#Japan #Tokyo #Elleair #Rina Niijima #iQFOiL

Rina Niijima's New Chapter in Windsurfing

Rina Niijima, an elite athlete in the iQFOiL windsurfing category, has recently renewed her partnership with Elleair, the top brand in hygiene paper products owned by Daio Paper Corporation, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This renewed contract marks the continuation of a journey that began in 2022, now entering its fifth year.

Niijima has established herself not just as a competitor, but as a powerhouse in the sport. During the first round of the 2025 iQFOiL National Series held in Hayama in May, she claimed the top spot among female competitors. Additionally, she won the iQFOiL Class All-Japan Championship in October and secured a remarkable second place in the overall standings of the 2025 iQFOiL International Series. As a leading figure in Japanese windsurfing, her career is one to watch in the coming years.

The support from Elleair extends beyond just sponsorship; the company has long been involved in promoting sports activities. For over 40 years, it has hosted the Elleair Ladies Open, a prominent event on the domestic women's pro golf tour. The company also actively supports local youth baseball tournaments. All these efforts are part of their initiative called "Team Elleair," aimed at providing platforms for athletes who strive toward their dreams.

Looking ahead, Niijima sets her sights on competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Her commitment and dedication to the sport exemplify her resilience and unwavering spirit to achieve greatness.

Rina Niijima's Thoughts

In her own words, Niijima expressed immense gratitude towards Elleair for their support over the years: "As we enter the fifth year of our relationship, I sincerely thank Elleair for their continuous encouragement. Their unwavering support through the highs and lows has enabled me to tackle training and competitions with full effort. I will convert everyone’s support into strength and continue to push my limits to deliver the best performances possible!"

About Rina Niijima

Born on November 13, 1999, in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Niijima grew up near the ocean, where her passion for windsurfing began at a young age. By the time she was in elementary school, she had already made a name for herself, winning five consecutive titles in the All-Japan Junior Championships. Her exceptional skills have allowed her to dominate the domestic professional tour in the Foil category from 2022 to 2023. As of March 2026, she is recognized as a reinforced athlete at the iQFOiL level.

Major Achievements

• - 2008-2013: Five consecutive victories at All-Japan Junior Championships
• - 2014: 7th place at Youth Olympic Games (Nanjing, China)
• - 2015: Champion at Techno293 Asia Championships U17 (Enoshima)
• - 2021: Champion at iQFOiL Class All-Japan Championships (Oita)
• - 2022: 3rd place at iQFOiL International Games (Italy)
• - 2022: Champion at Hamana Lake Cup 2022 (Shizuoka)
• - 2022-2023: Women’s number one in domestic professional tour
• - 2025: 1st place at iQFOiL Class All-Japan Championships - October

What is iQFOiL?

Windsurfing, which originated in America in 1967, involves navigating a board equipped with a sail, solely utilizing wind power. Competitors race around predetermined buoys in a specified order multiple times, with speed being the critical factor. The iQFOiL class, a new sailing event for the 2024 Paris Olympics, features boards that come equipped with a submerged foil, allowing them to lift above the water at high speeds. This unique design enhances efficiency and creates thrilling races on the water.

As Rina Niijima advances her career, her partnership with Elleair and devotion to her sport are sure to inspire many aspiring athletes. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, the world eagerly anticipates her next achievements.