The Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) announced on May 11 the seven racewalkers nominated to represent Japan at the Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi and Nagoya from September 19 to October 4 — the first time in 32 years the event takes place in Japan. The race walking competitions are scheduled for September 23 and 27.
In the men’s marathon race walk, the nominees are Hayato Katsuki (35, Self-Defense Force Sports School), who claimed bronze in the men’s 35km event at last summer’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, and Motofumi Suwa (26, Aichi Steel), winner of the marathon race walk at the Japan Championships in March. For the men’s half marathon race walk, Toshikazu Yamanishi (30, Aichi Steel), who set a world record of 1:20:34 in the same event at the February Japan Championships, was selected along with runner-up Kento Yoshikawa (24, Yokohama City Athletics Association).
On the women’s side, Yukiko Umeno (23, LOCOK), who swept both the marathon and half marathon race walk titles at the Japan Championships, was chosen for the marathon race walk alongside Maika Yagi (27, Chiba Kogyo Bank). The half marathon race walk nomination went to Ayane Yanai (22, Fujitsu).
Due to limited quota spots, the second female half marathon race walker will be selected after the Japan Championships in June, in conjunction with track and field events. The nominated athletes will officially become representatives upon certification by the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC).
**Men’s Marathon Race Walk:**
– Hayato Katsuki (Self-Defense Force Sports School, Saitama, born Nov 28, 1990) — Asian Games appearances: 2 (2023 Hangzhou, 2018 Jakarta) — Personal best: 2:55:28 — Selection event: 62nd All Japan Race Walking Takahata Tournament (1st)
– Motofumi Suwa (Aichi Steel, Aichi, born Oct 22, 1999) — Asian Games debut — Personal best: 2:58:21 — Selection event: 110th Japan Championships marathon race walk (1st)
**Men’s Half Marathon Race Walk:**
– Toshikazu Yamanishi (Aichi Steel, Aichi, born Feb 15, 1996) — Asian Games appearances: 1 (2018 Jakarta) — Personal best: 1:20:34 — Selection event: 109th Japan Championships half marathon race walk (1st)
– Kento Yoshikawa (Yokohama City Athletics Association, Kanagawa, born Aug 9, 2001) — Asian Games debut — Personal best: 1:20:50 — Selection event: 109th Japan Championships half marathon race walk (2nd)
**Women’s Marathon Race Walk:**
– Yukiko Umeno (LOCOK, Tokyo, born Jan 8, 2003) — Asian Games appearances: 1 (2023 Hangzhou) — Personal best: 3:33:47 — Selection event: 110th Japan Championships marathon race walk (1st)
– Maika Yagi (Chiba Kogyo Bank, Chiba, born Jan 21, 1999) — Asian Games appearances: 1 (2023 Hangzhou) — Personal best: 3:36:06 — Selection event: 110th Japan Championships marathon race walk (2nd)
**Women’s Half Marathon Race Walk:**
– Ayane Yanai (Fujitsu, Kanagawa, born Dec 24, 2003) — Asian Games debut — Personal best: 1:35:57 — Selection event: 109th Japan Championships half marathon race walk (2nd)
