NEW YORK, June 30, 2025 — Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), one of the top ten largest financial institutions globally, has announced a strategic partnership with Stephanie Mawuli, a prominent figure in women’s basketball and a member of the Japanese Women’s National Basketball Team. This collaboration aims to leverage sports as a platform for empowerment and community engagement.
Mawuli, who hails from Aichi Prefecture, Japan, has an impressive track record, having represented Japan in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Currently, she plays for Casademont Zaragoza in Spain and has also made her mark in the United States as part of the New York Liberty’s WNBA Camp Roster. Her achievements include winning medals at the 2018 Asian Games and the 2019 U23 3×3 World Championship.
“I’m thrilled to work with MUFG,” said Mawuli. “Like me, their mission is to empower a brighter future. That’s what I want to do, whether it’s in a WNBA training camp, European Leagues, or representing my home of Japan on the international level.”
MUFG’s Commitment to Empowerment and Inclusion
The partnership, set to commence in June 2025, will see Mawuli actively participating in various MUFG-organized events. These include online and face-to-face engagements, social media campaigns, and community outreach programs. The collaboration underscores MUFG’s commitment to fostering young talent and promoting women’s sports, areas often overlooked in the broader sports landscape.
“We are excited to join Stephanie’s journey as she bridges international communities through sports,” stated Yutaka Fujishiro, Regional Head of Japanese Corporate Banking for the Americas at MUFG. “Women’s basketball is still underappreciated and under-supported in many areas. This partnership underscores MUFG’s commitment to empowering young talent and promoting women’s sports.”
About Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is a leading global financial group headquartered in Tokyo, boasting over 360 years of history. With a network spanning approximately 2,100 locations in more than 50 countries, MUFG employs nearly 160,000 people worldwide. The Group offers a comprehensive range of services, including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing.
MUFG aims to be “the world’s most trusted financial group” by fostering collaboration among its operating companies and responding flexibly to the financial needs of its customers. The Group is dedicated to serving society and promoting sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG’s shares are traded on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges.
Implications and Future Prospects
The partnership with Mawuli represents a significant step for MUFG in its efforts to support diversity and inclusion within the sports industry. By aligning with a high-profile athlete, MUFG not only amplifies its brand presence but also contributes to the broader dialogue on gender equality in sports.
According to industry experts, partnerships like these can have a ripple effect, encouraging more corporations to invest in women’s sports, which have historically received less attention and funding compared to their male counterparts. This collaboration could potentially open doors for more female athletes to gain recognition and support on a global scale.
As MUFG and Mawuli embark on this journey, the financial group is poised to enhance its community engagement efforts, using sports as a vehicle for positive change. The partnership is expected to inspire young athletes and empower communities, reinforcing the message that sports can be a powerful tool for social impact.
For more information about MUFG’s initiatives and services, visit www.mufgamericas.com.
“We are excited to join Stephanie’s journey as she bridges international communities through sports,” said Yutaka Fujishiro, Regional Head of Japanese Corporate Banking for the Americas, MUFG.
As this partnership unfolds, the world will be watching how it influences the landscape of women’s sports and corporate social responsibility.
