KARINA × MARK & LONA New Ambassador Appointment & New Commercial "PLAY ILLUSION" Public Press Conference

MARK & LONA, a luxury golf brand operated by Cube Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Chairman and President: Tomoaki Matsumura), has appointed KARINA, a globally popular artist and leader of the South Korean-based global group aespa, as its new brand ambassador. This marks the first time in MARK & LONA's history that a female brand ambassador has been appointed.
I covered the press conference held on April 27th to announce the appointment of KARINA × MARK & LONA as new ambassadors and the release of their new commercial, "PLAY ILLUSION."

■Greeting from Mr. Tomoaki Matsumura, Chairman and President of Cube Co., Ltd.

Cube Co., Ltd., headquartered in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, was founded in 1994 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market in 2022. Focusing on fashion, sports, and lifestyle, the company develops and distributes unique brands both domestically and internationally. Under the vision of "creating the face of the times," the company aims to generate new values ​​and trends in the world and create brands and services that leave a lasting impression on people.
　The brand you will be joining as an ambassador, MARK & RONA, was founded in 2008. In the world of golf wear, where conservative styles were the norm, it pioneered a unique concept and new values, shaping the industry and opening up new eras. Currently, it has grown into a brand that attracts attention from all over the world as a symbol of fashion golf.
　The reason we chose Karina as our new brand ambassador is due to the recent popularity of K-POP culture. While watching various music videos, I saw Karina appear at the beginning of aespa's "Supernova." At that moment, I felt a jolt of inspiration, and I thought, "It would be great if she were our ambassador," which is why we decided to hire her.

■ Greetings from KARINA

When I first received the call, I was truly surprised. Of course, I was very happy, but I was also worried about whether I could properly represent golf wear. However, after the photoshoot and seeing the finished visuals, I think I was able to express a new image for 'MARK & RONA' in my own way.
My family loves golf, and we've always had a good impression of the brand. I had the impression that it was a brand that offered many nice goods and items in addition to clothing.
I had a lot of fun during the shoot. There was a set with grass to represent a golf lounge, but I was really surprised that they also provided real grass.
The outfit I'm wearing today is really comfortable and great. I think it's fantastic; the black color with the flame-like design is sporty, practical, and stylish.
Please enjoy the styling of KARINA with MARK & RONA.
We have a new album coming up and a fan meeting scheduled in Japan in July. We're looking forward to seeing you all again.

Student Newspaper Online, April 27, 2026 Interview with Aoi Watanabe, 2nd year student at Hosei University / Haruna Shoji, 4th year student at Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

Since its inception in 2008, MARK & LONA has championed the unique value of "Luxury Golf," revolutionizing the golf apparel industry, which was dominated by conservative styles, and establishing an entirely new concept.
Their wide-ranging collaborations extend beyond famous characters and artists to include partnerships with companies in other industries, such as sneakers, cosmetics, and sweets. Furthermore, they were pioneers in upcycling, attracting attention and establishing a unique position that transcends the boundaries of golf apparel.
Even now, more than 18 years after its inception, MARK & LONA continues to evolve with its unique style, garnering strong support and attention through its flagship stores around the world.
• Brand website: https://www.markandlona.com/
・Special website: https://brand.markandlona.com/playillusion/
• Official online store: https://www.markandlona.com/blogs/news/26ss-new-ambassador

Aoi Watanabe (2nd year, Hosei University) / Misaki Wagatsuma (4th year, Tokyo Denki University) / Mina Hiraoka (3rd year, Doshisha University) / Yurie Watanabe (3rd year, Josai International University) / Karin Ishimatsu (4th year, Tsuda University) / Ayami Matsuyama (2nd year, Aoyama Gakuin University) / Haruna Shoji (4th year, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences)