Japan have become the first nation to officially announce their squad for the 2026 Motocross des Nations, which will take place at Ernée in France.
Unfortunately there will be no appearance from Japanese star rider and AMA front-runner Jo Shimoda, who will sit out this year’s prestigious event.
Instead, the Japanese federation has selected a trio consisting of Honda HRC rider Yuki Okura, Yamaha’s Kainosuke Oshiro and Kawasaki rider Haruki Yokoyama to represent the nation at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.
Yokoyama has already been confirmed as Japan’s MX2 class representative, while it has not yet been announced which of Okura or Oshiro will contest the MXGP and Open categories.
Okura is set for his fourth appearance representing Japan at the Motocross des Nations and will be hoping to build on his previous experiences at the event. Japan enjoyed a solid showing at last year’s edition at Ironman, qualifying directly for the A-Final and securing an overall result just outside the top ten.
With several nations still finalising their line-ups, Japan have become the first to reveal their hand ahead of the 2026 edition at Ernée, where they will once again aim to qualify directly for the main event.
Okura and Oshiro attended the recent press conference and had the following to say regarding being selected:
Yuki Okura
“This will be the fourth time I’ve been selected to represent Japan, and I’m really happy to have the opportunity to race for Team Japan once again. Last time, we qualified for the main race in 10th place, and I think finishing 11th in the final was a good result. Shimoda’s performances really stood out, and it was an achievement that the three of us, along with Nakajima, earned together.
This year, I’ll be racing alongside Kainosuke Oshiro and Taiga Yokoyama. The three of us are the same generation and have known each other since we were kids. A few years ago, this line-up almost became a reality, but due to Oshiro’s injury, it wasn’t possible. That’s why it’s very reassuring to know that this year we’ll finally be able to represent Japan together as this trio.
We want to make sure we get through qualifying as a team, turn that into a strong overall result, and return to Japan with our heads held high. Thank you for your support.”
Kainosuke Oshiro
“The Nations is a race I’ve always strongly wanted to compete in, so I’m very happy to have been selected for Team Japan this time. At the same time, I was selected twice in the past but couldn’t attend because of injuries, which was very frustrating. This year, I want to stay focused and, first and foremost, make it to the event and race.
At the race itself, I want not only to achieve good personal results but also to contribute to Team Japan with strong performances and bring home positive results for the team. I’ll do my best, so please continue to support us.”
