Menicon X-Sports

Menicon will be Ogi´s sponsor in
The Red Bull X-Alps 2011, the most extreme race in flying and hiking worldwide that will be held in the Alps from Salzburg to Monaco along 860Km adventure race.

What is your greatest sporting success?: Reaching Monaco at Red Bull X-Alps 2007.
When and why did you begin paragliding?: In 1987 because it seemed to be a very interesting sport.
What is your mountaineering and big mountain experience?: My place in Japan features quite big mountains (around 3000m). So I play around there since I was a child.
What does your typical training week consist of?: Hiking up a mountain and flying.
What are your best and worst sporting memories?: The best is for sure finishing Red Bull X-Alps in 2007. I do not have any bad memor
When and how did you first hear about the Red Bull X-Alps?: In 2003 I participated in the World Championship of paragliding in Portugal. First I didn't know why Steve Cox was not there. Then I heard about Red Bull X-Alps and it seemed really interesting.
Have you competed in the Red Bull X-Alps before and if so, when?: Yes, in 2007 and 2009.

Why does the Red Bull X-Alps interest you?: I can feel and find many things about humanity during Red Bull X-Alps.
What will be your strategy during the race?: Keeping cool.
On average, over a third of the Red Bull X-Alps participants fail to finish the event. Why do you think you will make it?: You need excellent skills in order to reach Monaco. You also need a very good weather forecast. If I have both I can make it.
What excites you most about the event?: To feel alive.
What scares you the most about the event?: To get sleepy during hiking.
How long have you known your assistant?: Since 2003.
Why will he/ she make a good assistant?: Because he likes to support me during Red Bull X-Alps.

Age:: 41
Marital status:: Married
Lives:: Tokyo, Japan
How long have you known each other?: Since 2003.
Why will he/ she make a good supporter?: He is a specialist at finding the way through mountain roads.