#United States #Ogden #JA Zen-Noh #Japanese Team #World Curling

World Men's Curling Championship 2026 Overview

The stage is set for the World Men's Curling Championship 2026, commencing on March 28 in Ogden, America. This prestigious event will feature a showdown between the world's finest curling teams, including the Japanese men's national team, SC Karuizawa Club. As the team prepares to compete, they will be fueled by the essence of Japanese cuisine, championed by JA Zen-Noh.

Culinary Support for the Athletes

JA Zen-Noh is stepping up to ensure that the Japanese athletes can perform at their best by providing familiar and comforting Japanese foods. The dietary aid comprises a range of products sourced from JA Town, including polished rice, freeze-dried miso soup, and an assortment of side dishes. These provisions aim to bridge the gap between the athletes' preferences and the foreign environment they will be in.

The athletes have expressed their gratitude to JA Zen-Noh for supporting their nutritional needs. Ryusuke Yanagisawa, one of the team members, remarked, “Being able to enjoy the ‘taste of home’ in any country is incredibly reassuring for both my body and mind! I’ll give my all with the power of miso soup and rice!”

Preparing for Competition

This year's championship marks the second consecutive appearance for Team Japan, which aims to improve upon last year's ninth-place finish. The team is determined to harness the energy from the nourishing Japanese foods to strive for a medal. Skip Takashi Yamaguchi shared, “Having delicious ingredients truly makes a difference! As I’ve taken on the skipping role, I’ve noticed both physical and mental fatigue. Comfort food from home helps refresh my focus!”

Comments from other team members, such as Jun Yamamoto and Satoshi Koizumi, echoed the sentiment of appreciation for the sustenance. They believe that the traditional Japanese foods, like umami-rich natsukonbu and sweet dried persimmons, play a crucial role in maintaining their competitive edge.

Background on JA Zen-Noh’s Support

Since 2019, JA Zen-Noh has actively provided food support for Japanese representatives during international competitions, focusing on alleviating the challenges posed by unfamiliar foods and environments. This initiative stems from a recognition of the unique difficulties athletes face while competing abroad. With past successes in supporting other Japanese teams, including table tennis, JA Zen-Noh remains committed to uplifting the spirit and performance of curling teams through Japanese cuisine.

Championship Details

• - Event Name: World Men's Curling Championship 2026
• - Dates: March 28 – April 5, 2026
• - Location: Ogden, America
• - Participating Team: SC Karuizawa Club (with Usui represented by Kit Curling Club)

- Satoshi Koizumi (Lead)
- Jun Yamamoto (Second)
- Takashi Yamaguchi (Third Skip)
- Ryusuke Yanagisawa (Fourth)
- Makoto Usui (Fifth)

For more information on the championship, please visit the official event site at World Curling.

As the Japanese team gears up, they carry with them the support of an entire nation and the power of traditional cuisine, aiming to carve their names into the curling history books.