Japan Secures 17 Medals at X Games Chiba 2026, Attracting 25,000 Attendees Over Three Days

Keiho Kawakami｜Yoshio Yoshida / X Games Chiba 2026

The world's premier international action sports competition, 'X Games Chiba 2026,' took place over two days on July 4 (Sat) and 5 (Sun) at Makuhari Messe. Including the official practice day on Friday, July 3, approximately 25,000 attendees filled the venue, immersed in breathtaking performances by world-class athletes and the passionate energy of fans.

This year’s event served as the second round of the newly launched team-based 'X Games League (XGL).' Top athletes from 15 countries—79 finalists in total—competed across 15 events in three disciplines: skateboarding, BMX, and Moto X.

The official practice day on Friday, July 3, was designated as 'Chiba City & Chiba Prefecture Citizens Invitation Day,' welcoming local residents, school representatives, media, and professionals involved in action sports. Attendees from diverse age groups experienced world-class riding up close, building excitement for the main event.

Yoshio Yoshida / X Games Chiba 2026

The Chiba edition, where sports, music, and art intersected, concluded successfully.

Miharu Ozawa (XC Tokyo)｜Hikaru Funyu / X Games Chiba 2026

At this year’s event, Japanese athletes secured a total of 17 medals—5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze—proving once again their world-class capabilities in the inaugural season of the X Games League.

On the first day, Miharu Ozawa (XC Tokyo) claimed victory in Women’s BMX Park, achieving her second consecutive win following the opening round in Sacramento. She became the inaugural champion of this event, newly introduced in Japan.

In Men’s Skateboard Vert, Keiho Kawakami, aged 11 years and 9 months, won gold, setting a new record as the youngest male gold medalist in X Games history across both summer and winter editions.

In Women’s Skateboard Vert, Mizuho Hasegawa (XC Tokyo) took gold. On the second day, she added silver medals in Women’s Park and Women’s Vert Best Trick, achieving a historic triple-medal performance—the first by a Japanese athlete at a summer X Games. She also leads the X Games League individual rankings, positioning her as a strong MVP contender.

Ginun Konodera (XC New York)｜Jason Halayko / X Games Chiba 2026

On the second day, Ginun Konodera (XC New York) won Men’s Skateboard Street, securing his second consecutive victory after Sacramento and his third gold in the event overall. Kouryuu Shiraishi (XC Tokyo) also earned bronze, resulting in a Japanese podium sweep.

In Women’s Skateboard Street Best Trick, Toko Nishiya (XC New York) landed the first-ever successful 'Crooked Grind Nollie Heelflip' in X Games history to claim gold. Funa Nakayama also won silver.

Additionally, Minato Inomata earned silver and Yusei Nishikawa bronze in Men’s Skateboard Vert Best Trick. The home crowd’s enthusiastic cheers highlighted Japan’s strong presence across all disciplines.

XC Tokyo｜Naoki Gaman / X Games Chiba 2026

Japanese athletes’ success also translated into team performance in the new 'X Games League.' XC Tokyo maintained strong results following the opening round, tying for first place with XC New York at 1,770 total points. With the final round in New Orleans approaching, the championship race is intensifying.

The venue evolved into a full-scale 'cultural festival' with expanded lighting, music, and visual production

Chanmina｜Hikaru Funyu / X Games Chiba 2026IMP. & CLASS SEVEN｜Yoshio Yoshida / X Games Chiba 2026

The X Games experience extends beyond competition. This year, lighting, stage design, and visual effects were significantly enhanced, transforming the entire venue into an entertainment space that transcends traditional action sports.

In addition to DJ sets, live performances by Chanmina, IMP., and CLASS SEVEN electrified the audience, creating a unique cultural festival where action sports and music converged.

Yohei Uchino & Gen Sasaki｜Jason Halayko / X Games Chiba 2026Yuki Yamaguchi｜Yoshio Yoshida / X Games Chiba 2026

Live painting by contemporary artist Yuki Yamaguchi, who has designed the event’s artwork for five consecutive years, and demonstration rides by Japan’s world-renowned BMX flatland riders Yohei Uchino and Gen Sasaki were also featured.

Attendees enjoyed a full-day festival experience, immersing themselves not only in competition but also in music, art, and culture.

Moreover, long lines formed at the official merchandise store for limited-edition items, while the food zone gathered popular local Chiba restaurants and food trucks. Visitors freely explored the venue between events, enjoying the festival atmosphere at their own pace.

A collaborative event with Chiba City and partner companies

Chiba City Experience Booth × FLAKE CUP｜Yoshio Yoshida / X Games Chiba 2026Chiba City Experience Booth × Motocross International｜Yoshio Yoshida / X Games Chiba 2026

The event was co-created with Chiba City and numerous partner companies and local organizations.

Alongside regional and tourism promotion by Chiba City, skateboarding and BMX experience sessions were held in collaboration with 'FLAKE CUP,' a gateway competition for young skaters, and 'Motocross International.' These sessions offered children—future stars of action sports—a rare opportunity to engage with the sport on the same stage as world-class athletes.

Monster Energy｜Yoshio Yoshida / X Games Chiba 2026Murasaki Sports｜Hikaru Funyu / X Games Chiba 2026

At the venue, the Monster Energy booth hosted its traditional meet-and-greet and merchandise giveaways, while Murasaki Sports’ pop-up shop attracted large crowds.

MOS Burger｜Hikaru Funyu / X Games Chiba 2026Jujudo staff uniforms｜Jason Halayko / X Games Chiba 2026

In the food area, MOS Burger’s kitchen truck 'MOS50 (MOS Fifty)' featured BMX rider Rimen Nakamura, a challenge partner, as a one-day store manager, delighting fans with personal interactions.

Additionally, Jujudo provided official staff uniforms, marking a premier