Japanese MotoGP star Ai Ogura and MotoGP Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta visited the Japan Sports Agency in Tokyoon September 30, just days before the 2026 Motul Grand Prix of Japan at Mobility Resort Motegi.
The meeting with Japan Sports Agency Counsellor Naoko Hirayama focused on the importance of the Japanese Grand Prix, MotoGP’s contribution to international sport and tourism, and the role motorsport can play in local communities.
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Ogura Returns to the Japanese Spotlight
The visit comes at an important moment for Ogura, who is preparing for his home Grand Prix as the only Japanese rider competing in the MotoGP premier class.
The 2026 season has already produced major milestones for the Trackhouse rider. He became the first graduate of the Moto4 Asia Cup to reach the MotoGP podium and later became the first Japanese rider since 2003 to win a MotoGP race, taking victory at Assen.
Ogura currently sits sixth in the 2026 World Championship standings heading into the Motegi weekend.
Japan Sports Agency Welcomes MotoGP
During the Tokyo meeting, the Japan Sports Agency expressed support for MotoGP and the Japanese Grand Prix.
Hirayama highlighted Japan’s long history with motorsport and said the agency was pleased to discuss ways of building on MotoGP’s presence in the country and developing the sport for future generations.
Motegi Ready for Another Major Weekend
The 2026 Motul Grand Prix of Japan will take place from October 2 to 4 at Mobility Resort Motegi.
Motegi has hosted MotoGP racing for more than two decades. More than 90,000 fans attended last year’s Japanese Grand Prix, the circuit’s largest crowd in five years, according to MotoGP.
The event is expected to once again bring international motorcycle racing and a large domestic audience together in Tochigi.
Ezpeleta Highlights Japan’s Racing Heritage
Ezpeleta said Japan occupies an important place in MotoGP’s history and future, pointing to the country’s major motorcycle manufacturers, established racing tradition and passionate fan base.
He also highlighted Ogura’s breakthrough season as an example of the development pathways available to Japanese riders, including the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup.
Ogura Wants Motorsport to Reach More People
Following the meeting, Ogura said he appreciated the interest from the Japanese government and described the Tokyo visit as an important first step for Japanese motorsport.
He also expressed hope that cooperation between Japan’s sports community and MotoGP can continue, with the aim of making motorsport more visible across the country.
1. Home Race for Japan’s MotoGP Star
Ogura will compete at Motegi in front of his home crowd following a landmark season.
2. Stronger Sports Connections
The meeting brought MotoGP representatives and Japan’s national sports administration together to discuss the sport’s future.
3. Tourism and Local Communities
The Japanese Grand Prix also contributes to international sports tourism and brings visitors to the Motegi region.
4. A New Chapter for Ogura
After his historic MotoGP victory earlier this year, the Motegi weekend gives Japanese fans another opportunity to see Ogura compete on home soil.
With the Motul Grand Prix of Japan approaching on October 2–4, Ai Ogura’s visit to the Japan Sports Agency has added another layer of attention to an already significant home weekend.
As MotoGP returns to Mobility Resort Motegi, Ogura will look to build on his breakthrough 2026 campaign while Japan’s motorsport community welcomes the championship back to one of its longest-standing venues.
