Yokosuka is once again set to host a world-class BMX Freestyle event in the summer of 2025. As anticipation builds for the new chapter to be unfolded at Verny Park, overlooking Tokyo Bay, this report looks back at the 2024 Mynavi JapanCup Yokosuka, held from September 26 (Thursday) to 29 (Sunday), 2024.

The 2024 event was unfortunately affected by strong winds and rain due to a typhoon. However, top riders from Japan and abroad showcased exceptional skill and mental fortitude despite these adverse conditions, delivering deep emotion and excitement to the audience. This competition was sanctioned as a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) C1 event, serving as a crucial opportunity to earn points for world championships qualification. Competitions were held in two categories, Freestyle Park and Flatland, producing numerous memorable performances that defied the challenging circumstances and vividly demonstrated the immense potential of BMX.

Towards the Next Stage: Mynavi JapanCup Yokosuka 2025 Event Overview

The 2025 event will move its stage to Verny Park, facing Yokosuka Port, for further evolution.

･ Dates: July 18 (Friday) – 21 (Monday/Public Holiday), 2025

Please note: Dates and times may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, potentially being postponed to the following week.

･ Time: 9:00 – 18:00 (tentative, subject to change based on weather)
･ Venue: Verny Park Ikoi no Hiroba (1-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Station)
･ Admission: Free
･ Sanctioning: UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Class 1

Please note: Dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions. Please check the official website for the latest information.

2024 Event Highlights: High-Level Qualifiers Surpassing the Finals

Full-Throttle Rides Unleashed for a Canceled Final

Due to strong winds and rain, the final competition on September 29, the last day of the event, was unfortunately canceled. Consequently, the results from the qualifying rounds held on the previous day (September 28) became the final standings of the competition. While this was a regrettable decision for spectators and athletes who had looked forward to the finals, the qualifying rounds themselves were charged with tension and excitement, much like a final battle.

Athletes poured all their skill and passion into each qualifying run, delivering magnificent performances that captivated the audience. In Freestyle Park, Rim Nakamura and Miharu Ozawa, and in Flatland, Yu Katagiri and Sona Yoshimura, each secured the top spot in the men’s and women’s elite categories with their top qualifying scores.

Four Riders Who Shone in a “Summer Without Finals”

Freestyle Park Men’s Elite: Rim Nakamura, a Stunning Performance in Qualifiers (90.38 points)

With the final canceled, his qualifying performance determined the championship. Nakamura executed highly difficult combos such as “Backflip Barspin to Barspin Back,” “Flare Double Barspin,” and “720 Barspin” perfectly, recording an overwhelming high score that left others far behind and securing his second consecutive title.

“I felt even better riding here than at international competitions. Perhaps the atmosphere in Yokosuka suits me,” said Rim Nakamura.

Freestyle Park Women’s Elite: Miharu Ozawa, Consecutive Wins with Exceptional Skill (76.75 points)

Ozawa delivered a stable performance from the qualifiers, successfully landing major tricks like “Backflip,” “Tailwhip,” and “360.” Her exceptional bike control and expressive power earned her a high score, marking her second consecutive win following the Nagoya event.

“I’m truly happy to have won two consecutive titles after Nagoya. I gave my all even in the wind,” commented Miharu Ozawa.

Flatland Men’s Elite: Yu Katagiri, Reaching the Top with Artistic Riding (89.75 points)

Amidst formidable competitors like Moto Sasaki and Masato Ito, Katagiri secured the top spot in qualifiers with artistic riding that merged stillness and movement. He showcased a highly polished performance in Flatland, which demands extreme balance and creativity.

“It’s an honor to have won among such strong competitors,” stated Yu Katagiri.

Flatland Women’s Elite: Sona Yoshimura, a Perfect No-Mistake Run (79.50 points)

Yoshimura delivered an astonishing no-mistake run in the qualifiers, flawlessly executing every trick. She won a close battle against Nina Suzuki by a mere 0.25 points, enchanting the venue with her precision and beauty.

“I feel great having landed all my tricks,” said Sona Yoshimura.

Yokosuka: Where the Ocean Meets Culture, A BMX City

Yokosuka City is an indispensable location when discussing the Japanese BMX scene. Its symbol is the skate park at

“Umikaze Park,” which served as the venue for the 2024 event. As one of the leading public facilities in Japan, it serves as a hub for interaction where local kids and world-class athletes gather daily to hone their skills.

During the event period, athletes enjoyed the city of Yokosuka, and its charms were shared globally through social media. From the beautiful scenery of Tokyo Bay and the exotic atmosphere represented by Dobuita Street, to local delicacies like the Navy Burger and cheesecake, Yokosuka’s brand value is increasingly growing as a “city where you can watch, ride, and taste,” offering thrilling sports spectating and unique city walks simultaneously.

That Summer’s Enthusiasm Continues to Verny in 2025

Precisely because the finals could not be held due to weather, the memory of the high-level qualifying rounds of 2024 remains even more vivid in the minds of many fans. The exceptional skill and concentration demonstrated by the riders in the qualifiers were a symbol of the “freedom” and “creativity” that BMX embodies.

Carrying on this enthusiasm, the 2025 event will move its stage to

“Verny Park,” which faces Yokosuka Port. With the expectations set in 2024, we eagerly anticipate the day when a new beat of BMX echoes in Yokosuka in the summer of 2025.

The sight and passion of the athletes who poured everything into a single run that day continue on to the 2025 event.

▶ Click here for the latest information on the 2025 event

Useful Links

Event Official Website:
japanbmx.com/japancup-yokosuka/

Verny Park (Venue) Information:
www.kanagawaparks.com/verny/

Official Social Media
Follow the Japan Freestyle BMX Federation (JFBF) on:
Instagram｜X (Twitter)｜Facebook｜YouTube

Contact

Japan Freestyle BMX Federation (JFBF)
Email: contact@japanbmx.com

© Mynavi JapanCup Yokosuka 2025