Since childhood, I’ve always been drawn to sports, the Olympics, and snow. Perhaps it’s because my father once aimed for the Olympics in equestrian, and I grew up hearing stories of those dreams.
Growing up in Hokkaido, surrounded by mountains and ski slopes, snowboarding felt natural. At first, it was just a fun family activity. But watching the 1998 Nagano Olympics on TV changed everything. I remember thinking,
「世界で通用する選手になりたい。オリンピアンになりたい、メダリストになりたい。」
“I want to compete at the world level. I want to be an Olympian, a medalist.”
That was when my life as a competitive athlete truly began.
The 2014 Sochi Olympics brought a silver medal — a moment historic for Japanese snowboarding. Because snowboarding is still relatively young in Japan, I’d often heard,
「日本人/アジア人初としての快挙」
“A remarkable achievement as the first Japanese/Asian.”
whenever I reached the top eight or stood on a podium. I was careful not to let those phrases limit me or reinforce stereotypes. When I finally won silver at Sochi, the feelings were mixed: joy at the medal, and regret at missing gold. But seeing everyone who supported me celebrating that moment — that transformed regret into pure happiness.
「努力してきたこと、目指してきたものが形になり、応援してくれる皆さまと喜びを共有できた瞬間が、メダルを手にした時以上に嬉しい瞬間でした。」
“Seeing my efforts and aspirations take tangible form, and sharing that joy with everyone who supported me — that moment brought me more happiness than simply holding the medal itself.”
Deciding to retire in 2025, after more than two decades on the slopes, was never easy. I first confronted the idea around 2014, shaped by the notion that athletes’ competitive careers often ended around age thirty. Yet, seeing the seniors before me extend their careers, combined with the support from staff and sponsors, allowed me to continue competing and face retirement with satisfaction.
I had imagined retirement as tinged with loneliness, a heavy farewell. But having competed for so long, I could finally reflect with a sense of completion.
「お腹いっぱいになれたから次のステージへ行こうという気持ちになれました。」
“Having reached a point of satisfaction, like ‘I am full,’ I naturally felt ready to move on to the next stage.”
Post-retirement, I want to remain immersed in sports and snowboarding. I hope to grow beyond a single “trunk” — adding branches and leaves to the foundation of my career. Together with sponsors and local communities, I aim to share how sports and physical activity can enrich lives.
In 2013, I became the first Japanese ambassador for Richard Mille. I met the president of Richard Mille Japan through a friend just before the season started. They asked,
「幸運を呼ぶ時計、リシャールミルをつけてみませんか？」
“Would you like to try wearing a Richard Mille watch that brings good luck?”
At the time, I wasn’t well-versed in luxury watches. But the idea of a “lucky watch” intrigued me, and the conversation itself was so engaging that I knew I wanted to join the family. Becoming an ambassador felt natural.
Richard Mille is a brand that constantly pushes beyond conventional watchmaking, sparking innovation. Those who wear it are achievers in their own fields.
「“本物”と向き合う仲間と過ごすことで、競技力や人間力も向上しています。」
“Because of the time I spend with Richard Mille families who pursue authenticity, I learn so much and advance, improving both my athletic ability and my character.”
The “family” aspect is invaluable: sharing moments, pushing each other to grow, elevating one another. I am proud to be part of it.
Philanthropy is equally important. Through events like snowboard programs for children affected by the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, I can use my platform to share the power and joy of sports. Richard Mille’s support in these initiatives allows me to connect athletic achievement with social contribution.
「こういった活動が最終的に多くの人たちとスポーツの素晴らしさを共有できるものだと考えています。」
“I believe these activities ultimately help share the wonderfulness of sports with many people.”
Over the years, my relationship with the brand has evolved. Meeting successful people and witnessing their dedication strengthens me.
「本物を通じて本物に出会うことができるからこそ、常に“本物“に向き合い続ける努力を重ねることができてきました。」
“Since authenticity leads to encountering authenticity, I believe that I have been able to continually strive to face ‘authenticity’ every moment.”
Being part of the family has motivated me to face every challenge with honesty and determination. I want to contribute in every way I can.
For young athletes aspiring to the Olympics, I’d say: look to those who came before you. When I was a junior, someone four years older was my pioneer.
「これからを生きる若い選手たちには、常に自分と向き合い、高みを目指して欲しい。」
“For the young athletes living in the future, I hope they constantly confront themselves and set up the greater goals.”
Pursue goals relentlessly, but also value the people you meet and the cultures you encounter — those lessons will enrich your life beyond medals.
Reflecting on my career, the most fulfilling moments weren’t always on the snow. They were the encounters — the connections with people, the learning, the shared experiences.
「人との出会いや学びが、競技成績以上の財産です。」
“The connections between people, the encounters, and the experience learned from them are treasures greater than any result of competitions.”
As I step away from professional snowboarding, my aim isn’t a grand finale. I want to build steadily, step by step. The Olympics and sports have incredible power to enrich lives, but their value seems to be waning in Japan.
「五輪があって良かった、スポーツには人を豊かにする力があると伝えたいです。」
“I hope, as an Olympian, to convey that the Olympics bring a valuable moment, and that sports have the power to enrich people.”
