#Japan #Tokyo #Able Corporation #SAJ #Snow Athletes

Celebrating Snow Athletes of Japan

On April 24, 2026, Able Corporation hosted the "Able Presents Snow Athletes of the Year 2025-2026" ceremony at their headquarters in Akasaka, Tokyo. This special event honored 14 outstanding athletes from the Ski Association of Japan (SAJ), recognizing their inspiring achievements in the world of snow sports.

Since 2016, Able has proudly served as an official sponsor of the SAJ, promoting the growth of snow sports and supporting athletes in their journeys. As we welcomed the 2025-2026 season, it was a moment to reflect on the incredible impact these athletes have had across Japan, bringing courage, emotion, and vitality to fans and enthusiasts nationwide. The ceremony was designed to convey our heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to these athletes, acknowledging their dedication and their role as partners on this journey.

The distinguished awards were given to 14 athletes, meticulously selected based on Able's unique criteria, which took into account their remarkable performances during the 2025-2026 season as well as the inspiring examples they set for others. Among them, Tomoka Takeuchi, a leading figure in Japan's snow sports community, received a special recognition award for her significant contributions over the years in snowboarding.

Yuto Totsuka, representing all the awardees, expressed gratitude for the honors during the ceremony. The event was structured in two parts; the first focused on the award presentation, while the second featured a tribute ceremony organized by the Able Cultural Promotion Foundation, which aims to elevate Japan's sports through supporting athletes in international competitions. This year, acknowledgment and awards were presented to athletes Ruma Kimata and Teikatsu Hasegawa for their achievements.

The second half of the first segment included a captivating talk session led by Hiromu Shimizu, an accomplished athlete and current member of the sports assistance program selection committee. He engaged in discussions with the honored athletes, revealing their everyday lives and personal stories beyond the competitive atmosphere, which filled the venue with warmth, applause, and smiles.

With its commitment to supporting the SAJ and snow sports athletes, Able is poised to continue fostering talent and creating new value that benefits society as a whole.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: Able Presents Snow Athletes of the Year 2025-2026
• - Date: April 24, 2026
• - Honored Athletes (in no specific order):

- Sara Takahashi (Ski Jumping)
- Nozomi Maruyama (Ski Jumping)
- Ryoyu Kobayashi (Ski Jumping)
- Ren Nikaido (Ski Jumping)
- Koma Hori (Freestyle, Mogul)
- Koki Ono (Snowboarding, Halfpipe)
- Yuto Totsuka (Snowboarding, Halfpipe)
- Ryusei Yamada (Snowboarding, Halfpipe)
- Tomoka Takeuchi (Snowboarding, Alpine)
- Mari Fukada (Snowboarding, Slopestyle/Big Air)
- Kokona Murase (Snowboarding, Slopestyle)
- Ruma Kimata (Snowboarding, Slopestyle)
- Aoi Kimura (Snowboarding, Slopestyle)
- Teikatsu Hasegawa (Snowboarding, Slopestyle)

(Note: Not all honored athletes attended the event: Nozomi Maruyama, Ren Nikaido, and Teikatsu Hasegawa were absent.)

About the Able Cultural Promotion Foundation

Established in August 2020, the Able Cultural Promotion Foundation aims to support young people aspiring to globally thrive while contributing positively to society. The foundation launched scholarship programs and has recently expanded to include sports grants for athletes, promoting the growth of future leaders through financial support. For more information, please visit the foundation's official website: Able Foundation.