JGA Chairman’s Words of Praise and Caution

Tokyo, Japan: Japan Golf Association (JGA) Chairman Masashige Ikeya has delivered words of praise and caution for the golf industry in his New Year message.

In his message, published on the JGA website, Chairman Ikeya hailed the performances of Japanese golfers on the world stage in 2025. He also expressed concern about the dwindling number of golfers in the country.

Chairman Ikeya said: “Unfortunately, the number of golfers in Japan is on the decline. The Japan Golf Association is working tirelessly to tackle a variety of issues, including promoting healthy life expectancy through golf, promoting golf for women, and promoting junior golf, so that more people can enjoy golf and further develop the golf world in Japan. We ask for your understanding and support this year as well.”

On a brighter note, Chairman Ikeya reflected with pride on the efforts of Japanese players on the world’s most prominent professional circuits.

He said: “The year 2025 was marked by notable achievements by Japanese players who demonstrated their skills on the world stage. In addition to the impressive victories of Mao Saigo at the Chevron Championship and Miyu Yamashita at the AIG Women’s Open, Reo Takeda and the Iwai sisters (Chisato and Akie) also won on the LPGA Tour.

“The Rookie of the Year award was a fierce battle between two Japanese golfers (Saigo and Yamashita) with Yamashita becoming the third Japanese player to win the award.

“Meanwhile, on the men’s side, former national amateur team members Hideki Matsuyama, Takumi Kanaya, Keita Nakajima and Ryo Hisatsune all demonstrated impressive play on the US and European Tours.”

Chairman Ikeya also referenced the boost to the Japan Open in 2025 with the winner (Takayuki Kataoka) being eligible to compete in the following year’s Masters Tournament in addition to the Open Championship.

He added: “It is very gratifying that Japanese players are now having more opportunities to challenge the world, and it is also proof that the Japanese golf world is attracting attention from around the world.

“We believe the reason why Japanese players continue to be successful on the world stage is due to the results of analysis and instruction based on a scientific approach by experts in various fields who have been with the national team since their amateur days.

"The Japan Golf Association will continue to carry on the coaching methods of Gareth Jones, who retired at the end of last year, and will continue to work on player development projects.”