The Japanese equestrian federation has drafted a long list of riders who are under consideration for team selection for the 2026 major championships.
For Asian riders 2026 has two great Championships on offer: the Asian Games hosted in Nagoya (JPN) and the World Championships in Aachen (GER).
The riders have been long-listed riders based on the scores they have achieved at designated events in Japan and abroad.
Leadership
In preparation of the 2021 Olympics and 2022 World Championhips, the Japan Equestrian Federation hired technical assistance from abroad (Christoph Koschel - Mariette Withages) but for the next championship cycle the national federation has draw inspiration and expertise from home turf.
Former FEI 5* judge Minako Furuoka has been appointed team captain and she will be assisted by two coaches, Olympians Akane Kuroki and Hiroyuki Kitahara. Outside expertise might still be appointed but so early in the game Japan has decided to prepare its riders by having the two coaches travel around the country for training.
Long List
Long listed riders are:
2026 World Championships - A-squad
- Shingo Hayashi - Chrevi's Ravello / Fernando
- Kiichi Harada - Impression
2026 World Championships - B-squad
- Akiko Yonemoto - Hero
- Yusuke Hasegawa - Denksport
- Akane Shimizu
- Takahito Otsuka
- Shingo Hayashi
- Yukiko Komori
- Yurie Yoshida
2026 Asian Games - B-squad
- Mako Mitamura
- Kazuki Sado
- YukakoTakikawa
- Kazuya Tuge
The long lists are expected to be updated after more designated selection events scheduled from September and onwards.
Photos © Astrid Appels
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