Shizuoka Subaru Renews Partnership with Pro Surfer Mirai Ikeda, Aiming for Olympic Participation

Shizuoka Subaru Automobile Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Mitsunori Nozawa; hereinafter "Shizuoka Subaru") has renewed its partnership agreement with professional surfer Mirai Ikeda and will continue to support her throughout the 2026 season.

This season marks the sixth year since support began in 2021. Ms. Ikeda, who is challenging the significant goal of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has acquired her Class 1 ordinary driver's license. In response, Shizuoka Subaru will hold a vehicle presentation ceremony for a dedicated activity vehicle, allowing Ms. Ikeda to drive herself and pursue further advancement.

**Background of Contract Renewal: Five Years of Continuous Support for World-Challenging Talent from a "Mobility" Perspective**

Since the beginning of support when Ms. Ikeda was a junior high school student, Shizuoka Subaru has continued to provide vehicles as the foundation for her activities, driven by the desire to support a young athlete who is a local treasure. By offering SUBARU vehicles that boast high off-road capability and safety even in tough coastal environments, and by providing a thorough maintenance system, Shizuoka Subaru has established a "safe and secure" mobility environment that allows Ms. Ikeda to concentrate on her sport.

Furthermore, Shizuoka Subaru deeply resonates with Ms. Ikeda's beach clean-up activities, such as cleaning Omaezaki Long Beach, and has jointly engaged in environmental conservation efforts, deepening the partnership beyond just the competitive aspect.

**Sixth Year Transformation: Becoming Independent as a Professional Athlete**

Until now, Ms. Ikeda, who did not have a driver's license, relied on her parents to drive her to competitions and training. This season, her sixth year of support, Ms. Ikeda obtaining her license marks a significant step towards independence as a professional athlete and as an adult. Shizuoka Subaru will continue to fully back her new challenge of driving herself to her destinations, by providing vehicles equipped with the latest safety technology.

**Vehicle Presentation Ceremony Overview:**

To celebrate Ms. Ikeda's new beginning and showcase her driving, a "Vehicle Presentation Ceremony" will be held.

* **Date and Time:** May 7, 2026 (Thursday) 11:00 AM onwards
* **Venue:** Shizuoka Subaru Headquarters
* **Contents:** Greetings from representatives, presentation of vehicle keys, declaration of resolve by the athlete, photo session

~Ms. Ikeda's Driving Lesson Scene~
Photography cooperation: Kakegawa Automobile

~Loaned Vehicle~
A wrapped car featuring Shizuoka Subaru's original character, Subarisu.

**Mirai Ikeda Profile:**

* **Date of Birth:** November 7, 2007 (18 years old as of April 2026)
* **Hometown:** Omaezaki City, Shizuoka Prefecture
* **Main Career Highlights:**
* Started surfing at age 5, influenced by her father, a former professional windsurfer.
* In 2019, at 11 years and 8 months, she became the youngest ever to acquire a JPSA (Japan Professional Surfing Association) certified pro qualification, garnering significant attention.
* Subsequently selected as a強化指定選手 (strengthened designated athlete) by the Nippon Surfing Association (NSA) and has been active in domestic and international competitions.
* Won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Junior Championships.
* Won the Asia Championships in 2024.
* Currently, she has set a major goal of winning a gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and travels worldwide from her base in Shizuoka.
* **Main Achievements:**
* 2025: Junior Open Surfing Championship - 1st place (2 consecutive years)
* 2024: ASF Asia Surfing Championship - 1st place
* 2024: WSL Junior Ranking - 1st in Asia
* 2024: ISA World Junior Surfing Championship U-18 - Japan Representative
* 2024: WSL QS5000 "Krui Pro" - 1st place (achieved dual title with Pro Junior)
* 2022: ISA World Junior Surfing Championship U-16 - Individual Bronze Medal (Team 3rd place)
* 2019: Acquired JPSA certified pro qualification at the youngest age ever (11 years and 8 months)

**About Shizuoka Subaru and Shizuoka Subaru Group:**

Shizuoka Subaru Automobile Co., Ltd. was established in 1959 (Showa 34). In 1966 (Showa 41), it relocated its headquarters to the former Shimizu City (now Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City) and has been selling Subaru vehicles for over 60 years. The group includes Shizuoka V-Auto Co., Ltd. (handling Swedish cars Volvo), PUREST Co., Ltd. (handling German cars Porsche), and Cool the Earth Co., Ltd. (handling BYD electric vehicles). These four companies work together to provide a wide range of services tailored to the lifestyles of local residents.

**Inquiries regarding this release:**

Shizuoka Subaru Automobile Co., Ltd. Sales Support Office, Brand & PR Strategy Department, Ruri Yamanashi
TEL: 054-345-2132 Email: pr@shizuoka.subaru.co.jp

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