40th All Japan Tasar Championship and 2026 World Championship Pre-Regatta in Okinawa
by Tomoko Nishi 11 Jun 2025 11:26 BST
6-8 June 2025
40th All Japan Tasar Championship © Japan Tasar Association
From 6-8 June 2025, the 40th All Japan Tasar Championship and 2026 Tasar World Championship Preregatta took place at the scenic Okuma Private Beach & Resort in Kunigami Village, Okinawa. After three days of fierce competition, the event came to a successful close.
21 Boats, 3 Days, 1 Champion
A total of 21 boats from across Japan gathered for this prestigious regatta. The first half of the event was affected by light winds, with no races held on Day 2. However, the final day brought blue skies for the first time, and Okinawa's famously clear waters shimmered in the sunlight.
Coinciding with the official end of the rainy season, the wind shifted from a northeasterly to a steady southerly breeze known locally as the "Kaachibaa"—a hallmark of summer's arrival in Okinawa. With wind speeds ranging from 7 to 10 knots, ideal racing conditions finally arrived, allowing for three high-quality races to be completed.
Dynamic Racing on the Final Day
- Race 3 saw a close contest between provisional leaders Kazuishi Ito and Yasuaki Muragishi, and the second-placed pair Mitsuteru Ishikawa and Katsuji Ishiguro, with Ishikawa/Ishiguro ultimately taking the win.
- Race 4 was claimed by experienced duo Mitsuru Komatsu and Takumi Nishihara, showcasing their skill and consistency.
- Race 5 added a heart-warming touch, as the Mizuno family team—father, mother, and daughter—crossed the line first (The boat was crewed by a husband-and-wife pair in that race).
With different teams winning each race, the final day captured the excitement and competitiveness typical of the All Japan Championship.
Originally, four races were scheduled for the final day, but a sudden squall brought strong gusts and rapidly declining visibility, leading to the cancellation of the last race. In total, five races were completed over the three days.
Ito and Muragishi Crowned Champions
The overall victory went to Kazuishi Ito and Yasuaki Muragishi, who demonstrated consistent form throughout the event. After winning both races on Day 1, they secured second place in all three races on the final day, earning them the top spot overall.
Winner Comments
Kazuishi Ito (Skipper):
"The sea in Okinawa gives a great sense of freedom—it's a fantastic racing venue. The hospitality was outstanding, which helped me stay focused. We also noticed how much the local geography influences the conditions, so we'll definitely work on that in preparation for next year's World Championship."
Yasuaki Muragishi (Crew):
"The scenery here is breathtaking. Racing in such a setting is a real privilege. Ito served as the regatta's Executive Committee Chair, and I was also involved in the organisation. Over the next year, we'll work hard to make the World Championship even better for all Tasar sailors."
Looking Ahead to 2026
Alongside their on-the-water success, Ito and Muragishi played key organisational roles in making the event a success—a remarkable achievement in itself.
The same venue, Okuma Private Beach & Resort, will host the 2026 Tasar World Championship next June. With Okinawa's stunning natural beauty and heartfelt local hospitality on full display, the stage is set for world-class sailing and unforgettable moments. We can't wait to see what unfolds.