What is BUN FREESTYLE
'BUN FREESTYLE' is the brand name used to encompass the marine business and product services of Yugen Gaisha 231. It represents the philosophy pursued by Bunichi Watanabe, the company's president, in the field of Jet Ski Freestyle, and extends that ideology to 'products and services.'
Who is Bunichi Watanabe?
Bunichi Watanabe, also known as 'BUN,' is the maverick of the jet sports world who clinched the title of world champion in Jet Ski Freestyle.
The Road to World Champion
While typical athletes strive to improve their physical abilities and skills to secure victory, Bunichi Watanabe took a different path. He embarked on the development of the ideal machine (watercraft) that he envisioned.
Development of Competitive Watercraft
The competitive watercraft developed by Bunichi Watanabe, both to achieve world titles in Jet Ski Freestyle, are named 'Wabuzun' and powered by the 'Waz' engine.

Boat 'Wabuzun'

Engine 'Waz'
It marks the moment when freestyle athlete and jet engineer, Bunichi Watanabe, came into being.
With the machine (watercraft) he developed himself, he achieved four consecutive All Japan Championships.
In domestic competitions, he secured a winning streak of 16, and further distinguished himself by becoming the first Japanese to win back-to-back World Championships in 2007 and 2008. These records remain unbroken to this day. Recognizing such achievements, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the IJSBA (INTERNATIONAL JET SPORT BOATING ASSOCIATION) in 2016, becoming the fourth Japanese to achieve this honor.

Career of World Champion
Bunichi Watanabe

1998
His first-ever competition involved arriving at the venue in a Ferrari, having already scripted in his mind a scenario of winning in style. However, the outcome was far from glamorous; he failed to qualify.
October 2005

IJSBA WORLD FINALS PRO Freestyle: 3rd place (the highest-level global competition)

All Japan Jet Freestyle Championship PRO Class: Winner (Japanese national competition)

October 2006

IJSBA WORLD FINALS PRO Freestyle: 2nd place

All Japan Jet Freestyle Championship PRO Class: Winner

October 2007

IJSBA WORLD FINALS PRO
Freestyle: Winner

All Japan Jet Freestyle Championship
PRO Class: Winner

Achieving
Back-to-Back
Titles, a First for a
Japanese!
October 2008

IJSBA WORLD FINALS PRO
Freestyle: Winner

All Japan Jet Freestyle Championship
PRO Class: Winner

October 2009

IJSBA WORLD FINALS PRO Freestyle: 2nd place, narrowly missing a third consecutive victory.

October 2010

IJSBA WORLD FINALS PRO Freestyle: 2nd place

August 2011

Retired from Jet Ski Freestyle competition

October 2016

Inducted into the Hall of Fame by the IJSBA (International Jet
Sports Boating Association), becoming the fourth person to achieve this honor.

Nurturing the Next Generation

Even after retiring as a competitor, Bunichi Watanabe continued to innovate in the world of jet sports. He mentored athletes and worked on watercraft development, producing the next generation of world champions.
Pro Freestyler
Taishi Yamamoto
Affiliated with BUN FREESTYLE
Career
December 2019

WGP#1 WATER JET World Cup: Winner

December 2022

WGP#1 WATER JET World Cup: Winner

December 2023

WGP#1 WATER JET World Cup: Winner

Pro Freestyler
Kazuaki Sakaida
Affiliated with BUN FREESTYLE
Career
October 2011

IJSBA WORLD FINALS PRO Freestyle: Winner