Overview
- The All-Japan Championships opened at M-Wave in Nagano as the formal selection event for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Yukino Yoshida won the women's 500 meters with a meet record of 37.36 seconds, taking her first national title and being described as effectively assured of an Olympic spot.
- Up to three Olympic places are available in the men's 500 meters, where a tightly contested field must meet the Japan Skating Federation's dispatch-standard time to strengthen selection cases.
- Beijing Olympic bronze medalist Wataru Morishige, in good World Cup form, said he feels confident if he executes his race.
- Challengers in the men's sprint include Tatsuya Niihama, Katsutaku Kuratsubo, and rising skater Yuta Hirose, while Takagi is viewed as a strong women's sprint candidate.