"From the Mountains of Hakone to the World's Best Waves." Kinnotake and Junior Surfer Yuumi Munemasa, a Japan National Team Designated Athlete, Embark on a Challenge.

Kinnotake Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hakone-machi, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director: Masaaki Hachiman; hereinafter, Kinnotake), which operates 5 ryokans and 3 restaurants in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, endorses April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day for announcing dreams. This press release is the dream of "Kinnotake Co., Ltd."

This press release chronicles our "dream" of conquering the world with junior surfer Yuumi Munemasa.

｜The Origin of a Dream: "Paddling to the World" Began at Age 3

Yuumi Munemasa, currently 13 years old, first stood on a surfboard at age 3 and decided to become a professional surfer in her first year of elementary school.

Then, in 2026, she was finally selected as a Japan National Team (NAMINORI JAPAN) designated athlete, officially opening the door to the world.

Last year, she experienced the frustration of narrowly missing victory at the All Japan Championship by just 0.25 points. Fuelled by that experience, she continues to head to the ocean at 4 AM every day, pursuing her challenge with an eye on the world stage.

We truly believe in a future where she competes against the world's top athletes on the WSL (World Surf League) stage, the pinnacle of which is the CT (Championship Tour).

｜Background of the Encounter and Support

Theきっかけ (trigger) was a scene witnessed at the beach. Among many surfers waiting for waves, one particularly small girl was paddling repeatedly with more earnestness than anyone else. That girl was Yuumi Munemasa.

Her relentless challenge, undeterred by rough seas, deeply moved us, and at the same time, we realized the importance of supporting the challenges of the next generation. The "stillness" of Hakone will embrace and support her "powerful energy." With this unique partnership, which began with that encounter, we will chart a course towards the dream of world domination.

｜Why a Hakone Ryokan Supports a Surfer

Why would a ryokan in Hakone, surrounded by mountains, support surfing, a marine sport?

Behind this is Kinnotake's cherished philosophy of "facing people's dreams." We believe that when each employee confronts their own life and goals, it ultimately leads to providing special experiences for our guests.

This sentiment extends beyond the company and resonated with Yuumi Munemasa's pursuit of a world-class challenge. We strongly empathized with her challenge and decided to support her.

This initiative is by no means special; it is a natural choice born from our philosophy.
Kinnotake will continue to support those who challenge themselves to achieve their dreams.

｜A New Form of Support Where "Stillness (Inn)" and "Motion (Waves)" Intersect

At first glance, Hakone, surrounded by mountains, and surfing, a marine sport, might seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. However, Kinnotake has always valued the benefits brought by both extremes: "time spent in a quiet inn" and "active experiences."

The "still" time spent relaxing at the inn and the "dynamic" time of surfing, challenging oneself in nature. Although their forms differ, we feel a deep affinity in their essence: both "move people's hearts and enrich their lives."

The sight of a young local talent embarking on an unprecedented challenge to become the world's best reflects Kinnotake's corporate stance of constantly creating new value. Supporting her "small back" is also a new challenge for us.

｜Comment from Yuumi Munemasa

"Last year, my goal was to be selected as a designated athlete, so I'm very happy. I feel encouraged to have someone supporting my childhood dream. I will continue to achieve my goals one by one and work hard to become the world's best."

｜Comment from Kinnotake Representative

"The moment I saw her earnestly paddling in the ocean, I instinctively felt, 'I want to support this challenge.' I strongly empathized with her passion to challenge the big waves of the world from the 'still' place of a ryokan and immediately decided to provide support. The purpose of the work style reform promoted by Kinnotake is to build an organizational culture where each employee can cherish their own life and dreams. That's why we were able to approach the next generation's challenge with pure intentions.

From the mountains of Hakone to the world's best waves. We believe that supporting Ms. Munemasa's challenge will be a new driving force for us to continue creating 'overwhelmingly extraordinary experiences.'

We will walk together with her until she stands at the top of the world."

▼Main Achievements

2024: 5th NAMINORI Koshien 3rd place

2025: All Japan Junior Open Surfing Championship 3rd place

2025: All Japan Class Surfing Championship 3rd place
2025: All Japan Surfing Championship Runner-up
2026: Selected as a designated athlete by the Nippon Surfing Association (NSA)

｜Future Outlook

Kinnotake will continue to support Yuumi Munemasa's global challenge and strengthen initiatives to support next-generation talents in diverse fields such as sports and culture.

We will promote the creation of a "system to support challenges" in Kinnotake's unique way, including human resource support in collaboration with the local community and the creation of new value by combining stay experiences.

From the Hakone region to the world.
We will continue to transmit new value and possibilities by supporting those who challenge themselves.

｜About Kinnotake Resort

Kinnotake Resort opened its first hot spring ryokan in Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa Prefecture in 1947. In 1999, it created new ways to enjoy and value hot spring ryokans through "extraordinary experiences" with private open-air baths, which were still rare at the time. Currently, it operates 5 ryokan facilities and 3 restaurants, and is building a portfolio through diversification into new businesses such as craft beer and the opening of new ryokan facilities targeting different demographics. This aims for sustainable growth by adapting to changes in the external environment.