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JPF Scholarship Program for Student Cyclists

The Japan Pro Bicycle Federation (JPF), based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, under the leadership of CEO Shuntaro Watanabe, has announced the start of its third round of applications for a scholarship program aimed at supporting student athletes who are dedicated to cycling. The initiative is designed to help these talented individuals balance their academic pursuits with their passion for sport, enabling them to build a successful future in both realms.

The Vision Behind the Scholarship

Established with the vision to elevate cycling as a major sport in Japan, JPF recognizes the importance of nurturing talent in the biking community. The organization has taken significant strides in improving competitive environments and training opportunities for aspiring cyclists. By aligning with the Japan Cycling Federation's (JCF) “Athlete Development Pathway,” JPF has fostered a network of public venues in Chiba, Toyama, Nagoya, Matsusaka, Kyoto, and Sanyo. These venues serve as essential platforms where beginners and children can become acquainted with cycling and engage in the sport in a fun and supportive setting.

To further enhance this initiative, JPF has created its own version of the Athlete Development Pathway, which systematically structures the journey for emerging athletes. An integral component of this framework is the scholarship program, designed to support students as they navigate both their academics and athletic training, encouraging the next generation of athletes to thrive on a global stage.

Comments from JPF CEO Shuntaro Watanabe

Shuntaro Watanabe commented on the launch of the scholarship program, expressing his pride in the previous cohorts. “Our scholarship recipients have not only improved their athletic performance but have also excelled in their studies. I believe that an athlete's responsibility goes beyond mere competition; they must also share their experiences and the value of sports with society. We aim to cultivate individuals who can articulate their challenges and insights to inspire others in the cycling community.”

Testimonial from JPF Supported Athlete Kazushige Kuboki

Kazushige Kuboki, a supported athlete, reflected on his university experience, highlighting the balance he maintained between being the vice-captain of his cycling team while pursuing his teaching license. “The JPF scholarship alleviates financial burdens associated with participating in a sport that requires considerable investment in equipment and travel. It has allowed me to fully commit to both my practice and my education.” His journey exemplifies the scholarship’s potential to not only relieve economic strain but to enable focused training and development.

Program Overview

Application Eligibility

Interested candidates must meet the following criteria:

• - Must be enrolled in a university as of April 1, 2027.
• - Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher (or an average high school evaluation score of 3.0).
• - Must hold a JCF accredited athlete's license.
• - Must possess one of the following English proficiency certifications: Eiken Grade 3, TOEIC score of 300, TOEFL iBT score of 40, or IELTS score of 3.5.
• - Must express a desire to pursue a career in the cycling industry.

Scholarship Amount

The scholarship amounts and the number of awards will depend on the ranking systems of A to C and will be determined by the selection committee.

Award Period

The scholarship will be available from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2028.

Application Period

From July 29, 2026, to November 15, 2026.

Application Process

Interested students can apply by reviewing the application guidelines and submitting the necessary documents through the designated application form.

Selection Process

Candidates will be evaluated through a combination of document review and essays, followed by initial and final interviews. Notifications for those who pass the document review are expected to be sent out by late November.

Engaging with Scholarship Updates on Social Media

To keep the community informed about the scholarship and its recipients, JPF has launched an official Instagram account (@jpfscholarship) where updates about training sessions, competition results, and messages from athletes are shared regularly.

Company Overview

JPF has built a strong legacy through its management of public competition facilities and continues to invest in regional development and sports promotion projects in collaboration with local municipalities.

Company Name: Japan Pro Bicycle Federation (JPF)
Headquarters: Chiyoda, Tokyo
Representative: Shuntaro Watanabe
Official Website: JPF Website

For further inquiries, please contact the JPF Scholarship Administration Office (Attn: Shimizu, Nakamura) via telephone at 03-3265-4851 or via email at [email protected].