Ogura and Carlos Ezpeleta Meet Japan Sports Agency Ahead of MotoGP Japan

Ahead of the 2026 Japanese MotoGP Grand Prix, Ai Ogura and MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta visited the Japan Sports Agency (JSA) in Tokyo on Wednesday, September 30.

The visit came just days before the 16th round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship at Mobility Resort Motegi. Alongside preparations for the Japanese Grand Prix, the meeting focused on the wider development of MotoGP, motorsport, sport and tourism in Japan.

Ezpeleta and Ogura met with Naoko Hirayama, a Counsellor at the Japan Sports Agency. During the meeting, the JSA expressed its support for MotoGP, the Japanese Grand Prix and Ogura, who is preparing for his home race after a breakthrough season in the premier class.

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Japan's Longstanding Connection With MotoGP

The Japan Sports Agency highlighted the importance of MotoGP's presence in Japan, particularly given the country's long history in motorsport and its connection with several major manufacturers involved in the world championship.

"The history of MotoGP and motorsport in Japan is incredibly rich, and we are proud to host the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi," Hirayama said.

Hirayama also described Ogura as one of Japan's leading athletes and wished the Trackhouse MotoGP Team rider success in front of his home crowd.

Motegi has hosted MotoGP for more than two decades. More than 90,000 fans attended last year's Japanese Grand Prix, marking the circuit's highest attendance figure in five years.

Carlos Ezpeleta Highlights MotoGP's Future in Japan

Carlos Ezpeleta stressed the special place Japan holds in MotoGP's history and future. The country combines a passionate fanbase with a strong racing heritage and the presence of several manufacturers that have helped shape the championship.

"Japan has a special place in the history and future of MotoGP. It is home to some of the sport's most iconic manufacturers, a passionate fanbase and an incredible racing heritage that continues to shape our championship," Ezpeleta said.

He added that support from the Japan Sports Agency and the Japanese government is important as MotoGP looks to maintain and develop its presence in the country.

Ezpeleta also highlighted Ogura's achievements during the 2026 season, pointing to the Japanese rider's progress as an example of the country's talent and the importance of development programmes such as the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup.

Ogura Enjoying a Breakthrough Season

The visit to the JSA comes at an important point in Ogura's career. As the only Japanese rider competing in MotoGP, he will head into his home Grand Prix after producing several historic results during the 2026 campaign.

Ogura became the first graduate of the Moto4 Asia Cup to score a MotoGP podium when he finished third at Le Mans. He later made history at Assen by becoming the first Japanese rider since 2003 to win a MotoGP race.

Ogura currently sits sixth in the championship standings. He will now contest his home race for the first time since achieving those milestones, with thousands of Japanese fans expected to welcome him at Motegi.

"I'm very happy to receive this kind of attention from our government, and I appreciate the effort Carlos has made. I think Japanese motorsport needs to take the first step, and that's what we have done today," Ogura said.

Ogura hopes the relationship between Japanese sport and MotoGP can continue to develop and help make motorsport more widely recognised across the country.

"I hope we can continue along this path and make motorsport more widely known throughout the country," he added.

Ogura Turns His Focus to His Home Grand Prix

Following his visit to the Japan Sports Agency, Ogura continued his preparations for the Japanese Grand Prix by attending the official MotoGP Fan Festival. The event gave local fans an opportunity to celebrate his historic season ahead of the home race.

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix will take place at Mobility Resort Motegi from October 2-4. With Ogura the only Japanese representative in MotoGP and arriving after his historic victory at Assen, the home rider will be one of the major focal points throughout the weekend.