mymizu Ambassadors
If you're looking for inspiration, look no further than our mymizu Ambassadors.
They are world-class athletes, artists, thinkers and doers who are making the world a better place.
United by a shared vision and passion for our planet, we are creating a movement for a more sustainable world.
Photo Credit: Isabel Muñoz
Photo Credit: Darren Jew
Ai Futaki
Double Freediving Guinness World Record holder Ai Futaki is one of the very few people in the world who conveys the splendours of the sea to us in various ways including as an underwater video photographer, presenter and freediving instructor.
In 2011, she set two Guinness World records for the longest distance in a cave with fins in one breath and the other, without fins. By representing the aquatic realm in a way that the world has never seen, Ai highlights the meaning and expression of the human-water connection. Her films are featured on television programs, commercials, exhibitions and her image regularly graces the pages of magazines and books, including a recent collaboration with Issey Miyake.
60seconds with Ai
What wakes you up in the morning?
Sunlight
What motivates you to do what you do?
Something that comes from deep inside of myself…. I do because I have to do it.
Why is the environment important to you?
Because WE are part of the environment!
What can individuals do today to help preserve the natural world that we are so lucky to have?
I believe first we must be “Healthy” mentally and Physically ourselves. If we can not care for ourselves, how we can care for others… ?
What is your message to the mymizu community?
“Co-Exist”. We are part of this beautiful blue planet. Let’s find a way to live all together; Nature, Animals, and us-Human.
KENNY KANEKO
Born in Chigasaki and raised in Southern California, Kenny started surfing at an early age and played soccer for the US youth national teams (Under 13-15). He moved back to Japan when he was 17 to pursue a career as a professional soccer player but a career ending injury forced him to retire. In his second year of university, under the influence of his father, he began outrigger canoeing and developed a love for paddling across the ocean. He graduated from the International Christian University in 2010, and in 2013, he took up Stand Up Paddling (SUP) in earnest.
The following year, Kenny won the Japan National SUP Championship. In 2015 he started racing overseas, and in 2016 he won The 2nd Hong Kong International SUP Championship. In 2019 he was crowned the Japanese National Champion for the fourth time and placed 6th at the World Championships. In the same year, he became the first Japanese paddler on the podium at the MOLOKAI 2 OAHU WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS; the world's toughest cross-channel race held in Hawaii every year.
Kenny is currently based in Hayama, Kanagawa and continues to compete in both international and domestic races. Through developing an asian-fit paddle, KANEKO PADDLES, and organizing SUP races targeting children, Kenny actively promotes ocean sports in Japan.
60 seconds with Kenny
What wakes you up in the morning?
The thought of getting on the ocean. Mornings are the best time to find solitude on the water.
What motivates you to do what you do?
To influence as many people to get on the water and in nature as possible through my activities as a paddler.
Why is the environment important to you?
Modern society separates us humans from the environment. We need to remember that we are just a part of Mother Earth. If we can look at everything from this perspective, taking care of the environment and doing the right thing should come naturally.
What is your message to the mymizu community?
Being on the ocean every day, I see first hand the negative impact we make on the environment. There is something wrong when there's more plastic waste than fish and other sea creatures. Your efforts now will help make sure we sustain this environment for our future generations!
MEI ICHINOSE
Born in 1997, Mei is a Japanese Paralympian. From Kyoto, Japan, she was born without a right arm from the elbow down. After attending the Kyoto City Sports Center for Disabled at the age of one and a half, she made her debut at the Kinki Swimming Tournament for the Disabled at the age of nine. She then started her full-scale training and participated in the Asian Para Games as the youngest in history at that time. She has won a silver medal in the 50m freestyles, and has represented Japan at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in 8 events. After graduating from college in 2019, relocated to Sunshine Coast, Australia to continue training. Mei currently holds seven records in Japan including her specialty, the 100m butterfly and the 200m individual medley. She actively shares information on disabilities and won the national English speech contest in high school, and is a staff member at Kinki University.
60 Seconds with Mei
What wakes you up in the morning?
The alarm at 5 every morning! but seriously, the excitement of what the day brings!
What motivates you to do what you do?
My goal has always been "to be happy" and that's all I'm trying to do. And of course, that includes happiness by everyone as well. That’s why the will to create a society where everyone can live comfortably and appreciate what we have on this Earth comes naturally to me. There are a lot of things I want to do, like fighting racism, connecting with more people, and stopping climate change. Activities like swimming and yoga are my means to achieve this.
Why is the environment important to you?
Because it is a part of us, and we’re a part of it!
What is your message to the mymizu community?
I think it all starts with focusing on yourself. When you have kindness and love within yourself, you have the strength to share that with your surroundings. Positive changes come from being conscious about yourself and your behaviours. I’m here to encourage everyone to start by focusing their conscious on themselves!