Akira Sasaki is a Japanese alpine skier who competed at the highest level in international skiing. He represented Japan in three consecutive Winter Olympics—Salt Lake City 2002, Torino 2006, and Vancouver 2010—competing in both slalom and giant slalom.
His most notable achievement came in 2003 at the Alpine Skiing World Cup in Wengen, where he secured a second-place finish despite starting with number 65. He remains one of Japan’s most successful alpine skiers, holding the national record for the most World Cup podium finishes in the discipline.
In addition to his athletic career, Sasaki has been dedicated to promoting peace and supporting children affected by natural disasters. He founded Yukiiku Excursions, a program designed to introduce the joy of snow sports to children impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake, helping them heal through nature and play.
As a Non-Violence Ambassador since 2015, Sasaki has embraced the mission of spreading peace and unity beyond sports, using his platform to inspire others to break barriers and foster a more peaceful world.
The Non-Violence Project Foundation is a non-profit organization with special consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
