Sponsorship Agreement Signed with Pro Golfer Ayaka Furue

Tokyo, January 16, 2026 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced that it signed a sponsorship agreement with professional golfer Ayaka Furue today. Starting from the 2026 season, Ayaka Furue will compete on the tour, featuring the brandmark 'Kawasaki' on her apparel and caddie bag.

The Kawasaki Group believes that, under the group mission "Kawasaki, working as one for the good of the planet," it has a responsibility to actively contribute to the local communities where it operates. The Group engages in activities such as supporting sports, arts and culture, and fostering community interaction, primarily in the regions where its offices and factories are located.

Furue, who has signed a sponsorship contract with Kawasaki, was born and raised in Kobe, where Kawasaki has its headquarters. She won numerous titles during her amateur career, and in 2019 became the seventh player in history to win a tour event as an amateur, which paved the way for her to turn professional.
After turning professional, she recorded seven career victories on the Japan Ladies Professional Golfers' Association (JLPGA) Tour. Furthermore, in 2022, she claimed her first win on the world's premier Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. In 2024, she achieved a major championship victory at the Amundi Evian Championship, becoming the fourth Japanese woman to win a major, and also became the first Japanese player to win the Vare Trophy. In 2025, she was Japan's top player, having reached a career-high world ranking of seventh.

Kawasaki deeply resonates with Furue's spirit of taking on challenges and excelling on the world stage. As a local company, it will fully support her endeavors while continuing to actively promote activities that deliver excitement and joy to people through sports.

Comment from Ayaka Furue

I am truly grateful to be sponsored by Kawasaki. Thanks to this partnership, I am delighted to start the 2026 season with renewed determination.
My hometown of Kobe is home to the headquarters and factories of the Kawasaki Group. At Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing in particular, I have seen many new railway cars come into being since I was a child.
I was deeply impressed by revisiting Kawasaki's remarkable history, and Kawasaki’s vision and determination to pursue a prosperous and beautiful future society resonate with me.
Together with the Kawasaki Group, which continues to expand globally and strives to be a corporate group trusted by people worldwide, I will also continue to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to becoming a player who brings inspiration and smiles to people around the world. I sincerely appreciate your continued support.