#Japan #Student Athletes #Chiyoda #BMX Racing #JPF Scholarship

JPF Scholarship Ceremony 2026

On April 1, 2026, JPF Co., Ltd., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, hosted the award ceremony for the second cohort of the JPF Scholarship. This year, nine new scholarship recipients were selected, expanding from just three in the inaugural cohort. Among the honorees are two female athletes, aiming to support a more diverse range of student cyclists.

The event also celebrated the achievements of Hyouka Kiuchi and Yuta Uchino, two recipients from the inaugural cohort who continued their participation as second-term students. They serve as inspiring role models, exemplifying the balance between athletics and academics.

Purpose of the JPF Scholarship

The JPF Scholarship was established to support students involved in cycling, helping them excel both in their academic pursuits and their athletic careers. Beyond enhancing competitive performance, the program aims to cultivate individuals who can leverage their experiences in cycling for societal contributions.

During the ceremony, each scholarship recipient shared their objectives and commitments, creating a powerful atmosphere of resolve and motivation, as they voiced their challenges ahead. JPF remains committed to both the advancement of cycling and the development of future talent. It aims to generate social value through sports.

Messages from Leaders

Shuntaro Watanabe, the CEO of JPF, expressed gratitude to all applicants and congratulated the selected recipients. He acknowledged the increased number of applicants this year, attributing the growth of the program to the successes of the first cohort. He emphasized that while achieving results in sports is crucial, it is equally important to be a source of inspiration and positive influence in society. He envisions scholarship recipients not only enhancing their competitive skills but also becoming pillars of the cycling community and society at large.

Additionally, Yuhei Kuroe, JPF's Executive Director, highlighted the long-term vision of the scholarship program. He pointed out that youth offers a unique opportunity to explore and challenge oneself with fewer barriers. He encouraged scholarship recipients to embrace varied experiences beyond cycling, as every challenge can enhance their skill set and broaden future opportunities.

2026 JPF Scholarship Recipients

The following students were awarded scholarships for the 2026 academic year:
1. Soutaro Karimine - Doshisha University, Sports Health Science, BMX Champion at the 2024 National Cycling Championships (Junior Category).
2. Hyouka Kiuchi - Nihon Sport University, Sports Management, 2nd place in BMX Racing at the 2025 Asian Cycling Championships (Men's U23).
3. Ryunosuke Kishi - Hosei University, Sports Health Science, 3rd place in BMX Racing at the 2024 Asian Cycling Championships (Junior Category).
4. Yuta Uchino - Kumamoto Prefectural University, Comprehensive Studies, 4th place in MTB at the National Cycling Championships.
5. Ren Mochizuki - Nihon University, Literature, 29th in U23 at the Tour de l'avenir.
6. Mia Nabeshima - Hosei University, English Literature, achieved 2nd place in three events at the 2025 National Championships.
7. Yamato Kazama - Hosei University, Law, ranked 1st in Men's Points Race at the 2025 East Japan Collegiate Championships.
8. Aimi Shirai - Nihon Sport University, won the Junior Scratch race at the Japan Track Cup I & II.
9. Sora Takagi - University of Tokyo, ranked 15th in the Time Trial at the National Collegiate Road Cycling Championships.

About JPF Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1950, JPF invented a slit camera for determining outcomes in public sports like bicycle racing and boat races. Over the years, it has supported judgment tasks in many public sports arenas. Since 2010, JPF has expanded into comprehensive management of public competition venues nationwide. Its mission is to provide opportunities for personal growth and actively promote regional revitalization and cycling sports development.

For inquiries, please contact:
JPF Co., Ltd., 2048 Project (Contact: Shimizu and Nakamura)
Phone: 03-6697-7166
Website: www.jpf.co.jp