GPS RUNNER
ββ RUN FOR SMILE! Year 11 β Spreading smiles across 11 countries ββ
View Support Plans β
01 β PROJECT
In 2026, the world's eyes turn to the Americas.
For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With an audience of 3.5β5 billion viewers, Naoki will ride this global wave of attention to run through 11 countries and create GPS art that delivers excitement and smiles to the world.
The first leg spans the three host countries: USA, Mexico, and Canada. Naoki will draw all three official FIFA World Cup 2026 mascots at Guinness-scale sizes, fusing sport and art to celebrate the tournament.
The finish line is Manhattan, New York City! The goal is to arrive the day before the World Cup Opening Ceremony β then pivot south for the second leg across 8 South American countries.
After arriving in the US, Naoki will spend roughly 5 months making his way toward Brazil.
02 β ADVENTURE
Naoki has already traveled through 30+ countries β getting scammed out of $3,000, nearly killed by a pack of wild dogs, and stranded at 4,000m in the Andes after being abandoned by a taxi driver.
This time he pushes even further β 11 countries through Central and South America, arguably the most challenging route yet. "Stay safe" is the top priority for this project. (Even a safe room to sleep in makes a difference.)
03 β WHY
He keeps going because no human being has ever done this before β and because there are emotions waiting on the other side that nobody has ever felt.
Art-guided alleys and landmark routes through unknown streets.
Running and drawing there, what kind of smiles and scenery will he encounter? He'll share every joy and discovery on Instagram and YouTube β inviting the world along for the ride.
This project has 10 team members so far. The 11th is you.
04 β NEXT GENERATION
Naoki's journey began as an elementary school teacher, when spending two years as the homeroom teacher for a student with cerebral palsy planted a dream: "Create a running culture where nobody has to compete."
This challenge is also a message to his beloved former students and children everywhere β that the joy of daring to try is worth chasing, and that the connections we build across borders belong to the next generation.
Your support and encouragement becomes the fuel for the next generation of challengers.
05 β SUPPORT
Every single person who supports this project becomes the 11th member of ELEVEN RUN 2026!
Whether you want to chip in a little, cheer loudly, or become a symbol of the project β every contribution helps make the 11-country adventure safer, bigger, and bolder.
06 β BUDGET
Every yen goes directly toward completing this mission.
SUPPORT PLANS
Cover the cost of 3 meals on the road
Help cover food and transport costs
Cover one day of meals and accommodation
Ensure a safe place to sleep
Sponsor the ultimate cross-cultural drink
Fund the equipment that keeps him alive
Sponsor friendships brewed around the world
Mega-support for humanity's first-ever challenge
MESSAGE
Year 11 of the challenge β ELEVEN RUN 2026.
Every supporter is a running partner!
Let's run through 11 countries together!
Thank you so much for your support.
RUN FOR SMILE.
Your support powers the first challenge of its kind in human history.
Become the 11th member of the team.
Payment: Credit Card / PayPay / Bank Transfer / Convenience Store