Japanese Women’s Curling Team Struggles in Tough Olympic Qualification Race

The Japanese women’s curling team has a tough road to qualification for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Having silver and bronze medals at the last two Winter Games, Japan’s recent record has threatened to jeopardize their Olympic chances.

In the 2025 World Women’s Curling Championship held in Uijeongbu, South Korea, Sapporo based Team Fortius which was skippered by Sayaka Yoshimura, placed ninth and did not qualify for an automatic Olympic spot. Yoshimura had issues with the changing ice conditions and strategic choices that resulted in vital mistakes throughout the tournament.

Consequently, Japan will have to play in a final qualifying tournament in Canada this December. Prior to that there will be a domestic playoff in September in Wakkanai, Hokkaido to see which team goes on behalf of Japan. Fortius, SC Karuizawa Club (11th place at the 2024 World Championship) and Loco Solare who won silver at the 2022 Beijing Olympics are among the contenders.

The last qualifier is also likely to include tough teams like the United States and Turkey who beat Fortius in the new world championship. Japan Curling Association coach Ayumi Ogasawara recognized the challenge ahead saying, “It’s really hard. We accept the reality and will do our best to support the representing team.”

Japan has a steady Olympic appearance in women’s curling with seven straight appearances. Interestingly, Loco Solare overcame comparable adversity by making it through the final qualifying tournament on their way to their 2022 silver medal.

Qualifying for the 2026 Olympics is important to ensure the sport’s popularity in the country and to promote the growth of Japanese curlers. The coming months will be critical as Japan’s best teams compete for the chance to keep their Olympic hopes alive.