On 29 March 2026, I won the Oceanman World Series 10km race in Krabi, becoming the first Japanese male to achieve this title.🏊🥇🌏

It was my first 10km race in seven years. Back in 2019, I honestly believed I might never race 10km again — or even return to open water swimming at all.

The conditions in Krabi were extremely challenging: water temperatures exceeding 30°C, swarms of jellyfish, and at around the 4km mark, I was struck on the inner side of my left upper arm by a jellyfish. From that point, I lost almost all sensation in my left arm for the remaining 6km. I had to carefully manage my pace and heart rate to avoid dehydration and overheating in such extreme conditions.

The race strongly reminded me of my first World Championships in Shanghai in 2011 under World Aquatics. During the swim, memories came flooding back — competing alongside legends of open water swimming such as Spyridon Gianniotis, Thomas Lurz, Ky Hurst, Petar Stoychev, Brian Ryckeman, and Valerio Cleri. They were the generation above me, and at 21 years old, I remember being in awe of their ability to perform at the highest level well into their 30s.

Now, I find myself at the same age they were back then, still competing at the world level.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared the era of these pioneers who helped shape the Olympic history of open water swimming. Each of them had a unique style and presence, and all of them have played a role in shaping the athlete I am today.

My focus now is to qualify for next year’s World Championships by winning the Japanese national selection race this autumn. Beyond that, I will continue my journey toward LA 2028, chasing the dream of an Olympic medal at 37, inspired by athletes like Spyridon Gianniotis.

On March 8, 2026, I claimed victory in the 5km elite race at the World Ocean Swim Series held in Terrigal, New South Wales, Australia.

This marks my first win in this event since 2017, signaling a definitive return to top-level competition.

As one of Australia’s premier Tier 1 races, the series represents a true benchmark on the global stage.

This result confirms that my campaign toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games has entered a new phase—with real momentum and intent.

From here, I shift into a higher gear and continue pushing toward the very top of the sport.

On December 7, 2025, I had the honor of attending the Japan HEROs Sports Award 2025.

@heros_nippon_foundation

It was a meaningful time filled with reunions and new encounters, giving me a great deal of energy as I pursue my goal of representing Japan in the Olympics for the third time.

For me, who as an 8-year-old boy watched the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France on TV, the words of Hidetoshi Nakata, the keynote speech by Mr. Sasakawa, who supported me when I first challenged the world as a Japanese Open Water representative in 2010, and the speech by Hakuhō were all powerful reminders of the importance of determination and perseverance.

Life is never something to take for granted. I am deeply grateful to be healthy and able to take on challenges again with a renewed sense of purpose.

From now on, I will continue to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to social contribution and personal challenges in ways only I can, giving my utmost effort every step of the way.