 1948, the founder of the Saitama Prefectural Fuel Distribution Control Union, which had been decided to be dismantled, set up a business as a registered fuel dealer in Soka City, Saitama Prefecture, in order to encourage the union members to switch to becoming a fuel business operator. Horikawa Shoten was founded as the predecessor of Horikawa Sangyo. Now, mainly in the Kanto region, we handle a wide range of energies such as LP gas, city gas, electric power, oil, and gas stations.

The turning point was the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, just after I assumed the post of president. “It was tough at the time, but it made me realize again that our company is an important part of social infrastructure as an energy company. Let's make our efforts widely known, and let's make it possible for local people to live with peace of mind because of our company," said President Horikawa.
In 2017, the brand name "Enecle" was born with the meaning of "creating a comfortable future with energy" and the idea of "energy circle".

It was around that time that I met Urawa Reds. “In order for an energy company to grow, it is essential to revitalize the regions it supplies. What kind of regional development and social contribution can we do that will please everyone in the region? What should I do?” The conclusion of what I was worried about was “supporting Urawa Reds”. In 2018, it became an official partner, and from 2019, it became a top partner.

When deciding to become a partner, President Horikawa said it was the Reds' community contribution activities that "resonated with" him.

"I learned that in addition to their activities as a soccer team, they are also actively involved in local community development, cooperating with local activities and nurturing young people. I would especially like to join Heart-full Club and expand the scope of their activities."

When I saw Heart-full Club in person, I was even more impressed by its wonderful activities.

In addition, from 2019, we will be sponsoring the Urawa☆RedsLand CUP, which was launched in 2014 with the aim of providing Trial environment for fourth grade elementary school students who have few opportunities Trial.

"The kids are really trying their best. They're doing their best both in playing and cheering. But it's not like they're being forced to do it; they're all trying their best, but they look like they're having fun. I think it's wonderful to see them doing that. And the parents who are watching are really happy to see their kids doing that. I think the coaches and staff are all working really hard, and I'd like to see this activity spread even further."

President Horikawa, who watched Trial, said with a smile, "The level was just too high. My own children also play soccer, so I can understand how amazing it is."

"It was an honor to be able to crown the tournament that the kids were aiming for, because there were kids who were working hard with the RedsLand CUP as their goal. Kids who play at a high level are fighting for that cup. I really thought it was an honor that the stars of the future might be born from this group."

President Horikawa says that becoming a partner of the Reds, including sponsorship of the "Urawa☆RedsLand CUP presented by Enecle," has been "only a positive thing."

By becoming a partner of the Reds, the company launched an official supporters club called "Red Enecles." This led to exchanges with fellow partners Polas and Shimada. By becoming a partner, the company discovered that there were quite a few Reds fans and supporters among its employees. The circle of fans has expanded as employees go to watch Trial, and some employees have even started playing futsal.

"Being a partner of the Reds has been nothing but a positive thing. I think there are many employees who are proud of it. We get all excited and depressed depending on whether Trial is won or lost (laughs), but the day after Trial, our morning conversations sometimes start with talking about the Reds. I feel that communication has improved a lot."

President Horikawa himself watched the match Jubilo Iwata on August 15, 2018 from behind the goal, and also watched the final match against FC Tokyo on December 1, which was the last match for current top team coach Tadaaki Hirakawa as an active player. This made him realize once again how much love there is between the team, players, and fans/supporters, and how attractive the team is. He then renewed his resolve, saying, "We need to pour our love into the club so that it will be loved by the local community and the club as well."

Until now, he thought that "supporting the Reds is a contribution." However, from now on, he said, "I want to pursue ways to make the Reds' fans and supporters happy through my business." Nothing has been decided yet. However, President Horikawa thinks that through his business, "people will think about the Reds" and "I can give back to the Reds."

That is the dream that Horikawa Sangyo is weaving together with the Reds. President Horikawa says, "We want to support Urawa Reds for a long time to come." Just as Horikawa Sangyo supplies homes with the energy that is essential for people to live, I'm sure they will continue to give the Reds the strength to run, fight, and persevere.