Shimoda makes history – and Japan is finally taking notice

Tokyo, a Wednesday evening in December, somewhere amidst chandeliers, red carpets, and the soft clinking of champagne glasses. And right in the middle of it all stands a guy who normally plows through dirt jumps in full gear: Jo ShimodaBut this time he's not wearing a helmet, but a sports award – and what an award it is.

The Honda-HRC-Progressive rider was awarded the Kantō Shō “Fighting Spirit” Award Excellent. An award usually reserved for baseball pitchers, sumo legends, or soccer stars. And now? A motocross rider. A mark not to be underestimated.

A year in which Shimoda changed everything – also for Japan

2025 was not a good year for Jo Shimoda. It was one of those years that sets a life on a new course. Supermotocross title in the 250cc class - as first Japanese person ever, who wins a professional title in the AMA scene.

His uncompromising debut at the MXoN in the 450cc class. And now this award, right in the heart of Tokyo, alongside world stars like Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, this year's overall winner of the Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize.

It's important to put this into perspective: In Japan, motocross plays roughly the same social role as curling in the desert. And yet, Shimoda suddenly finds himself on a stage usually reserved for the country's greatest sporting icons. His reaction? Unmistakably Shimoda: "I never imagined that motocross would bring me here. I hope this award helps more people in Japan see what our sport is capable of."

It doesn't sound boastful. It sounds honest. And it sounds like someone who knows they've just started something bigger than a title.

An evening that shows motocross is growing quietly but clearly in Japan.

The day after the awards ceremony, Honda transformed Tokyo into a small off-road oasis: a pop-up event, fans queuing up for autographs and cameras. Shimoda, team manager Lars Lindstrom, and IndyCar icon were all there. takuma sato – a stage that suddenly looked like a who's who of motorsport.

This includes honoring other Japanese talents such as Yuki Okura (JMX Champion) and BMX star Rim Nakamura.
Motorsport, BMX, motocross – all in one place. Japan rarely shows so openly how proud it is of its athletes.

HRC off-road boss Yasuhiro Yokoyama He summed it up perfectly: "Jo didn't just win. He showed Japan what a Japanese motocross rider is capable of."

A champion who is injured – but doesn't let it slow him down.

Yes, Shimoda currently has a neck injury. Yes, it was severe enough to disrupt training and plans. But anyone who knows him knows: he sees obstacles simply as things to be overcome. 2026 is the plan. Definitely. No question marks. Again. Honda HRC Progressive, full program again.

And the mood? Shimoda doesn't seem like someone who's holding back. He seems like someone who's just warming up.

Shimoda didn't seek the limelight – but now it belongs to him.

This award isn't just another trophy for the cupboard. It's a signal. A rare and clear one:

• Motocross Penkert GmbH inJapan.
• Shimoda has opened the door – and it will remain open.
• And when 2026 starts, he won't just keep it open... he'll drive through it at full speed.

Jo Shimoda has had a historic year. And it feels like it's just the beginning.