#Japan #Chigasaki #Hayate Tanaka #Beach Soccer

Hayate Tanaka Makes Impact as Sports Ambassador in Chigasaki

Hayate Tanaka, a prominent beach soccer player associated with Beads International Inc., has taken significant strides in promoting sports within his hometown of Chigasaki, Kanagawa. Recently, he visited the Chigasaki City Hall as part of his duties as the city’s Sports Ambassador, a role he has officially held since June 2025. During this visit, he shared updates about the local beach soccer scene and expressed enthusiasm for nurturing future talent.

Tanaka, who has a storied history in soccer that began in kindergarten, transitioned into beach soccer after his high school tenure. His dedication is evident not only in his competitive efforts but also in his passion for engaging the youth. As the head of the DELTA Chigasaki Beach Soccer School, Tanaka aims to provide a platform for young athletes to learn, grow, and most importantly, to understand the importance of community responsibility, particularly regarding local beach cleaning endeavors.

During the courtesy visit, Tanaka reported on the participation of his soccer school in the recent Cleans Soccer Cup 2026, a beach soccer tournament. Highlighting their achievements, he presented team bibs manufactured by XLARGE, which featured the city emblem, to the Mayor, Mr. Mitsu Sato. These bibs not only symbolize their team spirit but also serve as a reminder of their commitment to representing Chigasaki on a larger stage.

In his endeavors, Tanaka is highly committed to the health of local beaches. He stressed that before every soccer training session, he initiates beach clean-up activities to instill a sense of pride among children for their local environment. "It’s crucial for kids to feel a connection to ‘their beach’ and understand that the debris we often find comes from our own towns. I aspire to expand our efforts to include city-wide clean-up activities, protecting our coastal environment as a united community," he shared passionately during the visit.

Athlete Profile

Born on May 11, 2000, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Tanaka's athletic journey began early. After playing for the Yokohama F. Marinos Junior Youth as a child and attending the top athletic high school, Kanto Daiichi High School, he made the pivotal decision to pivot to beach soccer. Currently, he plays for Tokyo Verdy Beach Soccer, where he has demonstrated remarkable skill and sportsmanship.

Since being selected for the Japan national beach soccer team in 2021, he has competed in numerous international tournaments, including the Tecnotree Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup. His ongoing contributions have solidified his status as a rising leader for the future of beach soccer in Japan.

Achievements

• - 2019: JFA All Japan Beach Soccer Tournament Champion (Tokyo Verdy BS)
• - 2021: Selected for Japan's National Beach Soccer Team
• - Multiple Championships with Tokyo Verdy BS, culminating in recent victories in 2023.

Tanaka’s commitment to his sport, his community, and the environment exemplifies the spirit of advocacy within athletics. His ongoing efforts to unify sportsmanship with environmental stewardship aim to inspire the next generation of players, thus promoting a more sustainable and engaged community. For updates, follow him on Instagram.