The 2025 Japan Curling Championship kicked off on February 2 at Yokohama Buntai, marking its 42nd occurrence and the first time the tournament is being held in the Tokyo metropolitan area. This highly anticipated event sees ten men's and ten women's teams competing for the prestigious title and the chance to represent Japan at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
The opening ceremony had the audience buzzing, as former idol and official cheer supporter Manatsu Akimoto from the popular group Nogizaka46 made her appearance. Akimoto not only participated as the event’s face but also attempted the ceremonial first stone, capturing the crowd with her impressive skills. She shared her excitement, stating, "The energy from everyone is palpable, and I can't hide my thrill. I have received numerous messages from fans saying they look forward to enjoying curling together for the first time. I want to enjoy this with all of you today.”
On the first day of the competition, Akimoto donned vibrant red gear and black pants, taking her spot on the ice with the support of Loco Solare’s skip, Satsuki Fujisawa, watching closely. With her heart racing, Akimoto successfully slid the stone smoothly across the ice, impressively landing it near the center of the house, receiving loud applause from the approximately 2,000 spectators present.
This year's championship holds significant importance as it doubles as the selection trials for Japan's teams heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics. All tickets for the championship were sold out, reflecting the high interest from curling fans eager to watch this elite competition, especially since opportunities to see such high-level curling events are rare in the Tokyo area.
Among the competing teams are Loco Solare, the defending champions and silver medalists from the Beijing 2022 Olympics, as well as the previous champions SC Karuizawa Club and the runner-up Hokkaido Bank. The competition format involves several rounds, leading to the semifinals on February 8 and the finals on February 9.
After the opening ceremony, Loco Solare faced Hokkaido Bank, where the match quickly heated up. Loco Solare started strong, aiming for strategic placements. By the end of the first end, they found themselves trailing 1-0 after Hokkaido Bank scored first. Determined to turn the tide, Loco Solare tapped their teamwork to regain control. Their skip showcased precise shots, including impressive double takeouts, turning the score in Loco’s favor with swift counter-strategies.
Looking to maintain their Olympic medal streak, Loco Solare must secure at least third place to continue competing for Olympic representation. Team member Fujisawa stated, "Communicating as a team and developing relationships with the ice are pivotal for us.” This emphasizes the strategic aspect of curling, where teamwork and communication can define the outcomes of tightly contested matches.
For the opportunities presented this week, the stakes are incredibly high. Japan Curling Association stipulated specific criteria for Olympic selection, including winning key tournaments leading up to the Olympic trials, reinforcing the importance of this competition. With many teams vying for spots, including the likes of Fortius and Chubu Electric, the intensity is palpable.
The men's competition features similarly fierce matchups. The defending champions, Consadole, emerged as favorites, gearing up to defend their title and eyeing the opportunity to represent Japan internationally. Other strong contenders such as SC Karuizawa Club and all teams share the common goal of Olympic representation.
Each match takes place with eager fans watching, as curling not only fosters grassroots support but also serves as preparation ground for aspiring Olympians. The results of this championship will shape the future of Japanese curling moving forward, with competitors seeking to leave their mark.
Throughout the week, regular updates will be provided as the tournament progresses, scaling from initial league matches to the final showdown earmarked for Sunday, February 9. With fans rallying behind their teams and offering encouragement, the sense of community feel surrounding this tournament is firmly established, encapsulating the spirit of curling.
From beginners to seasoned pros, the collective excitement continues to build with each performance at the event. All eyes will remain on Loco Solare, as well as newcomers, as they attempt to write their own narratives on the curling stage.