JKA Scholarship Program Launched to Nurture the Next Generation of Professional Athletes

The Japan Karting Association (Representative Director: Naoki Yamamoto, hereinafter referred to as "JKA") has decided on seven athletes to be supported for the fiscal year 2026. Starting this year, JKA will establish its own "JKA Scholarship System" to provide comprehensive backup for young talent through both financial "activity support" and "growth support" to nurture their professional development.

For this selection process, JKA has established strict judging criteria that emphasize not only "speed" but also "overall ability," which is necessary to be active as a professional athlete in the future. The JKA selected the most promising talents by conducting a multifaceted evaluation in a fair and impartial environment.

Background of the Rigorous Selection Process and Expansion of the Support Limit

Candidates were selected from a large number of applicants from all over Japan through a rigorous document screening process. At the camp, the final selection stage, a practical skill evaluation including reverse driving and special layout was conducted under the cooperation of Sugo Corporation, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. and Dunlop Tire Corporation, using thoroughly equal conditions (performance-adjusted engines and standardized tires).

In addition to Mr. Naoki Yamamoto, Representative Director, Sho Tsuboi, Hideki Yamauchi, and Kazutaka Hiramine, all top drivers in Japan, participated in the judging as selection committee members. In addition to driving, "qualities as an athlete" were comprehensively evaluated through interviews, discussions, and behavioral observation during the period. As a result, the committee found more promising candidates than expected and decided to provide support to a total of seven athletes, expanding the number of athletes to seven.

Transparency and Fairness in the Selection Process

In selecting the next generation of talent, JKA has created a thorough environment to determine "true ability" that is not dependent solely on results.

1. Thorough Equal Conditions

In order to eliminate any advantage or disadvantage due to equipment, the organizer collectively manages and lends engines and uniform tires. Furthermore, by reversing the course and adopting a special layout, we evaluated not the amount of prior practice, but the ability to respond on the spot and pure driving sense.

2. Multifaceted Evaluation by Top Drivers

Selection committee members, who are active top drivers, observed not only time measurements, but also interviews, group discussions, and behavior during the waiting period. From a professional point of view, in addition to "speed," the committee members strictly evaluated the overall abilities of the applicants, such as "relentless inquisitiveness for growth," "direct attitude toward the competition," and "enthusiasm.

3. Dialogue-oriented planning

After the selection process was completed, we not only notified the applicants of the results, but also engaged in careful communication with the selected athletes and their parents. We discussed in depth their individual goals and challenges, and how they would balance their studies, and after reaching a mutual understanding, a medium- to long-term activity plan was formulated, leading to the announcement of a full support system.

■FY2026 Selected Athletes and Expansion of the Support Framework

As a result of the above rigorous screening process, a greater number of promising talents were identified than initially anticipated (up to five), and JKA has decided to expand and restructure its support framework in order to provide equal opportunities for growth to young people with potential, rather than limiting opportunities based on the initial quota.

The following seven players have been selected for support.

1.Designated athletes (JKA top): 2 athletes

Athletes in the phase of establishing a solid foundation as athletes, aiming for victory in the highest level of competition in Japan.

Name ：Age

Ruato Abe：12 years old

Michinaga Fujiwara: age 11

2. selected athletes for the Challenge (JKA Challenge): 5

Athletes in the "development" phase who are evaluated for their high potential and learn the basics with the aim of being promoted to the top ranks in the future.

Name ： Age

Shundo Kobayashi：12 years old

Takumi Tsurugai：age 11

Akuma Hisada: age 12

Seiya Murasugi: age 13

Lloyd Kaisho and Peter: age 11

Establishment of the "JKA Scholarship System

From this year, JKA will begin operating its own support system to provide more precise support for each athlete's current situation and goals. This system will be implemented with the following two components.

Activity Support

To ensure that talented athletes do not give up their challenge for financial reasons, we will provide scholarships (activity funds) to create an environment in which they can continue their challenge.

Support for growth

In addition to driving skills, we provide a multifaceted training program to develop the physical, mental, nutritional, and social skills necessary to become a professional driver.

Future Prospects

The selected athletes will begin training in February. The details of the funding source, partner companies, and coaching system that will support this program will be announced in early March.