What Is Pink Ribbon Month?
Sompo Japan consistently emphasizes breast cancer’s early detection and treatment. In 2025, through the Sompo Group’s existing partnership with Japan’s women’s football Nadeshiko League, we were able to broaden the reach of breast cancer educational activities beyond just our employees.
The Breast Cancer Awareness movement started in the United States in 1985. In Japan, it has gained popularity as Pink Ribbon Month from the 2000s. Nationwide activities emphasize breast cancer’s early detection and treatment, screening rates, and patient support. Japan’s breast cancer incidence and mortality rates have increased since 1980, yet its screening rates are lower than those of other OECD countries.
Efforts during Pink Ribbon Month strive to reverse this situation. They include the pink illumination of landmarks, pink-themed product packaging by various manufacturers, and pink-uniformed athletes and referees, all to deepen public awareness of breast cancer.
The Sompo Group makes every effort to realize its purpose of striving “for a future of health, wellbeing and financial protection.” Some of our initiatives aim to safeguard the wellbeing of employees and their families. For example, every October, Sompo Japan carries out seminars on breast self-examination and distributes pink-themed lanyards to employees.
Nadeshiko League and Sompo Group: A collaboration
The Sompo Group concluded a sponsorship agreement with the Nadeshiko League in 2024. This year, aiming to raise greater awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer, we launched our first initiative with the league. This breast cancer awareness collaboration harnesses the power of sport to connect people and extends the message about breast cancer to all segments of society.
During 30 matches at 27 venues in October 2025, some 15,000 flyers produced by the league and Sompo Japan were distributed to deliver the message of Pink Ribbon Month and of self-examination methods to attendees. Information about the initiative was also shared on social media by the teams and players, broadening the message’s reach beyond match attendees.
Photo credit: J.LEAGUE
We’re delighted to help share the importance of the Pink Ribbon movement through this initiative. Football consists of individual and team play. Similarly, breast cancer screenings and treatment involve not only individual awareness but also the support of those around them. I hope that this partnership encourages everyone to think about their health and that of their loved ones.
Rei Tachibana
Asahi Intecc Loveledge Nagoya
Photo credit: J.LEAGUE
Nadeshiko League and Sompo Group: The partnership
This year’s Pink Ribbon initiative marked the first collaborative effort between the Sompo Group and the Nadeshiko League. Through this inaugural initiative, we were able to raise greater awareness of Pink Ribbon Month and communicate the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer to a wider audience.
As a nurse at Sompo Japan and a member of the Sompo Group, I have the privilege of supporting our people’s health every day. That is why being part of an effort that encourages individuals to take ownership of their wellbeing, not only within our company but across society, has been deeply meaningful and an honor.
Building on this success, I hope to see different parts of the Sompo Group and the Nadeshiko League further continue to strengthen this partnership, working together to help create a more vibrant and fulfilling society across various fields—in and out of one where football is played.
Header photo credit: J.LEAGUE
