Japan at the Olympics

The status of Japan’s national ice hockey teams for the upcoming Winter Olympics and their historical performance differs significantly between the men’s and women’s programs.

Quick Summary: 2026 Winter Olympics Status

• Women’s Team (“Smile Japan”): QUALIFIED. They will compete in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games.

• Men’s Team: DID NOT QUALIFY. They were eliminated in the final qualification round in 2024.

Women’s National Team (“Smile Japan”)

The women’s team has become a consistent force on the international stage, qualifying for their fifth consecutive Winter Olympics.

Japan Women Ice Hockey Team at The Olympic Games

2026 Qualification Path

• Result: Qualified as the winner of Group G.

• Details: Japan hosted the Final Olympic Qualification tournament in Tomakomai in February 2025. They dominated the group with a perfect 3–0 record, defeating France (7–1), Poland (6–0), and China (4–1).

• Key Performers: Forward Yumeka Wajima (top scorer in the qualifier), Rui Ukita, and captain Shiori Koike.

Olympic History

• Appearances: 5 (1998, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026).

• Best Finish: 6th Place (2022 Beijing).

• Overview: After making their debut as hosts in 1998, the program struggled to qualify for several cycles. However, since returning in 2014, they have qualified for every tournament on merit. They have steadily improved, moving from a team that struggled to win games to a competitive squad capable of reaching the knockout stages.

Men’s National Team

The men’s team has struggled to return to the top level of international play since their automatic bid as hosts in 1998.

2026 Qualification Path

• Result: Eliminated in the Final Qualification Round.

• Details: Japan reached the final stage of qualifying (Group F) held in Aalborg, Denmark, in August/September 2024. They faced stiff competition from European teams and finished 4th in the group after losses to Norway (2–4), Great Britain (2–3), and Denmark.

• Outcome: Denmark won the group to secure the Olympic spot.

Olympic History

• Appearances: 8 (First in 1936).

• Last Appearance: 1998 (Nagano).

• Best Finish: 8th Place (1960 Squaw Valley).

• Overview: Japan was the first Asian nation to participate in Olympic ice hockey (1936). They were regular participants between 1960 and 1980. Currently, they compete in Division I, Group A (the second tier of the World Championships), striving to break back into the top 16 nations globally

Historical Highlight: The Nagano 1998 Games

The 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano were a pivotal moment for Japanese ice hockey:

• Hosts: As the host nation, Japan received automatic berths for both men and women.

• Women’s Debut: This tournament marked the first-ever women’s ice hockey tournament in Olympic history. The Japanese women’s team has the distinction of playing in the inaugural Olympic women’s game.

• Men’s Legacy: The men’s team, comprised of players from the domestic Japan Ice Hockey League, played courageously but finished 13th. It remains their last appearance at the Games.

The Japan Women’s National Team (“Smile Japan”) has been drawn into Group B for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. They will play four preliminary round games to determine seeding for the knockout stages.

Preliminary Round Schedule (Group B)

All times are listed in local Central European Time (CET) and Eastern Standard Time (EST).