Milan, Italy – Japan’s Para ice hockey team arrives at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games aiming to reclaim its position among the world’s elite, a status last achieved with a silver medal performance at the 2010 Vancouver Games. The team, which did not qualify for the Beijing 2022 Paralympics, will compete in Group B alongside Canada, Czechia and Slovakia, beginning its campaign on March 7th at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
For Japan, the upcoming Games represent a blend of seasoned experience and emerging talent, highlighted by the historic inclusion of Akari Fukunishi, the first female player on the national Para ice hockey roster. Fukunishi’s selection follows a standout performance at the inaugural Women’s World Championships in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, last year, signaling a commitment to diversifying the program and broadening its competitive base.
Historically, Japan has been recognized for its disciplined, tactically astute approach to the game, emphasizing precise puck movement, swift transitions, and a relentless function ethic. This style propelled the team to its peak in Vancouver, but maintaining that level of success has proven challenging in recent years. The team finished eighth at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and fifth in both 2002 and 2006.
Leading the charge for Japan will be 20-year-old forward Itsuki Ito, who has quickly established himself as a key offensive threat. Ito, paralyzed from the waist down after starting ice hockey in elementary school, was named Best Forward at the Paralympic Qualification Tournament and tallied 15 goals and 11 assists at the World Championships B-Pool last year. His scoring prowess will be crucial to Japan’s hopes of advancing beyond the preliminary round.
The team’s roster features a mix of established veterans and promising newcomers. Goaltenders Wataru Horie and Manabu Okabe will provide stability in net, while defenders Aakari Fukunishi, Yudai Ishikawa, Masahiro Matsushita, Norihiko Nasu, Yoshihiro Shioya, and Satoru Sudo will be tasked with containing opposing offenses. Alongside Ito, the forward lines will be comprised of Mikio Kaneko, Yusei Kawahara, Masaharu Kumagai, Eiji Misawa, Amu Morisaki, Shunsuke Nakamura, Kazuyoshi Niets, Shosei Skai, and Mamoru Yoshikawa.
A key early test for Japan will come on March 9th, when they face defending Paralympic champions Canada. This matchup will provide a valuable gauge of Japan’s progress and its ability to compete with the sport’s traditional powerhouses. The outcome could significantly impact their chances of securing a semifinal berth.
The Para ice hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games will run from March 7th to 15th, culminating in the medal round on March 15th. The United States, Canada, China, Czechia, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Slovakia will all vie for the podium.
