Meeting with Former Japan Rugby Captain Toshiaki Hirose Becomes a Major Turning Point

As Honda Sun explored the possibility of entering the agricultural sector, then-President Kamata met Toshiaki Hirose. The introduction came through then-President Tateishi of OMRON Taiyo, who had a longstanding relationship with Kamata.

While attending Keio University, Hirose led the rugby team as captain. He later played for Toshiba Brave Lupus, one of Japan’s most successful corporate rugby teams, contributing to numerous championship victories. He subsequently served as captain of both Toshiba Brave Lupus and the Japan national team, building an outstanding rugby career.

Following his retirement from professional rugby, Hirose founded HiRAKU Co., Ltd. in 2019. He also served as an ambassador for the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

Through HiRAKU, Hirose supports a wide range of rugby activities, including not only traditional 15-a-side and 7-a-side rugby, but also tag rugby and T1 Rugby, which involve less physical contact. In addition, he established the non-profit organization One Rugby to promote greater awareness of diverse forms of the sport, including wheelchair rugby, blind rugby, and deaf rugby, encouraging people to view them all as part of the same rugby community.

Because of his involvement in supporting inclusive forms of rugby, Hirose was introduced to Kamata by OMRON Taiyo President Tateishi, a fellow Keio University rugby alumnus. Hirose and Kamata quickly connected, and Kamata soon invited him to visit Honda Sun. Hirose made his first visit in November 2022.

As he toured the factory, observing employees with disabilities at work and learning about the various support systems and workplace accommodations in place, Hirose found his own beliefs reinforced. Much like the activities he had been involved in, Honda Sun embodied the idea that people with and without disabilities are equally valued members of society.

It was through this visit that Hirose also came to understand Kamata’s vision for creating a new business.

Hirose had long been interested in disability sports and inclusive community initiatives in Oita Prefecture, including attending the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon.

Oita has implemented a wide range of initiatives to make life more accessible for people with disabilities. The prefecture actively promotes programs related to welfare, employment, healthcare, pensions, and other disability services, helping create an environment where people with disabilities can thrive within their communities.

Oita is also home to Japan’s first supermarket where wheelchair users worked as cashiers. Reflecting on his visit to the wheelchair marathon, Hirose said:

“The competition itself was inspiring, but what left an even stronger impression on me was what happened afterward. The athletes stayed at the stadium, talking with support staff, event organizers, and volunteers. It was a powerful example of community and inclusion.”

As his understanding of Oita deepened, Hirose began thinking about what he might be able to do together with Honda Sun for people with disabilities in a prefecture known for its inclusive approach.

At the same time, Kamata’s passion for agriculture resonated with him. Drawing on his personal network and professional connections, Hirose identified someone in Oita who was building a business centered on agriculture.

Hirose contacted that individual and introduced Honda Sun’s vision. He then suggested visiting Honda Sun together to see its operations firsthand.

That individual would ultimately help Honda Sun take a major step forward in its challenge to enter the agricultural business.