23/04/2026
.
For more information and to support Shinji,
please visit the link in this Instagram profile
☺︎
－－－－－－
About Shinji Sato’s Current Situation and the Launch of “Shinji the Future”
Professional snowboarder Shinji Sato, who has helped shape Japan’s snowboarding scene and inspired the next generation in his hometown of Uonuma, was diagnosed in April 2026 with stage 4 esophageal cancer.
After thorough medical examinations, doctors explained that surgery would be extremely difficult. They also advised that radiation therapy and chemotherapy could involve significant physical strain and serious risks.
After carefully considering several treatment options, Shinji decided, based on his own wishes, to focus primarily on advanced medical care aimed at supporting the recovery of his immune function (treatments not covered by public insurance), while also keeping standard treatments under consideration depending on his condition and progress.
His goal is to continue treatment while minimizing the burden on his body, protecting his immune system, and maintaining the quality of his daily life as much as possible.
This decision is not a rejection of conventional treatment, but rather a choice Shinji made after sincerely facing his current condition and considering what is best for him.
As treatment moves forward, there is a possibility that significant medical expenses will be required.
“We do not want financial limitations to reduce his medical options.”
With this in mind, supporters have established “Shinji the Future” (Support Association for Shinji Sato).
So that Shinji can stand on snow again, and so that his experience can help inspire the next generation, we sincerely ask for your warm support.
Please help us spread the word.
