JGA Stages National Team Appreciation Party

Tokyo, Japan: The Japan Golf Association (JGA) commemorated the performances of its leading amateurs during the traditional end-of-year National Team Appreciation Party. 

The event was attended by players who participated in training camps both in Japan and overseas, individuals who represented the JGA in international competitions, as well as Gareth Jones, outgoing Chairman of the National Training Committee, training staff, and sponsors who support the association’s player development and training programmes.

In the final World Amateur Golf Ranking list for 2025, Japan boasted four players in the top-50 and seven in the top-100 among females, led by Yurina Hiroyoshi (18th) and Anna Iwanaga (24th).

With Rintaro Nakano having turned pro following his third-place finish in October’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in Dubai, it’s Taishi Moto who finishes the year as the leading Japanese male in 90th position, ahead of Taisei Nagasaki, the teenager defeated in a play-off by Thai Pongsapak ‘Fifa’ Laopakdee at the AAC.

The trio of Nakano, Nagasaki and Gunma Tamura placed joint 10th in the men’s World Amateur Team Championships for the Eisenhower Trophy in Singapore in early October.

In the women’s Espirito Santo Trophy, Iwanaga, Aira Nagasawa and Mamika Shinchi narrowly missed out on a top-10 finish.

Speaking on behalf of the women’s team, Shinchi said: “Since being selected as a national team member, I have had the opportunity to take part in overseas matches and training camps, which has been a wonderful experience. I was able to experience the fun and excitement of playing golf overseas, and I now love golf more than ever before.

“This year has been a tough season, but I have no regrets as I gave 100% in every tournament. There were many times when I felt pressure, but I am happy to have been able to fight for three years representing Japan. I feel that my activities with the national team will connect me to the present and the future.

"I will continue as a member of this team next year, and I will become a player who can have a positive influence on the other team members and those around me.”

Like Shinchi, Keigo Takehara delivered a speech in English on behalf of the men’s team.

He said: “It was my dream to wear a uniform that said Japan and compete as a representative of Japan, and I am truly happy and proud to have done so. This year’s national team brought together players of a wide range of ages, from first-year high school students to fourth-year university students, but they were a wonderful team where they were able to talk about golf and push each other to improve. The age difference was almost non-existent.

“I also learned a lot from the younger members’ sincerity and curiosity about golf. I think one of the valuable things about being on the national team is being able to be in an inspiring environment that transcends generations.

“I myself had disappointing results throughout the season, but each of these experiences made my current challenges clear and I believe I learned a lesson. I would like to thank the coaches and staff for always putting the players first and supporting them. I will not waste the experience I gained over the past year and will carry it over to the next stage of my competitive career.”

Reflecting on the performances of Japanese players throughout the year, Jones said: “Congratulations to the 2025 team members on their graduation. I would like to thank Head Coach Craig Bishop, who has been leading the national team since this year.

"I believe that the players are growing every year. This team is special, and you are a family on this team. Being a member is a testament to your talent and skill. I respect and congratulate the players and their families for their efforts.

“However, your journey is long. This is not the end. Enjoy your journey and the flowers along the way, and move forward as players representing Japan. I have spoken to this team about the New Zealand rugby team. Their motto is: ‘Pass the national team jersey to the next generation in the best possible condition’.”