#harukakitaguchi

Tokyo will once again be the epicenter of global track-and-field magic from September 13 to 21, 2025, when the World Athletics Championships return to Japan’s capital. For Japan, with a squad of around 80 athletes, this is more than just another championship—it’s a homecoming. Alongside global superstars, several Japanese athletes are riding high hopes, aiming not just for national glory but for moments that could define their careers.

Home-Field Energy, High Stakes

This will be the first time since 1991 that Tokyo hosts the Championships, and the anticipation is electric. The National Stadium—rebuilt for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics—is the stage for both veteran stars and rising talents. Japanese fans will pack the stands, hoping to be inspired. The weight of expectation sits heavily on some athletes, especially those who’ve tasted major success before, as well as newcomers who see this as their moment.

Haruka Kitaguchi: Fighting Through Injury, Aiming for Gold

Haruka Kitaguchi is Japan’s biggest name in the field events. She was the first Japanese woman to win a world title in a field event (Budapest 2023) and followed it up with Olympic gold in Paris 2024. But her path to defending that world crown hasn’t been easy. An elbow inflammation in June forced her to sit out Japan’s national championships. Back in competition, her performances haven’t matched her peak—her throw in Zurich at the Diamond League was well below her best. Still, she is pain-free now, training hard, and remains confident. Her target: not just competing in front of a home crowd, but capturing that gold again and perhaps pushing toward the elusive 70-meter mark.

Distance Running Dreams: Nozomi Tanaka’s Rising Arc

Nozomi Tanaka has quietly been building something powerful. A middle- and long-distance runner, she recently switched to a more globally-oriented training set-up, joining an international club and working overseas to sharpen her gear. In major global finals she’s seen what it takes—and so Tokyo represents more than just competing at home. She’s aiming higher. Her father, also her coach, has led her through preparation that includes training camps abroad and pacing strategies aimed at not just competing but breaking through to medal contention.

Sprint Return: Yoshihide Kiryu Eyes a Comeback

Yoshihide Kiryu, once Japan’s golden sprinter, cracked the 10-second barrier years ago and carried loads of expectations. The past few seasons have had their ups and downs—injuries, missed qualifications, less visibility. But in summer 2025, Kiryu ran 9.99 seconds in the trials, breaking through after a long drought below that benchmark. For him, Tokyo isn’t just about representing it’s about remembering what he can do. With youth pressing from behind, it’s also about proving he belongs at the top of the sprint events again.

Sorato Shimizu: Teenage Sensation with Record-Breaking Speed

At just 16, Sorato Shimizu is already turning heads. He broke the Japanese high school record and the U-18 world best in the 100 meters with a time of 10.00 seconds. That performance also placed him among Japan’s all-time fastest senior sprinters. He’s young, raw, and full of promise—and Tokyo offers him his first big global stage. Building composure and experience will matter more than raw speed alone. But with the home crowd behind him, anything feels possible.

Yuta Sakiyama: Javelin Power Poised at its Peak

In the world of Japanese javelin, Yuta Sakiyama is becoming a serious force. Earlier in 2025 he set a personal best of 87.16 meters and moved to second on Japan’s all-time list. That throw wasn’t just a number—it was a statement. He’s aiming to bring that kind of power, precision, and consistency to Tokyo, where even small improvements in technique or mental sharpness could translate into podium results. With fans watching, expectations will lean toward performance under pressure.

Heat, Support, and the Weight of History

Athletes preparing for Tokyo are mindful of more than just competition. The climate—humid and warm—will test endurance, especially in road events and race walks. Local fans will bring energy, but that also means noise and scrutiny. For many Japanese stars, medals won at home carry a special resonance: national pride, personal validation, hope of inspiring the next generation.

Looking Ahead: What Tokyo Could Mean

If Kitaguchi can throw at her best, she could defend or retake her crown. If Kiryu recaptures his sprinting form, he could shake up the men’s 100m more than many expect. Tanaka might surprise in the distance events with strategic pacing and the boost of home support. For young talents like Shimizu, just one round, one finish in a tight race could set the tone for their international careers.

Tokyo 2025 isn’t just another World Athletics Championship for Japan—it’s a chance to show what home advantage looks like, to cast new names into the spotlight, and to write chapters in the career stories of those already known.