Takuji Araki

Japan well known for it’s harmonizing culture, respect for elders, and collectivism invites you to join the 13th annual O2Y Race this upcoming June 28th 2025 (25km and 13km downwind distances). Today on TotalSUP we sit down with Takuji, the passionate race director of the Okinawa Downwind Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Race. With deep roots in […]

Father and son dominated the 30 km downwind KANAKA O2Y Summer Race, held on the challenging waters of Okinawa, Japan, on June 26, in scorching 35-degree heat. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the race distributed a total prize of €6000 among the winners. Each year, the level of participants has increased, with ages ranging from juniors […]

The Okinawa to Yoron (O2Y) race is a celebrated 30 km downwind ocean competition organized by KANAKA Okinawa. This distinguished event, led by Takuji Araki, Race Director, paddleboarding advocate, Coach and father of Shuri Araki, aka Shrimpy, 4x World SUP Champion and a stand-up paddleboarding sensation, is more than just a race. It is a tribute […]

Only 30 brave paddles can line up for the KANAKA Okinawa O2Y Summer Race, held on the challenging waters of Okinawa, Japan, on June 26. This prestigious 30 km downwind race, curated by Takuji Araki, a stalwart in the paddleboarding community and a keen promoter of cultural legacy, transcends traditional sport. As racers traverse the […]

In a thrilling announcement on his personal website and social media pages that is sending waves through the SUP Racing world, 17 year-old Shuri “Shrimpy” Araki, renowned for winning 4 ISA World Titles in the last two years as well as for being the youngest ever racer to be crowned a world champion, has revealed […]

‘Shrimpy would go’* and Shrimpy keeps going, stealing the limelight from SUP veterans at some of the most iconic SUP racing events both in the US and Europe. Shuri Araki aka Shrimpy from Okinawa, Japan, has just turned sixteen but his remarkable and consistent performance has already ranked him among the top pro athletes in […]