[S.LEAGUE Runner-up] Professional Surfer Shohei Akimoto Achieves Resounding Second Place in Japan's Pinnacle Showdown! The Story of Breaking Boundaries, Supported by IRIS Data Lab's LINE-based EC "Atouch"
Professional surfer Shohei Akimoto, sponsored by IRIS Data Lab Inc. (provider of the LINE-based EC "Atouch"), secured a respectable second place in the S.LEAGUE GRAND FINALS, Japan's premier professional surfing competition. His story of breaking boundaries deeply resonates with IRIS Data Lab's corporate vision.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 11, 2026 at 17:30
- 🔍 Collected: May 11, 2026 at 09:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 11, 2026 at 10:01 (59 min after Collected)
IRIS Data Lab Inc. (Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Noriaki Adachi), which provides "Atouch," a system that allows users to select products and complete payments directly within the LINE chat screen, proudly announces that professional surfer Shohei Akimoto, whom they officially sponsor, has successfully advanced to the finals and achieved a remarkable second place (runner-up) in the men's longboard division of Japan's top professional surfing tour, the "S.LEAGUE GRAND FINALS."
## Veteran's Pride and Evolution: Demonstrating "Breaking Boundaries" on Japan's Premier Stage
In the newly inaugurated professional surfing league, "S.LEAGUE," and its ultimate decisive battle to determine the annual champion, the "GRAND FINALS," Akimoto delivered a polished performance under immense pressure.
Amidst the rise of younger athletes, Akimoto, who has led the top scene for many years, excelled with his exceptional technique and experience. In the semi-finals, he triumphed over Kaminosuke Oguma, a leading young contender and top-ranked surfer. In the final against Kai Hamase, who aimed for a complete S.LEAGUE victory, Akimoto unfortunately could not perfectly align with the ever-changing wave conditions, falling just short of the championship. Nevertheless, he secured a dignified second place, reaffirming his status as a top-class Japanese surfer. His unwavering commitment to never settling for the status quo and constantly striving to break his own limits captivated many fans at the venue.
## Why IRIS Data Lab Sponsors Akimoto
Our mission is to create "stress-free and seamless connections" between businesses and consumers through "Atouch," our LINE-based e-commerce solution.
Shohei Akimoto is an individual with wonderful humanity who cherishes connections with ocean lovers at any spot and brings smiles to those around him. Furthermore, his surfing style, continuously challenging the natural barriers of waves with smooth riding, and his unwavering pursuit of "Japan's best and the world" even as he ages, strongly resonate with our company's vision of "cherishing human connections, riding new business waves, and embracing challenges and development."
IRIS Data Lab will continue to fully back Akimoto's further breakthroughs as a partner in shared challenges, rather than just providing financial support.
## Comment from Shohei Akimoto
Thank you very much for all the support and encouragement this time as well.
I'm relieved to have secured second place this time. Last year, I was filled with regret as I couldn't achieve good results.
Perhaps I was too focused on winning.
This time, I approached the competition focused on enjoying the match and the waves!
Despite the challenging wave conditions, I steadily advanced, and in the semi-finals, I was able to defeat professional Kaminosuke Oguma, who is half my age, and got my revenge from the Kaeda Festival.
This is truly thanks to everyone who always supports me. I am truly grateful.
I intend to continue doing my best at my own pace. I would be happy if you continue to support me.
## Athlete Profile
Professional surfer Shohei Akimoto (born August 25, 1985)
Born in Miyazaki Prefecture
Started surfing at the age of 10 under his father's influence and obtained professional certification in 2006. Since his first professional victory in 2008, he has consistently ranked high in national annual rankings (e.g., 3rd in 2022, 2nd in 2023), making him a leading Japanese longboarder. He has also achieved victories and awards in international competitions in places like California, performing globally. Now a veteran, he continues to evolve.
- [Official Website] http://shohei.surf/
- [Instagram] https://www.instagram.com/shoheihey825/
## "Atouch" Service Overview
The "Atouch" service allows customers to select products and complete payments directly within the LINE chat screen! It's a system equipped with such convenient functions.
