Jessheim 2025: Japan’s Path to Milano Cortina

When the puck drops at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Tournament, six teams will skate for the final two slots up for grabs at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Taking place in Jessheim, Norway from 5-10 November, the tournament will feature: Slovakia, Korea, Norway, Japan, Sweden and Kazakhstan. The USA, Canada, Czechia, China and Germany have already secured their tickets to join hosts Italy at the Paralympic Winter Games by finishing in the top five at the A-Pool Worlds.

Here’s an inside look at Team Japan heading into the Qualification Tournament. 

How they got here

Japan earned their place in Jessheim after a strong campaign at the 2025 World Championships B-Pool, where they showed consistent competitiveness to finish with the silver medal. 

Though they missed direct qualification to Milano Cortina 2026, Japan’s disciplined, fast-paced style and tactical awareness have established them as a perennial contender for decades. Their steady progress over recent seasons reflects a well-developed program emphasizing teamwork, structure, and technical precision.

Winter Games history

For Japan, Jessheim represents both an opportunity and a responsibility – to continue building on decades of growth in the sport. Japan has been a consistent Paralympic presence since their debut at the Nagano 1998 Games, where the country’s hosting helped inspire a generation of athletes. 

Their greatest achievement came with a historic silver medal at Vancouver 2010, a defining moment that elevated the sport’s profile in Japan and across Asia. Since then, Japan has 
maintained its position, known for their speed, discipline, and strategic approach to the game. 

After missing out on Beijing 2022, the Japanese team now looks to solidify their place once more on the Paralympic stage in Milano Cortina 2026.

Take note — it’s the road to @milanocortina2026 over five days of competition! ⚡️

The tournament schedule is just below 🧵#ParaIceHockey #Jessheim2025 pic.twitter.com/Na93Z7oW3P

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) October 27, 2025

Roster

Forwards: Itsuki Ito, Masahiro Matsushita, Amu Morisaki, Kazuyoshi Niets, Mamoru Yoshikawa, Masaharu Kumagai, Yoshiyuki Fujikawa, Yoshihiro Shioya, Shosei Ukai
Defenders: Yudai Ishikawa, Satoru Sudo, Eiji Misawa, Mikio Kaneko, Norihiko Nasu
Goaltenders: Manabu Okabe, Wataru Horie
Head Coach: Kojin Kakakita

Keys to Victory 

Japan’s greatest strengths lie in their speed, structured puck movement, and relentless work ethic. Their transition game – anchored by quick, precise passing and mobility on both sides of the puck – allows them to create scoring chances even against more physically imposing teams. 

For Japan to secure one of the two coveted Paralympic spots, they will need to capitalize on special teams, maintain tight defensive coverage, and keep up their trademark intensity throughout the tournament.

Game Schedule 

Wednesday, 5 November @ 15:30 vs. Korea
Thursday, 6 November @ 19:00 vs. Slovakia
Friday, 7 November @ 15:30 vs. Kazakhstan
Sunday, 9 November @ 19:00 vs. Sweden
Monday, 10 November @ 11:30 vs. Norway