07/29/2026 The 10th Kuraray Sara Takanashi Cup Junior Summer Ski Jump Asahi Competition

On July 24, 2026, Kuraray Co., Ltd. sponsored the “10th Kuraray Sara Takanashi Cup Junior Summer Jump Asahi Competition” with the support of the Asahi Ski Federation, Shibetsu City, and the Shibetsu City Board of Education.

Since 2015, Kuraray has organized this tournament as part of its social contribution activities in response to Sara Takanashi’s wish to provide more opportunities for junior athletes to compete. The milestone 10th tournament welcomed 53 junior ski jumpers, ranging from third-grade elementary school students to third-year junior high school students.

The bibs worn by the athletes featured an original illustration designed by Sara Takanashi. The design expresses her hope that young athletes will spread their wings from this tournament and go on to compete on the world stage.

For the first time in four years, Sara attended the tournament in person. She supported the junior athletes throughout the event, from the preparation stages to tournament operations. While the young competitors appeared a little nervous in front of their role model, the tournament was filled with even more excitement, energy, and smiles than in previous years.

To commemorate the 10th tournament, a special video message was also received from Ren Nikaido, who competed alongside Sara in international competitions. Nikaido previously participated in the Kuraray Cup and won the junior high school division in both the inaugural tournament in 2015 and the second tournament in 2016. In his video message, he encouraged the young athletes by saying, “Enjoy the tournament. From the Kuraray Sara Takanashi Cup to the world!”