第4回 JAPAN CUP IN MINAMIIZU

To all paddlers,

We are excited to announce that the 4th JAPAN CUP in Minami Izu will be held on April 18 (Sat) – 19 (Sun), 2026. This event marks an important milestone as we enter our fourth season as Va’a Japan.

Over the past three seasons, we have grown this race together with paddlers and clubs across Japan. Each year, participation has continued to increase, and the event has now become a race that welcomes not only paddlers from all over Japan, but also a growing number of international competitors.

With this continued growth and increasing international participation, we have decided to rename what was previously held as the “Japan National Championships” final race in Minami Izu to the Japan Cup, with the goal of creating a more internationally open and recognized event.

The Japan Cup is not only a place for Japan’s paddlers to compete at the highest level, but also a stage where paddlers from around the world can meet on the ocean, push each other, and grow together.

Our goal is to develop this event into one of the most respected races in the global OC1 racing scene.

We truly look forward to seeing you in April, and welcoming you to the incredible waters of Minami Izu.

We can’t wait to have you on the start line.

Va’a Japan Race Director
Kenny Kaneko

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2026 Va’a Japan 4th National Championships in Minami Izu

(Entry deadline is March 31.)
The deadline for entries including a jersey is March 1.

Date: April 18 (Sat) – April 19 (Sun), 2026
Location: Yumigahama Beach, Minami Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture
Organizer: Va’a Japan
Supporters: Minami Izu Town, Minami Izu Tourism Association, Izu Fisheries Cooperative Association, Minami Izu Chamber of Commerce, Izu Outrigger Canoe Club, PADDLER Inc.,
Sponsors: Hammers + Legends, PADDLER

Race Overview

Course:

Long Course: 21 km
Short Course: 6 km (Course may change depending on race-day conditions.)

Craft & Divisions:

Awards:

The top 3 finishers in the V1 & OC1 Long Course will receive overall awards.
If there are 1-3 entries in a division → Only 1st place is awarded.
If there are 4 or more entries in a division → Top 3 finishers will be awarded.
OC2 participants in the Short Course will be classified under the Open Category.

Schedule

April 18 (Sat)

16:00 – 18:00 Race Check-in @ Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden
18:00 – Pre-Race Party @ Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden (Catering by BE HAPPY Izu)

April 19 (Sun)

07:00 – 08:00 Race Check-in (Main Tent)
08:00 Opening Ceremony
09:00 Short Course Start
11:00 OC1/V1 Long Course Start
15:30 Closing Ceremony & Prize Draw

Race Cancellation & Changes Due to Weather or Unexpected Situations

If the race cannot be held on April 19, it may be moved to April 18.
If the race is canceled on both days, entry fees will not be refunded.

Safety Regulations

All paddlers must wear one of the following:
- Life jacket
- Floating vest
- Inflatable life vest (e.g., RESTUBE)
Leash is mandatory for OC1.
A spare paddle must be attached to the canoe.

Entry Fees (ENTRIES CLOSE MARCH 31, 2026)

LONG COURSE

OC1/V1 　　　　 : ¥19,800 (tax included)
OC1/V1 (Junior) : ¥16,500 (tax included) *Under 19
OC2 　　　　　　: ¥37,400 (tax included)
OC2 （Junior）　 : ¥33,000 (tax included) *Under 19

SHORT COURSE

OC1/V1 　　　　 : ¥17,600 (tax included)
OC1/V1 (Junior) : ¥15,400 (tax included) *Under 19
OC2 　　　　　　: ¥33,000 (tax included)
OC2 （Junior）　 : ¥30,800 (tax included) *Under 19

Entry fees include:

Va’a Japan cap by Hammers + Legends
PADDLERS NIGHT (Pre-Race Party)
Race-day Bento Lunch
Sports insurance

・Participants who register by March 1 will receive a VA'A JAPAN x Hammers + Legends race jersey.
(The entry fee remains the same for registrations after March 1.)

Rental Canoes

Rental canoes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
While we will ask for your preferred canoe, we cannot guarantee availability of your preferred model.

The rental fee is JPY 20,000 per canoe.

We have already received a large number of inquiries from overseas paddlers, even before entry officially opens.
As canoe availability cannot be guaranteed, please submit the form and wait for our confirmation.

FILL OUT NOW

VA'A JAPAN x HAMMERS+ LEGEND SPECIAL EDITION JERSEY

Coming Soon..

PADDLER'S NIGHT

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The annual Va'a Japan pre-race party is back!
By completing race check-in in advance, race day will run smoothly.

This is also a great opportunity to connect with paddlers from all over Japan and around the world.
As in previous years, the event will be held at Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden, with catering provided by Be Happy Izu, a popular local favorite in Minami-Izu.

We will also be hosting a fun and exciting rock-paper-scissors tournament with great prizes!

RACE COURSE

ACCESS

🚃 By Public Transportation
Nearest station: Izukyu-Shimoda Station
→ Take the Tokai Bus bound for “Irozaki Port Entrance” or “Shimogamo”
→ Get off at Yumigahama Onsen bus stop
→ Approximately 5-minute walk to Yumigahama Beach

※ Bus travel time: approx. 25–30 minutes
※ Bus services are limited, so we recommend checking the timetable in advance.

🚗 By Car
From Numazu IC (Tomei Expressway) or Nagaizumi-Numazu IC (Shin-Tomei Expressway)
→ Take the Izu-Jukan Expressway
→ Head toward Shimoda
→ Yumigahama Beach
(Approx. 2.5–3 hours from the IC)

🅿️ Parking Information
Free parking is available near the venue.

Please note that parking space is limited.
If your accommodation has parking, we kindly ask that you unload your canoe at the venue first, then park at your accommodation.

For those staying overnight, canoes may be left on the beach from the day before the race.
※ Please note that any damage or theft during storage is at your own risk.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel

Guesthouse

Airbnb

Additional information on guesthouses is also available on the Minami-Izu Tourism Association website below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 　info@paddler2020.com.