SPECIAL
AMBASSADOR
PROFILE
Koichi Nakano AMBASSADORS
Koichi Nakano was born in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
In 1977, he became the first Japanese rider to win the sprint event of the World Cycling Championships, a feat he repeated for 10 consecutive years until 1986. Known as “Mr. Nakano of the World” and “Mr. Keirin,” he was one of the first Japanese athletes to compete overseas. In 2006, he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon.
PROFILE
KUMAMON EVENT CHEER CAPTAIN©2010 Kumamoto Prefecture Kumamon
- Birthplace
- Kumamoto Prefecture
- Birthday
- March 12
- Gender
- “I’m a boy!”
- Special Skills
- "Dancing" and "Finding Surprises and Happiness"
- Job
-
Technically a civil servant. Sales Manager and Happiness Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture. Spreading the Kumamoto Surprise to share the charm of Kumamoto with everyone.
- Role
- Appointed Cheer Captain for MyNavi Tour de Kyushu 2025 on March 26, 2025.
TROPHY
Produced by plating company Kyushu Denka Co., Ltd., engraved by Mr. Masaharu Inoue (Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture), also known as THE Iron Man, with Kyukyo Co., Ltd. processing the mirror parts. The trophies were manufactured jointly by the three companies, who donated them to the tournament. The names of the winners from previous years are engraved on the trophy.
MEDAL
STAGE WINNER
Kajima Corporation
Awarded to the athlete finishing each stage in first place.
BEST JAPANESE RIDER
Fukuoka Trans Co., Ltd.
Awarded to the Japanese rider who finishes each stage in first place out of the Japanese participants.
※The medal design is an image.
LEADER JERSEY
Incorporating the emblem representing "One Kyushu," the Mountain Prize is designed to evoke "the blessing of the mountains' water."
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
Sponsored by Mynavi Corporation
The General Classification of the Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2025 is the most prestigious title of the race and determines the overall winner.
It is awarded to the rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages.
The rider wearing this jersey on the podium of the final stage in Miyazaki–Oita will be crowned the overall champion.
POINTS CLASSIFICATION
Sponsored by Bridgestone Corporation
The Points Classification rewards consistency and sprinting strength.
Points are awarded based on finishing positions at the end of each stage and at designated sprint points along the course.
The rider with the highest total points wears the points leader jersey.
KING OF THE MOUNTAINS CLASSIFICATION
Sponsored by Suntory Foods Ltd.
The KOM (King of the Mountain) Classification honors the best climber in the race.
Points are awarded based on the order of passage over designated KOM points in each stage.
The rider with the most climbing points wears a distinctive jersey inspired by the "blessings of mountain water."
YOUNG RIDER CLASSIFICATION
Sponsored by NIPPO Corporation
The Young Rider Classification highlights the most promising talent in the peloton.
It is awarded to the fastest rider under the age of 23 (as of 2025) based on the lowest cumulative time across all stages.
IMAGE SONG
「ESPOIR」
Music: SHiNTA / Tana.H / Marchin
Word: Tana.H / Lani
Produced: Yasuko Matsumoto
PROFILE
ERENA SAKAMOTO
Born on September 12, 2000, in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Debuted in 2013 as a 3rd generation member of HKT48.
Will conclude her activities with HKT48 on April 27, 2025.
Her hobbies include listening to music, karaoke, visiting hot springs, and fortune-telling. Her special skills are playing Taiko no Tatsujin (with the screen hidden), improvisational harmonizing, speed-drinking Ramune, wakeboarding, piano, and guitar.
THEME SONG
「Against The Wind」
Music: Kyoji Yamamoto
Producer: Yasuko Matsumoto
MESSAGE
The fanfare at the beginning of "Against The Wind" represents the podium that all athletes strive for. With a bold start, overcoming countless obstacles, and pressing forward against headwinds, the song expresses the energy and determination of the riders as they continue pedaling with all their might.— Kyoji
PROFILE
Kyoji Yamamoto
Born in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. He began playing guitar at the age of 15 and entered Yamaha's Nemu Music Academy at 18. Even at that time, he was already being hailed as a guitar prodigy. While still in school, he was chosen as the lead guitarist and lead vocalist for BOWWOW.
During their debut, touring with KISS and Aerosmith made headlines. With his dynamic and overwhelming sound and guitar technique, he has consistently led Japan’s rock scene. Later, he formed VOW WOW and based himself in London, performing across Europe and the U.S. for about four years. The band even charted in the UK, earning high acclaim internationally and significantly influencing overseas artists, including Metallica.
In addition to his band activities, he tours nationwide with his solo project "Kyoji Yamamoto’s Fully Unleashed Solo Guitar Show", collaborating across a wide range of genres including rock, fusion, folk, blues, traditional Japanese music, and classical. He has performed with musicians from all backgrounds and has even toured with Eikichi Yazawa. From sessions to producing for other artists, his broad musical range continues to fuel his global success in the music scene.
Locus PROGRAM
The Mynavi Tour de Kyushu LOCUS Program, developed in cooperation with the Mynavi Corporation, is a program to create contacts between local companies and high school students in order to promote regional development. By connecting this competition and the LOCUS Program, we will work together with high school students on the ideas behind this event and explore solutions to regional challenges.
LOCUS INITIATIVES IN 2025
