OKAZAKI Haruka, supported by TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING, competed in the Women’s Canoe Single event at the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, held in Oklahoma City, USA, from 20 to 25 July.

OKAZAKI narrowly missed qualification for the semi-finals by five seconds. Despite the result, she delivered a race that reflected the improvements she had been working on, finishing as the highest-placed Japanese athlete and recording the second-best result among Asian nations.

Powerful paddling by OKAZAKI Haruka

OKAZAKI Haruka and Coach Atanas Nikolovski

Following the competition, OKAZAKI commented:
“Although I narrowly missed out on the semi-finals by five seconds, I was pleased that I was able to demonstrate the improvements I had been working on throughout my race. Finishing as the highest-placed Japanese athlete and recording the second-best result among Asian nations has also given me great confidence ahead of the Asian Games in September. Thank you very much for all your warm support.”

The third round of the Japan Cup, originally scheduled to be held in Iwate Prefecture on 1–2 August, was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING will continue to support OKAZAKI as she pursues excellence on the international stage.