Lifenet's Yusuke Okabe Makes History
In an inspiring announcement, Lifenet Insurance Company has revealed that its first athlete employee,
Yusuke Okabe, has been officially selected to represent Japan in the decathlon at the upcoming
2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo. This event will be held from
November 15 to November 26, 2025, featuring a variety of sports like athletics, badminton, basketball, and soccer, catering to athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing.
A Journey Defined by Determination
For Yusuke, this will mark his third appearance at the Deaflympics, having previously participated in the 4x400m relay events in both
2013 and
2017. However, this will be his debut in decathlon, a challenging combination of ten track and field events that tests an athlete’s strength, speed, and endurance over two grueling days.
Yusuke expressed his joy and gratitude, stating, "I am incredibly happy to be chosen for the Deaflympics in Tokyo, a dream I have pursued since shifting to the decathlon. Although this will be my third Deaflympics, it is my first time competing in the decathlon. My goal is to earn a medal while giving my best effort in every event, pushing my own limits. Your support will be a huge motivation for me to keep running until the end. Let's do this together!"
Background of Yusuke Okabe
Born in
Akita Prefecture, Yusuke faces a unique challenge with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss from birth. He relies on lip-reading and written communication to interact with others. Despite these hurdles, he joined Lifenet Insurance in
2016, becoming the company’s first athlete employee. Yusuke balances his training with his responsibilities in public relations and human resources, ensuring greater awareness and understanding of the deaf community.
Having transitioned from competing primarily in the
400m event to pursuing the decathlon in
2022, he hopes to raise the profile of the Deaflympics to provide necessary support, akin to that received by standard Olympic events, for future generations of deaf athletes.
Past Achievements
Yusuke's journey is marked by a series of remarkable accomplishments. Notably, he garnered recognition in the
2012 Toronto World Deaf Athletics Championships, where he reached the semifinals and earned a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay. His accolades extend to the
Japan Deaf Athletics Championships and the
Japan Para Athletics Championships, establishing him as a formidable competitor.
The sporting community is eager to rally behind Yusuke as he prepares for the challenges ahead. As he approaches the
2025 Deaflympics, his story serves as a beacon of inspiration for athletes worldwide, illustrating that determination and hard work can break through barriers.
Support and Recognition
Fans and supporters can follow Yusuke’s journey through his social media accounts, where he shares insights into his training and preparations. Lifenet Insurance continues to advocate for a better understanding of the deaf community, aligning with Yusuke’s aspirations.
For more details on Yusuke's journey, visit his
Instagram or
Facebook. Additionally, Lifenet’s official
Instagram showcases content related to Yusuke’s training and initiatives.
Lifenet Insurance
For those unfamiliar, Lifenet Insurance is committed to delivering simple, affordable, and beneficial insurance products that support each individual's way of life. The company aims to leverage digital technologies to create a society where everyone can nurture future generations without worries. To learn more about their philosophy and offerings, visit their
official website.