By providing a stress-free purchasing experience for shoppers, we help businesses prevent lost sales opportunities and support sales growth.
View Details
## About IRIS Data Lab Inc.
Since 2020, IRIS Data Lab Inc. has collaborated with LINE Yahoo Japan Corporation to support numerous official LINE accounts for COVID-19 countermeasures for government agencies and local authorities. Leveraging this experience, in October 2022, they released the official LINE account API tool "Atouch." As a "customer service-oriented e-commerce" system that allows everything from product information to payment to be completed on the chat screen, the company continues to operate.
## Veteran's Pride and Evolution: Demonstrating "Breaking Boundaries" on Japan's Premier Stage
In the newly inaugurated professional surfing league, "S.LEAGUE," and its ultimate decisive battle to determine the annual champion, the "GRAND FINALS," Akimoto delivered a polished performance under immense pressure.
Amidst the rise of younger athletes, Akimoto, who has led the top scene for many years, excelled with his exceptional technique and experience. In the semi-finals, he triumphed over Kaminosuke Oguma, a leading young contender and top-ranked surfer. In the final against Kai Hamase, who aimed for a complete S.LEAGUE victory, Akimoto unfortunately could not perfectly align with the ever-changing wave conditions, falling just short of the championship. Nevertheless, he secured a dignified second place, reaffirming his status as a top-class Japanese surfer. His unwavering commitment to never settling for the status quo and constantly striving to break his own limits captivated many fans at the venue.
## Why IRIS Data Lab Sponsors Akimoto
Our mission is to create "stress-free and seamless connections" between businesses and consumers through "Atouch," our LINE-based e-commerce solution.
Shohei Akimoto is an individual with wonderful humanity who cherishes connections with ocean lovers at any spot and brings smiles to those around him. Furthermore, his surfing style, continuously challenging the natural barriers of waves with smooth riding, and his unwavering pursuit of "Japan's best and the world" even as he ages, strongly resonate with our company's vision of "cherishing human connections, riding new business waves, and embracing challenges and development."
IRIS Data Lab will continue to fully back Akimoto's further breakthroughs as a partner in shared challenges, rather than just providing financial support.
## Comment from Shohei Akimoto
Thank you very much for all the support and encouragement this time as well.
I'm relieved to have secured second place this time. Last year, I was filled with regret as I couldn't achieve good results.
Perhaps I was too focused on winning.
This time, I approached the competition focused on enjoying the match and the waves!
Despite the challenging wave conditions, I steadily advanced, and in the semi-finals, I was able to defeat professional Kaminosuke Oguma, who is half my age, and got my revenge from the Kaeda Festival.
This is truly thanks to everyone who always supports me. I am truly grateful.
I intend to continue doing my best at my own pace. I would be happy if you continue to support me.
## Athlete Profile
Professional surfer Shohei Akimoto (born August 25, 1985)
Born in Miyazaki Prefecture
Started surfing at the age of 10 under his father's influence and obtained professional certification in 2006. Since his first professional victory in 2008, he has consistently ranked high in national annual rankings (e.g., 3rd in 2022, 2nd in 2023), making him a leading Japanese longboarder. He has also achieved victories and awards in international competitions in places like California, performing globally. Now a veteran, he continues to evolve.
- [Official Website] http://shohei.surf/
- [Instagram] https://www.instagram.com/shoheihey825/
## "Atouch" Service Overview
The "Atouch" service allows customers to select products and complete payments directly within the LINE chat screen! It's a system equipped with such convenient functions.
By providing a stress-free purchasing experience for shoppers, we help businesses prevent lost sales opportunities and support sales growth.
View Details
## About IRIS Data Lab Inc.
Since 2020, IRIS Data Lab Inc. has collaborated with LINE Yahoo Japan Corporation to support numerous official LINE accounts for COVID-19 countermeasures for government agencies and local authorities. Leveraging this experience, in October 2022, they released the official LINE account API tool "Atouch." As a "customer service-oriented e-commerce" system that allows everything from product information to payment to be completed on the chat screen, the company continues to operate.