#Japan #Kelowna #Curling Team #Nippon no Shoku #JA Zen-Noh

Support for Japan's Curling Team at World Qualifiers

As the curling world final qualifiers approach, the anticipation is palpable among fans. From December 5th to December 18th, the competition will take place in Kelowna, Canada, where Japan’s national curling team will compete for a chance to qualify for the international tournament in February. This event is crucial, as it determines the teams that will represent Japan on the global stage.

In a significant move to provide support, JA Zen-Noh, Japan's largest agricultural cooperative, will supply the team with high-quality Japanese food products, affectionately known as 'Nippon no Shoku'. The aim is to ensure that athletes can maintain their regular performance levels despite being far from home.

During the tournament, players will receive a range of foods sourced mainly from JA Town, a service provided by JA Zen-Noh that specializes in direct-of-the-field deliveries. The offerings include polished rice, freeze-dried miso soup, as well as dried sweet potato under the 'Nippon Ale' brand. This nutritious food supply aims to boost the morale and energy levels of the athletes as they compete against strong international teams.

The Japanese curling team is comprised of the SC Karuizawa Club (Men's team), Fortius (Women's team), and the mixed doubles duo of Kohana and Aoki, who emerged victorious from the national selection held in Wakkanai, Hokkaido. Each of these teams is dedicated to transforming 'Nippon no Shoku' into the energy needed to excel on the ice.

Photos captured during the preparations show the smiling faces of the Japanese representatives proudly holding their meals. From the men’s team, Takashi Yamaguchi expressed enthusiasm for the support: “I will convert the 'power of Japanese rice' into energy to give my all on the ice!” Meanwhile, women's team member Anna Oumitani mentioned, “During competitions, the tension is intense, so having safe, delicious Japanese meals truly energizes us.” The mixed doubles representative, Momoko Kohana, added, “I’m genuinely grateful to be supported by 'Nippon no Shoku' while competing on the world stage.”

Supply List of Japanese Foods

1. JA Zen-Noh Packaged Rice
2. Sprouted Brown Rice Rice
3. Farm-produced Eggs (Scrambled Type)
4. Farm-produced Eggs (Egg Salad Type)
5. Kyushu Black Hair Wagyu Curry
6. Various Freeze-dried Soups
7. Portable Rice and Dried Seaweed
8. Prepared Curry
9. Instant Rice
10. Various Types of Dried Fruit (Nippon Ale brand)

Since the 2019 fiscal year, JA Zen-Noh has been actively supporting Japanese athletes during overseas competitions. Understanding the challenges faced by athletes regarding unfamiliar food and hygiene standards, they leverage their global network to provide essential meal assistance. Past athletes benefiting from this support include members of the Japanese National Table Tennis team as well as curlers, demonstrating JA Zen-Noh's continued commitment to supporting Japanese sports on an international level.

Event Details:

• - Event Name: Curling World Final Qualifiers
• - Dates: December 5-18, 2025
• - Participating Players:

- Men's Team: Sato Koizumi (Lead), Katsuhiro Yamamoto (Second), Takashi Yamaguchi (Third Skip), Riku Yanagisawa (Fourth), Makoto Usui (Reserve)
- Women's Team: Anna Oumitani (Lead), Yuna Kotani (Second), Kaho Onodera (Third), Sayaka Yoshimura (Skip), Mina Kobayashi (Reserve)
- Mixed Doubles: Momoko Kohana, Go Aoki

• - More Details: World Curling Events

Through its unwavering support for 'Nippon no Shoku', JA Zen-Noh is not only fueling the physical prowess of the curling teams but also embodying the collective spirit of Japan as they head into this important competition.