About Us
Meet the Team
In 1978, one diver chose Sado. We've been here ever since.
Staff
The people who make Freeway feel like home
Hitoshi Sakuma
Freeway Owner
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer / Diving Technician (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) / Aqualung Equipment Maintenance / Mares Equipment Maintenance (Advanced)
Buoyancy
AWARE Coral Conservation
Project AWARE
DEEP
Drysuit
Night
Boat
Navigation
Kobudai
Favorite Dive PointsUnderwater Hot Spring, Negai, Mushizaki Benten Beach
Favorite Marine LifeChagara, Giant Trevally
HobbiesSurfing, Portuguese
"After diving oceans around the world, I chose Sado. For 48 years, I've called these waters home. Dive here through all four seasons and you'll feel the ocean transform before your eyes. This is the authentic Japanese sea. Come in summer, and come back when the snow falls."
Akira Yabiki
Niigata Shop Manager
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer / EFR Instructor / Diving Technician (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) / ScubaPro Technical Maintenance / Aqualung Equipment Maintenance / Mares Equipment Maintenance (Expert)
Buoyancy
AWARE Coral Conservation
Project AWARE
DEEP
Drysuit
Digital Photographer
Boat
Kobudai
Favorite Dive PointsHimetsu Arch, Toragase
Favorite Marine LifeAsian Sheepshead Wrasse (Kobudai)
HobbiesSnowboarding, doing a very convincing No-Face impression (Spirited Away)
"Diving opens up a world you just can't get on land. Watching fish up close, snapping photos, floating weightless — everyone finds their own way to love it. Give it one try. Trust me, you'll be hooked."
Hiroyuki Koide
Sado Shop Manager
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer / EFR Instructor / Diving Technician (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) / Mares Equipment Maintenance (Expert)
Deep
Drysuit
Night
Buoyancy
Compass Navigation
Project AWARE
Naturalist
AWARE Coral Conservation
Kobudai
Digital Camera
Favorite Dive PointsKatanoo, Himetsu, Washizaki
Favorite Marine LifeLumpfish, Smooth Lumpsucker, Chagara, Nudibranchs, Seaweed colonies
HobbiesKyudo (4th Dan), Swimming
"Seven years on Sado and I'm still not over it. The quiet countryside above, the ever-changing underwater world below — every season brings something new. I'm here to share all of it with you. I mainly lead fun dives."
Masaharu Tsunoda
Sado Shop Support Staff
PADI Divemaster / Diving Technician (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
Favorite Dive PointsAkaiwa, Negai, Futatsugame
Favorite Marine LifeSchools of sardines, pelagic fish
HobbiesDrives with no destination, ramen shop hopping
"Come find me at the Sado shop in summer. The water here is something you have to see for yourself. And if you're hitting a milestone dive, I've got a few surprises planned."
Chika Nakagawa
Sado Shop Support Staff
PADI Divemaster
Favorite Dive PointsAkaiwa, Futatsugame
Favorite Marine LifeAsian Sheepshead Wrasse (Yamato), Seahorse, Fringed Blenny, Threadsail Filefish
HobbiesHonestly, still figuring it out. Diving on days off, snowboarding in winter, and just got a cross bike.
"I came from Osaka, fell in love with Sado's ocean, and now I'm back every summer from July through October. Can't wait to meet you out there."
Hiroto Ando
Sado Shop Support Staff
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Buoyancy
AWARE Coral Conservation
Project AWARE
Favorite Dive PointsMushizaki Beach
Favorite Marine LifeSchools of horse mackerel and sardines
HobbiesGuitar, Skateboarding, Road cycling
"I run most of our trial dives and certification courses. There's nothing better than watching someone see Sado's underwater world for the first time."
Shogo Yoshida
Sado Shop Support Staff
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor / Diving Technician (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
Buoyancy
AWARE Coral Conservation
Project AWARE
Favorite Dive PointsMushizaki Shuraku-mae
Favorite Marine LifeNudibranchs, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse
HobbiesSauna, Darts, Piano
"Trial dives are my main gig, but I also jump in on fun dives and courses. Whatever brings you to Sado's ocean, I'm here to make sure you have a great time."
