Kao Corporation Begins Sponsorship at Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea®

URAYASU, CHIBA—As of today, July 1, Kao Corporation (headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; president and CEO: Michitaka Sawada) has begun sponsorship of Splash Mountain1 at Tokyo Disneyland® Park and Toy Story Mania! and Toyville Trolley Park2 at Tokyo DisneySea® Park. Kao Corporation is now a sponsor of both Parks operated by Oriental Land Co., Ltd., (headquarters: Urayasu-shi, Chiba; president and COO: Kyoichiro Uenishi). In addition, Kao Corporation is also sponsoring the new "Hand Washing Areas" in both Parks, for which an opening ceremony was held today.

The "Hand Washing Areas" are new additions to both Parks – one installed in Critter Country at Tokyo Disneyland Park and the other in American Waterfront at Tokyo DisneySea Park. The "Hand Washing Areas" feature a soap dispenser that releases Mickey Mouse-shaped soap foam by pushing a button or placing one's hand under the dispenser. Restrooms3 in both Parks will also feature this unique dispenser.

The opening ceremony for the "Hand Washing Areas" was held in Critter Country at Tokyo Disneyland. The unveiling of the new spot was indicative of Kao Corporation's hope that by offering the simple "magic" of experiencing the fun of washing their hands, children can become aware of the importance of cleanliness. This sentiment parallels the basic Disney theme park philosophy of offering "family entertainment." Representatives of both companies were then joined by the Disney characters to dispense the Mickey Mouse-shaped soap foam for the first time, showcasing this fun hand-washing experience.

Kao Corporation is also sponsoring the experiential program for children, "Custodial Kids!" at Tokyo DisneySea, as well as continuing other initiatives unique to Kao that encourage the growth and happiness of children.