Discover the Future Paralympic Stars with Japan Rising Star Project Registration Open

Japan Rising Star Project: Unveiling Future Paralympic Talent

The Japan Sports Council (JSC) has officially announced that registration for the foundational assessment phase of the Japan Rising Star Project (J-STAR) is now open, starting April 10, 2025. This initiative focuses on identifying talented individuals who aspire to compete in Paralympic sports.

Mission of the J-STAR Project

Launched in 2017, the J-STAR Project collaborates with various sports organizations including JSC, Japan Sports Association (JSPO), and Japan Paralympic Committee (JPC), aiming to discover athletes who can shine on the world stage at events like the Olympics and Paralympics.

The assessment conducted during the foundational phase will evaluate participants on several criteria including body metrics and physical fitness. Those who exhibit promising capabilities will be eligible to join advanced verification programs led by top-tier coaches from central competitive organizations. This pathway may lead selected athletes into intensified training programs and fortifying their chances for future competitions.

Registration Details

The J-STAR Project is inviting youth aged 11 years and older (as of April 1, 2025), including those in sixth grade and above, to apply. The registration is open until varying deadlines dependent on the selected measurement venues, which can be found on the J-STAR website.

Foundational Assessment Schedule

The foundational assessments will take place across various regions in Japan. Here are a few key dates and locations:

- Kinki Region: Kobe City - June 28, 2025 at Kobe City Welfare Sports Center, with application deadline on May 28.
- Kyushu Region: Oita Prefecture - July 5, 2025 at Oita Disability Welfare Center, deadline on June 5.
- Kanto Region: Tokyo - August 31, 2025, at Nihon University Bunkyo Campus, deadline on July 31.

More sessions are scheduled in other regions including Hokkaido, Tohoku, Chubu, and more.

Success Stories: Emerging Champions

As a testament to the project's efficacy, a remarkable eight athletes identified by the J-STAR Project are set to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Among them, Yuki Torii, a goalball player, clinched a gold medal, while Aira Kinoshita won a bronze in the women's 200m individual medley (SM14). The triumph of these athletes highlights the significant impact that the J-STAR Project has in nurturing talent.

Notable Achievements of J-STAR Graduates

- Yuki Torii: Goalball (Gold Medalist at Paris 2024)
- Aira Kinoshita: Swimming (Bronze medal in Women’s 200m individual medley, SM14)

In total, 39 athletes have been selected as senior representatives of Japan and have achieved success in major competitions such as World Championships. The project continues to aim for excellence, preparing future Paralympians for international arena.

Join the Journey

Those looking to contribute to Japan’s growing legacy in Paralympic sports are encouraged to visit the official J-STAR Project website for further details on registration and scouting events.

Stay updated with the latest news through J-STAR's official social media accounts:

The future of sports is bright, and with initiatives like the Japan Rising Star Project, we can expect to see incredible new talent rise to the occasion!