Who is Dr. Haruhisa Handa? Shinto Priest, Businessman, Artist, Philanthropist, Opera singer, Poet, Golfer, Calligrapher….
Dr. Haruhisa Handa, the Japanese millionaire, philanthropist and Shinto priest, has partnered with New Zealand Football to sponsor the Chatham Cup. This injection of much needed funds can be regarded as a coup for New Zealand domestic football.
Meet the Shinto Priest and Philanthropist Who’s Now Investing in New Zealand Football: Dr. Haruhisa Handa[/tweetthis]
Dr. Handa is a man of many talents. Other than being an astute businessperson, he is also an excellent artist and calligraphist. He is also a well-known classical composer and an opera singer. He has done several international performances as s singer of operas and observed to be singing along Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. He also sang alongside Michael Bolton. He is also a noted poet.
Dr. Handa is also a friend of Renee Fleming, the American super-soprano. He tells everyone they both share identical philosophies. Among his notable singing achievements is his opera performances at the United Nations, Great Wall of China and Metropolitan Museum of New York. He also performed at Carnegie Hall.
Dr. Handa is also an excellent golfer. According to Forbes magazine, his contribution is not limited to financial help but also includes his personal commitment and energy. The magazine published that he philanthropically practices every discipline he joins and dabbles in. The New Zealand government has recognized his contribution before this football deal. They gave him the honorary appointment to the 2016 New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to philanthropy and golf. Both of them have a growing presence with Kiwi sport.
Haruhisa Handa, thanks for supporting @NZ_Football @chattycup
— Will Black (@willblife) December 7, 2016
Dr. Handa's foundation, the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS), have title sponsored NZ Women's Open in the preceding four years. They are also the present NZ Men's Open naming rights sponsor. The Japanese millionaire has made large amount donations to Paralympics New Zealand and the New Zealand Olympic Committee as well. He told the media that he has supported football in other countries other than New Zealand. It is important to know that the partnership with NZ Football will be officially sent through ISPS. Dr. Handa said that he started his football funding in South Africa, where he funded a number of sustainable facilities with the Fives Futbol. The money supported local schools and title sponsored the Mpumalanga Black Aces for about two years. The club went up to reach the fourth position in the premier soccer league. He added that it would be excellent to make a “similar impact in the New Zealand.”