On June 18, 2025, club staff including CEO Makoto Taguchi and Shinzo Koroki Partner Sales and Academy Role Model Coach, visited the World Headquarters of Nike Japan, the headquarters of the club's top partner. The purpose of this visit was to further strengthen cooperation with Nike Japan, a long-time partner, and to exchange opinions on future strategies.

NIKE's headquarters is located near Portland, Oregon, USA, which was also the team's training camp site for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and boasts a vast site surrounded by rich nature. The site is dotted with buildings named after legendary athletes such as Michael Jordan and Serena Williams, and also has an athletics track and multiple sports fields. The environment in which employees can enjoy sports on a daily basis truly embodies the company's philosophy of "making sports a daily habit."




現地に到着すると、ゲートにはこの訪問に合わせ浦和レッズのエンブレムが大きく掲げられており、クラブへの敬意と温かい歓迎の意が伝わってきた。
その後は、NIKE社のスタッフが浦和レッズを迎え、施設内を丁寧に案内してくれた。
案内の中で一貫して語られていたのは、「Listen to the voice of the athlete(アスリートの声に耳を傾ける)」という、同社のすべての活動の原点となる考え方であった。これは、アスリートやクラブを単なるビジネスパートナーとして見るのではなく、それぞれが持つ感情や哲学を深く理解し、尊重する姿勢の表れであると感じ、社員一人ひとりが「ストーリーテラー(語り手)」であることの意味を強く実感した。





The premises include an authentic Japanese garden that was built to express gratitude to the Japanese companies that supported NIKE during its early days, and symbolizes NIKE's respect for history and partnerships.


They also toured the development lab and showroom, which are packed with the latest technology. It was a valuable opportunity to experience the cutting edge of innovation in product development aimed at improving athletes' performance. At the end of the tour, a presentation was given on future marketing activities in Japan, followed by a discussion between the two companies, and the visit came to a close.

Through this visit, I strongly realized that NIKE's strength lies not only in the power of its products, but also in its unwavering philosophy and the people who embody it. It was a time that made me think again about the importance of not only "what we deliver," but also "what kind of entity we are and why we deliver it."

Going forward, Urawa Reds will further deepen its collaboration with Nike Japan, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year as a top partner, and will work together with fans and supporters to create new value through football and further grow the club.