Children rider Kokoro Matsuoka, junior rider Kenshin Matsuoka, and young rider Marie Yoshida became the winners of the Japanese Youth Championships which were held during the CDI Tokyo at the Baji Koen equestrian center in Japan’s capital on 19 – 21 September 2025.
This was the 42nd edition of the National championships. In Japan the age limits in the youth divisions are more flexible than the FEI sets standards. For Young Riders can be aged 22, for instance. Two rounds counted to determine the winner.
Children: Kokoro Matsuoka
The Children division in Japan is open to riders aged 10 to 16 and there were 29 pairs lined up.
Kokoro Matsuoka and Gracia won the title with 139.097 points (69.722% and , nearly 4 points ahead of second placed Kobayashi Keidai on Focus with 135.055 points (66.597% and ). The third place was for Suzuki Seri aboard Joshua Integrity with 133.430 points.
“We came in first yesterday, which gave us confidence and a large lead in points, so I thought if we performed like yesterday we could win today too, so I did my best,” said Kokoro. “I’m glad we were able to perform calmly and without making any major mistakes. I want to thank our horse for doing his best as well.”
Junior Riders: Kenshin Matsuoka
In the junior riders division there were 19 pairs competing.
Kokoro’s elder brother Kenshin Matsuoka put horse Gracia on double duty as it also had to compete in the junior division. Kenshin won gis junior champion’s title with 138.145 points after getting silver last year and gold in the children division in 2022. He scored 68.030% and 70.115%
“I’m glad our long-awaited victory came true,” said Kenshi. “This time we were trying to go for the win by riding more forward, and we were a little too eager and made some mistakes, but we managed to win somehow so I’m glad. Kokomi and I won together so I feel like I owe it all to Gratia and I’m very grateful.”
Haruka Murakoshi and Belle Fleur came in second place by a narrow margin with 138.045 points (scoring 67.980% and 70.065%), while Mai Banda and BUM Fleur got bronze with 137.119 points with 66.919% and 70,200%.
Young Riders: Marie Yoshida
Marie Yoshida on GrandeurThe Young Riders championship was won by last year’s silver medal winner, 22-year old Marie Yoshida on Grandeur, a 14-year old KWPN gelding by Charmeur x Krack C. With Grandeur she totalled 136.603 points for gold (67.108% and 69,495%) A week earlier Yoshida won bronze in the Japanese young rider Show jumping championships.
Arisa Komiya and Maxwell came in second with 136.455 points after scoring 67.745% in the team test and 68.710% in the second round. Yuki Takamatsu and Hermes der II were third with 135.808 points. This is their second, consecutive bronze.
“I’m really happy to finally achieve my dream of winning,” said Marie. “Two years ago, my sister (Yurie) won gold on Grandeur and this year I’m competing with the Hermès saddle she gave me then. I have been practicing a lot. I love the dressage and show jumping, so I want to continue, and in dressage I want to aim for the world championships.”
Under 25: Toshimi Yasuda
Toshimi “Lesil” Yasuda and the 19-year old Dutch warmblood Bernardau (by Uptown x Bustron) won the Under 25 gold medal for the third consecutive time. She scored 64.117% in the Intermediaire II
Toshimi Yasuda on BernardauYasuda bought Bernardau in 2023 after he was shown in The Netherlands by Stephanie Peters and Sharon Lubkemann. She trains at the Little Horse Club in Miki and works as an HR consultant in the corporate planning office at Sion Co Ltd.
“Bernardau wasn’t in top physical condition, but I think their performance showed that we’re starting to get along as a duo,” she said. “He is already 19, so next year will depend on the situation at the time, but I’d like to continue competing if possible.”
They were the only pair in the Under 25 division.
The Japan equestrian federation also has an “Under 30” division at small tour level. Four combinations in total participated in the Under 30 class and it was won by Tanabe Azusa aboard Mikazuki.
Photos © Japan Equestrian Federation
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