GPS RUNNER
PROFILE
GPS Runner — Drawing pictures on maps by running. The world's first profession of its kind.
志水 直樹 / GPS RUNNER
Born in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan. After working as a civil engineering consultant and elementary school teacher, Naoki created the world's first profession — "GPS Runner" — in April 2019 and began his professional career.
His mission: to create a "non-competitive running culture." His motto: "RUN FOR SMILE." He has run across 12 countries, completing approximately 1,600 artworks covering roughly 19,000km total. (As of April 2026)
He serves as coordinator for "GPS RUN ART," an official event of the 2026 Asian Games (Asian Olympics). He has appeared in 160+ media outlets across 12 countries including Japan's "Itte Q!", Yahoo! News, and Spain's MARCA.
MOVIE
MEDIA
Featured in 160+ media outlets across 12 countries. Selected highlights:
CAREER
Born in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
Spent early childhood in Kenilworth, England
Graduated from Konan University (History & Culture)
Including 6-month exchange at University of Leeds, UK
Worked at a civil engineering consulting firm
Elementary school teacher in Nishinomiya for 6 years
First GPS Run — "Nishinomiya LOVE"
Drew "LOVE" across the city on Valentine's Day. Everything started here.
Launched career as GPS Runner
Appointed adidas Runtastic Japan Ambassador. First Japanese among 24 global ambassadors for the 160M-user app.
GPS Runs across 9 countries in Europe
Presented to 200 adidas group employees in Austria.
Appointed Coordinator for Asian Games 2026 "GPS RUN ART"
Appeared on Nippon TV "Itte Q!" — drew a portrait of Tetsuya Degawa while running with Asako Ito.
GPS Art across all 47 Japanese prefectures
TBS "Bouken Shonen." Led "GO to VOTE" campaign — voter turnout in Nishinomiya mayoral election surpassed 40% for first time in 48 years.
Taiwan circumnavigation — 24 consecutive full marathons, 1,135km
Known as "the most famous Japanese after Hiroshi Abe and Naomi Watanabe" in Taiwan.
Peru — 4,600km "Alpaca Geoglyph"
Covered in 7 countries' media via EFE news agency. Guest on MBS "Akashiya Denshi-tai" with Sanma.
Tsunagare JAPAN! — 3,700km in 113 days
21 prefectures, drew "Runner" GPS art for Noto earthquake recovery.
ELEVEN RUN 2026 Project
One-way ticket to the USA. Running through 11 countries: USA, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil.
Lectures, events, media appearances, collaborations — feel free to reach out.