Hiroaki Kunitake

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

He discovered his passion for snowboarding at the age of three. At just 13, he won silver at his first international competition, setting an early example of his exceptional talent.


His impressive development led him further and further up the rankings in both national and international competitions, until he finally competed in the Olympic Games in PyeongChang at the age of 15.


At the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, he achieved the best result of a Japanese rider in the Big Air competition, finishing in 4th place. But that wasn't all: In the summer of the same year, he managed to land the extremely difficult FS Quad 1800 in New Zealand – a trick mastered by very few.


With his unique style and relentless ambition, he constantly strives for new heights. His journey is far from over – he is working tirelessly to redefine the boundaries of snowboarding.

SUCCESSES

2026


Participation – Winter Olympics Milano Cortina (Slopestyle & Big Air)


Current ranking: 15th place in the Big Air World Ranking (as of FIS Points List 7, 2025/2026).


Participation – Winter X Games Aspen 2026 (Big Air).


2025


Consistent final placements in the FIS World Cup (including in Beijing and Steamboat).


Top 20 – FIS World Snowboard Championships Engadin (Slopestyle).


Securing a quota place for the Japanese Olympic team through consistent performances in the 2024/2025 World Cup season.


2024


🥈 2nd place – Winter X Games Aspen (Big Air) – Silver medal in the high-class final.


🥇 1st place – FIS World Cup Edmonton (Big Air) – His first World Cup victory in December 2023/2024 season.


Status: A key member of the world elite in the Park & Pipe disciplines.


Career highlights (selection)


4th place – 2022 Winter Olympics (Beijing) in Big Air – Just missed the podium.


Three-time Olympian (2018, 2022, 2026).


FIS World Cup podium finishes since 2018.