TOKYO, JUNE 19, 2025 – To unite and connect individuals and cultures worldwide, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest and 5-Star airline for 12 consecutive years, announced today a sponsorship agreement with Olympic gold medalist skateboarder Yuto Horigome, as he sets his sights on the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Horigome began street skateboarding in junior high school. After graduating from high school, he moved to the U.S., competing in top global tour events and honing his skills. At the postponed 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, where skateboarding debuted as an official Olympic sport, Horigome became its first-ever gold medalist. He secured his second consecutive gold medal in men’s street skateboarding at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Now based in California, Horigome continues to pursue new skateboarding challenges worldwide.
Horigome’s exceptional skill, unwavering dedication and mental fortitude to perform under pressure directly align with a core principle of ANA’s Way
: endeavor to take on any challenge. His journey, from stepping onto the international stage at a young age to mastering skateboarding while living abroad, exemplifies the power of pushing beyond boundaries and inspiring people around the world to do the same.
“We are honored to stand behind Yuto Horigome, who brought new values to the Japanese sports world and a true pioneer in the world of skateboarding,” said Shinichi Inoue, President of ANA. “Skateboarding embodies a culture of mutual respect and celebration, values that ANA shares and champions. We’re committed to bringing excitement, courage and inspiration to our customers worldwide, and we proudly support young people like Horigome in pursuing their dreams abroad through our sponsorships.”
“I am truly honored to have partnered with ANA, a globally renowned airline,” said Yuto Horigome. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve flown with ANA as I traveled from Japan to the world, gaining invaluable experiences and taking on new challenges through skateboarding. Together with ANA, I hope to share not only the excitement of skateboarding but also its culture and joy with the next generation.”
As a major global airline, ANA serves as a bridge connecting the world and will support the next chapter of Horigome’s skateboarding journey by facilitating his international travel. ANA recognizes Horigome’s determination and pursuit of his dreams as an inspiration to a new generation of talent emerging from Japan. This sponsorship emphasizes ANA’s commitment to supporting bold endeavors from the ground to the sky, accompanying him on his climb to even greater heights. ANA will continue to leverage the power of sports to foster progress and support the next generation of global talent.