April 8, 2026 | News & Notices Shimadzu Signs Professional Player Contracts with Tennis Players Hikaru Sato and Hiromi Abe
On April 1, Shimadzu Corporation signed professional player contracts with tennis players Hikaru Sato and Hiromi Abe. The two players will wear the Shimadzu logo on the right sleeve of their uniforms as they compete around the world, aiming to qualify for the main draws of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
After graduating from the University of Washington, Sato turned professional in 2024. She reached the quarterfinals in singles at the All Japan Tennis Championships 99th, sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions. Abe won both singles and doubles titles at the All Japan Student Tennis Championships 2020 while studying at the University of Tsukuba, and turned professional in 2022. At last year’s 79th Wata-SHIGA Kagayaku JAPAN GAMES, she won the title representing Shiga Prefecture alongside Shimadzu teammate Ikumi Yamazaki. The two players will also participate in the Tennis Japan League, which determines the best company team in Japan and will also engage in regional contribution activities. Meanwhile, Anri Nagata, who had been active as a professional-contracted player for three years, will leave the team.
The SHIMADZU Breakers consists of eight female players: five professional players and three employees. Shimadzu has been a special sponsor of the Shimadzu All Japan Indoor Tennis Championships since 1996, supporting athletes and people who enjoy sports.
Hikaru Sato
©MANO,Hiromasa/Kyoto Tennis Association
Hiromi Abe
©MANO,Hiromasa/Kyoto Tennis Association
Comment from Hikaru Sato
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and thrilled to be a member of the Breakers team. I want to bring my natural cheerfulness and determination to help boost our spirits and use my physical strength to cover the court, delivering plays that lead to victory! I really appreciate everyone's support!
Comment from Hiromi Abe
I’m very excited to play with the team this season. It means I’ll be competing in the Japan League for the first time, which I am really looking forward to. I will approach every match with a sense of gratitude, responsibility, and total commitment. Thank you for your support.