ATHLETES
Introducing the YAMAtune Crew: Performance Meets Passion
Get to know the dedicated athletes and adventurers who trust YAMAtune to fuel their pursuits. From challenging peaks to enduring trails, these individuals are pushing the limits, embodying peak performance, and inspiring us all to venture further. Explore their stories and join their journey.
Takaya Kataoka: Japan's Premier Skiing Innovator
Takaya Kataoka is a leading figure in Japanese skiing, excelling as both a formidable competitor and a dedicated instructor. Based in Otaru, Hokkaido, Takaya is a National Demonstrator for 2026–2027, a prestigious recognition of his advanced technical skills and his commitment to advancing ski technique throughout Japan. His exceptional talent was further highlighted by his 13th place finish at the 2025 All Japan Ski Technical Championships and media features, including "Takaya Kataoka's Mogul Strategy" in Ski Graphic. Beyond his competitive prowess, Takaya is deeply involved in coaching the next generation of skiers, sharing his expertise at the Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort and various workshops.
Tomonori Kimura: Hokkaido's Trail Running Visionary
Born and based in the rugged heart of Hokkaido, Tomonori Kimura is not just one of the Hokkaido's top trail runners but a true leader in the local trail running community. His ambition extends beyond Japan's shores, as demonstrated by his victory at the "Tiger Balm 2019" in Thailand, marking a significant milestone as his first international race win. Tomonori's dedication and pioneering spirit make him a beacon for trail runners in Hokkaido and beyond, inspiring others to explore and conquer new terrains.
Yasue Nagahama: The Indomitable Ultrarunning Force
Yasue Nagahama is a testament to the ultimate limits of human endurance, a powerhouse in ultrarunning who consistently tackles the world's most grueling races. Her calendar is a relentless pursuit of monumental distances and elevations, showcasing an unwavering spirit. In 2024, she bravely challenged the iconic HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc (175 km) in France and the demanding OSJ ONTAKE100 (109 km) in Japan. Her 2023 season included Japan's ultra-long Kyoto Great Round (136 km) and Italy's legendary TORX - Tor des Géants® (352 km). Yasue's consistent drive in elite races truly embodies the spirit of an athlete thriving on audacious challenges, proving that no distance is too great.
Sara Terui: Japan's Rising Canoe Sprint Star
Sara Terui is a prodigious Japanese sprint canoeist from Hokkaido, currently training in Hungary with a clear ambition: to become Japan's first international medalist in the sport. She has already demonstrated her immense potential with a bronze medal finish in the K4 500m at the 2025 Asian Canoe Sprint Championships in Nanchang, China. This significant achievement, coupled with her 6th place in the K1 1000m at the same event, highlights her rapid progress toward elite international competition and her unwavering Olympic aspirations. Sara is a beacon of hope for Japanese canoe sprint, poised to make history.
Natsuki Yamagishi: Japan's Elite Orienteering Talent
Natsuki Yamagishi stands as one of Japan's top-tier orienteering athletes, consistently showcasing her competitive prowess on both national and international stages. Her 2024 achievements include a silver medal in the Middle distance at the Asian Orienteering Championships in Thailand, a clear indicator of her world-class ability. Domestically, she has secured multiple Top 15 finishes at the Japan Orienteering Championships across various distances. Natsuki's dedication and consistent high-level performances in events like the Orienteering World Cup underscore her significant standing in the global orienteering community.
Kenichi Yamamoto: The Enduring Legend of Japanese Trail Running
Kenichi Yamamoto, affectionately known as "Yamaken," is a revered figure in Japanese trail running, transitioning from a teacher to a professional mountain athlete in 2019 to forge a legendary career. His extensive list of achievements includes winning the Hasetsune Cup in 2008 (setting a Japan record), placing 3rd at UTMF in 2012 as the top Japanese finisher, and becoming the first Japanese athlete to win a major international ultra-trail race at the Grand Raid des Pyrénées in 2012. Yamaken has consistently performed at the highest level, including two 2nd place finishes at Andorra Ultra Trail and an 8th place at UTMB in 2009. Despite currently rehabilitating from knee surgery, Yamaken continues to inspire and actively promote trail running, embodying an unwavering passion for the mountains.
Tadahiro Yamaki ("Yamaki-X"): The Pioneer of Uncharted Ski Descents
Tadahiro Yamaki, known as "Yamaki-X," is Japan's premier Big Mountain and Expedition Skier, renowned for his audacious yet elegant style. With a background in competitive skiing, Yamakix now dedicates himself to the formidable challenge of climbing and skiing the planet's most imposing and unskied high-altitude mountains. His fearless expeditions have led him to descend peaks over 5,000 meters globally, a testament to his groundbreaking spirit. A true representative of Japanese big mountain skiing, his adventures are celebrated in international films and magazines. Beyond his daring descents, Yamaki-X is a passionate advocate for mountain culture, sharing his inspiring stories and promoting the appreciation of nature through skiing.