The equestrian events at the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics are finally here! In this article, we introduce the selection process, team members, and their horses for the Japanese national team competing in equestrian sports. By reading this, you’ll enjoy Olympic equestrian competitions even more! Whether you’re already interested or just curious, make sure to read to the end and get excited for the games!
Overview of Equestrian Sports at Tokyo 2020
| Event Schedule | July 23 (Fri) – August 7 (Sat) |
| Venues | Equestrian Stadium, Sea Forest Cross-Country Course |
| Disciplines | Jumping (Team & Individual) / Dressage (Team & Individual) / Eventing (Team & Individual) |
| Team Members | Yoshiaki Oiwa (Eventing) Toshiyuki Tanaka (Eventing) Kazuma Tomoto (Eventing) Hiroyuki Kitahara (Dressage) Kazuki Sado (Dressage) Shingo Hayashi (Dressage) Koki Saito (Jumping) Hidemasa Sato (Jumping) Daisuke Fukushima (Jumping) |
| Viewing Method | Free broadcast on Green Channel |
Selection Process for Japan’s Olympic Equestrian Team
The selection process varies for each discipline: Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing. The criteria are based on performance, health, teamwork, and other factors, as outlined by the Japan Equestrian Federation (JEF).
Jumping Selection Criteria
(1) Overseas CSI3* or higher competitions held between April 1, 2019, and June 14, 2020, along with training camp performances, health, team spirit, and conduct are evaluated comprehensively.
Key points include control of gait, speed, and takeoff position in 160cm classes, avoidance of refusal on obstacles, and overall performance.
(2) Evaluation committee members include the coach, general manager, and senior manager.
(3) Selection deadline is around mid-June for JOC recommendation or quarantine preparations. Three main riders, one reserve, and one alternates are selected.
(4) If fewer than three riders meet MES criteria by June 1, 2020, only individual events are allowed, and the best performing rider is chosen as the representative.
Japan Equestrian Federation: Jumping Rider and Horse Selection Criteria
Dressage Selection Criteria
Selection is based on performance between January 1, 2020, and May 24, 2020, including results from FEI Grand Prix in CDI competitions, with top four candidates and a reserve selected based on averages. The final team is chosen after competitions at CHIO Aachen, considering results and team spirit. If no candidates meet MES criteria by June 1, 2020, the best rider based on the selection criteria is chosen.
Japan Equestrian Federation: Dressage Rider Selection Criteria
Eventing Selection Method
(1) The selection period is from January 1, 2020, to May 24, 2020, and performance in competitions during this period is evaluated. The top four candidates are selected, with additional consideration for results at CHIO Aachen and overall evaluations. If MES criteria are not met by June 1, 2020, the best rider is selected based on overall performance.
Japan Equestrian Federation: Eventing Rider Selection Criteria
Members and Horses of Japan’s Tokyo 2020 National Team
This section provides detailed information about the team members and their horses.
Yoshiaki Oiwa (Eventing)
| Birthdate | July 19, 1976 |
| Affiliation | nittoh Inc. |
| Horse | Taliyorankuruzu |
Yoshiaki Oiwa and his horse Taliyorankuruzu won the CCI4*-L St. Moritz International Event in August 2020.
Preparing for the Olympics, both rider and horse are in the final stages of training. Expect great performances at Tokyo 2020!
Toshiyuki Tanaka (Eventing)
| Birthdate | February 2, 1985 |
| Affiliation | Horse Club Crain |
| Horse | Tarmadaru |
Tanaka began riding in middle school and has competed in London Olympics, Incheon Asian Games, and Triion Seike Horse Show. He recently won first place at Barroca d’Alva CCI4*-S. He will represent Japan with his French-born horse Tarmadaru.
Kazuma Tomoto (Eventing)
| Birthdate | June 5, 1983 |
| Affiliation | Japan Racing Association |
| Horse | Vincy |
Tomoto, who finished fourth in the 2018 World Championship team event, has been training in the UK. He is training with Vincy, a dependable horse, and aims for top performance at Tokyo 2020.
Hiroyuki Kitahara (Dressage)
| Birthdate | September 13, 1971 |
| Affiliation | Japan Racing Association |
| Horse | Urakan |
Kitahara is the oldest member at 49 years old, bringing extensive experience to the team. He will compete with Urakan in Tokyo 2020, leveraging his long career.
Sado Kazuki (Dressage)
| Birthdate | February 20, 1985 |
| Affiliation | Japan Racing Association |
| Horse | Ludwig |
Sado, who earned team gold at the 2020 Asian Games with Ludwig, will compete at Tokyo 2020 with his trusted horse. He continues to improve while training in the Netherlands.
Shingo Hayashi (Dressage)
| Birthdate | January 25, 1985 |
| Affiliation | Irish Allen Riding School |
| Horse | Scolare 4 |
Hayashi, who ranked 46th at the 2018 World Championships, is a promising contender for Tokyo 2020. He entered the Olympic Village on July 14 and is preparing with his horse.
Koki Saito (Jumping)
| Birthdate | September 16, 1989 |
| Affiliation | Kita Sōkurabu |
| Horse | Chilensky |
Saito participated as a reserve in Rio 2016 but secured his spot in Tokyo 2020 after recent competitions in the Netherlands.
Hidemasa Sato (Jumping)
| Birthdate | January 8, 1986 |
| Affiliation | Paul Schockemoehle Pferdehaltung GmbH |
| Horse | Saphira Deluxe |
Sato, son of a former Olympic competitor, aims to make his Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, building on his experience in Beijing 2008.
Daisuke Fukushima (Jumping)
| Birthdate | September 20, 1977 |
| Affiliation | STAR HORSES |
| Horse | Chanion |
Fukushima is known for his legendary achievements in national competitions as a youth and competed as a jumping rider at Rio 2016. Expect exciting performances at Tokyo 2020!
Summary
The most anticipated event at Tokyo 2020 is ‘Eventing,’ led by Japan’s star rider Yoshiaki Oiwa. Japan aims for its first medal in 89 years in this discipline. Enjoy the exciting world of Olympic equestrian sports—there’s plenty to look forward to!