Pursuing Global Success as an Athlete Employee

NOK Corporation (Headquarters: Shibadaimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, Group Chief Executive Officer: Masao Tsuru; hereinafter referred to as "NOK") is pleased to announce that competitive swimmer Teppei Morimoto has joined the company as an athlete employee, effective April 1, 2025.
Specializing in the butterfly, Morimoto has been a standout swimmer since his junior years, known for his powerful dolphin kick and remarkable endurance in the final stages of races. In 2021, he set a new Japanese high school record in the short course 100-meter butterfly and has since earned numerous podium finishes at major competitions in Japan and abroad, including the World Aquatics Championships (25m).
NOK's decision to welcome Morimoto was driven not only by his athletic excellence but also by his bold, goal-driven mindset, evident in his record-breaking high school performance and the wealth of experience and achievements he has accumulated in both Japanese and international arenas. The company looks forward to supporting his continued growth as he pursues success on the global stage.

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Teppei Morimoto

Teppei Morimoto: Profile

Born on April 7, 2002 (age 22), Morimoto is originally from Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. He began swimming at the age of five. In his third year at Kindai University High School, he set new Japanese high school records in the 100-meter and 200-meter butterfly short course events in 2021.
After advancing to Kinki University (Osaka), he continued to deliver strong performances, including a sixth-place finish at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships (25m) and a runner-up finish at the 2023 Japan Swim (National Championships).
Morimoto was introduced to NOK through "Asu-Navi," a career support program operated by the Japanese Olympic Committee for active athletes. He was drawn to NOK's strong support system and corporate philosophy of contributing to a prosperous society by providing safety and comfort. Inspired by this mission, he joined the company, aiming to play a part in that contribution through his athletic and professional journey.

Major Competition History (Men’s 200m Butterfly)

Personal Bests
Long course: 1:54.74
Short course: 1:50.26

• 2017 - 39th JOC Junior Olympic Cup Swimming Competition Spring Session: 1st place
• 2021 - 43rd JOC Junior Olympic Cup Swimming Competition Spring Session: 1st place
  Set Japanese high school short course records in the 200m and 100m butterfly at the Kinki regional tournament
• 2022 - 16th World Aquatics Championships (25m) in Melbourne: 6th place
• 2023 - 99th Japan National Swimming Championships: 2nd place
• 2023 - 19th Asian Games (Hangzhou): 7th place

Message from Teppei Morimoto

My name is Teppei Morimoto, and I’m honored to join NOK as an athlete employee. I’m deeply grateful to be part of a company that enables me to continue pursuing competitive swimming while beginning my career. Moving forward, I will carry a strong sense of pride and responsibility as a member of NOK and remain fully committed to achieving my goal of winning a medal in the 200-meter butterfly at a world championship.
Through my performance, I hope to become someone who can inspire and energize others. I sincerely appreciate your support.

About NOK’s Athlete Employee Program

Since 2019, NOK has been contributing to society through sports by employing top athletes active in Japan as "athlete employees." This initiative reflects the company’s belief in the power of sports to inspire and move people.
Athlete employees primarily focus on their training and competitive activities while also participating in initiatives unique to their role, such as organizing and participating in wellness events and community outreach programs. These efforts help strengthen internal engagement and enhance NOK’s broader contribution to society.
NOK currently has two active athlete employees on their roster: Teppei Morimoto joins swimmer Toshiki Otsuka (butterfly / joined in 2024.)