The Association was established on November 1, 2019, and after the subsequent activities, we started a new step forward as a general incorporated association on May 24, 2023. The Association respects the cultural background of outrigger canoeing and will continue to promote and develop the sport in Japan. As a member of the INTERNATIONAL VA’A FEDERATION, which is the coordinating body for outrigger canoeing around the world, we will also focus on exchanges with other countries.
The Japan Outrigger Canoe Association (JOCA) aims to promote the safe and sustainable development of outrigger canoeing in Japan, while contributing to the preservation of maritime culture and strengthening connections with local communities.
After several years of preparation, the Japan Outrigger Canoe Association (JOCA) was launched on November 01, 2019. Being a passionate paddler myself (from 1998), I would like the association to act as a conduit to perpetuate not only the culture of outrigger canoeing, but the strong passion we have for this Polynesian rooted sport to the next generation and to the global community.
I believe that the management of an association is similar to the teamwork you experience on an outrigger canoe out in the sea. I remain committed to the development of the sport and spirit of outrigger canoeing. I take the immense pleasure working with all of you and sincerely appreciate your continued support.
Mitsuru Obana
Ohana Hoe Outrigger Canoe Club
November 1, 2019
WAILEA CANOE CLUB JAPAN / OHANA HOE OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB / Chigasaki Outrigger Canoe Club / Sajima Paddling Connection (SPC) / BEACH HAYAMA / BEACH BUM PADDLERS / MOKUPUNI OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB/ Holokai OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB KANSAI / Amanico outrigger canoe club / Suruga Bay OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB
Board of Directors
| President | Mitsuru Obana |
| Director | Kenji Kinoshita |
| Director | Fujio Kobayashi |
| Director | Seigo Tamura |
Members
| Operations Committee | Masafumi Takada |
| Operations Committee | Keisuke Katsumata |
| Operations Committee | Miki Matsumoto |
| Operations / International Affairs | Kumiko Takahashi |
| Operations / International Affairs | Mark Masahiro Sekita |
| Public Relations Committee | Miki Saito |
| Public Relations Committee | Waka Katano |
| Treasurer | Hiromi Kobayashi |
Auditors
| Auditor | Dairoku Endo |
| Auditor | Edward Phillips |
Articles of Incorporation & Governance Rules
Coming Soon
