Kikkoman do Brasil Supports Osaka Bluteon at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championships
February 13, 2026
From December 16 to 21, the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship was held in Belém, a city in northern Brazil. Competing as Asia’s representative, Osaka Bluteon achieved a historic milestone by winning the silver medal—the first such achievement in Japanese volleyball history.
In preparation for the tournament, Osaka Bluteon consulted the SV League (a public interest incorporated association) regarding the availability of Japanese rice locally. This request was then conveyed to Kikkoman do Brasil Indústria e Comércio de Alimentos e Bebidas Ltda. (KDB), the Kikkoman Groups’ soy sauce production and sales base in South America. In response, KDB provided MirokuMai, a short grain rice cultivated under Japanese technical supervision and imported and distributed by KDB from Uruguay, as part of its sponsorship support.
Players joyfully receiving Japanese rice
On the evening of December 13, ahead of the team’s arrival at the venue, MirokuMai was delivered to their accommodation. Players and staff ate rice balls as a light meal after training sessions and matches, helping them stay in good condition. Above all, the familiarity of eating rice every day, just as they would at home in Japan, provided comfort and peace of mind. This sense of stability strengthened the team’s focus and unity during the tournament, which ended with Japan earning a historic silver medal.
MirokuMai served at the team’s accommodation
This initiative is a strong example of the behind-the-scenes support provided through collaboration between Kikkoman’s local subsidiary and its business partners, contributing to Osaka Bluteon’s participation on the world stage as Asia’s representative. The Kikkoman Group will continue to leverage its global network to support Japanese athletes competing internationally.
↓Osaka Bluteon Instagram (Japanese only)