Round 6 of the 2025 Japan Women’s Motocross Championship saw local favorite Manaka Kawai (T.E. Sport) deliver another thrilling performance, claiming her sixth consecutive win of the season. The crowd gathered in anticipation to see if anyone could finally end Kawai’s dominance — but once again, she proved unstoppable.
The spotlight in the Ladies Class was on Kawai, but it was Manaka Kawakami (BLU CRU YSP Osaka Minoo) who set the tone early on. Returning from injury, Kawakami stunned everyone in qualifying with a blistering pace, clocking the top time and outpacing Kawai by nearly 2.8 seconds — setting the stage for an intense final.
As the gate dropped for the final race, Kawai launched perfectly from the inside grid to grab the holeshot. Natsuki Kusumoto (Team Hammer) followed in second, with Riko Okubo (KTM Tokai Racing with Yume Channel & 331) close behind. Meanwhile, Kawakami got off to a slow start, forced to fight her way through the pack.
Early in the race, Kusumoto crashed while running second, allowing Miyu Minoura (Team Itomo) to move up. Kawakami was charging hard from behind and soon joined the front group, igniting a three-way battle for the lead between Kawai, Minoura, and Kawakami.
Minoura made the first move, overtaking Kawai in the jump section to briefly take the lead. But Kawai immediately countered, reclaiming the top spot in a fierce side-by-side exchange. Seizing the moment, Kawakami slipped into second place and began closing in on Kawai, pushing at an incredible pace.
As the race entered its final minutes, Kawai and Kawakami pulled away from the rest — the tension mounting with each lap. Kawakami applied relentless pressure, but Kawai’s precise lines and mental composure kept her in control. With two minutes remaining, a small mistake from Kawakami opened a decisive gap, allowing Manaka Kawai to hold on for victory in front of her home fans.
Kawai’s victory extended her perfect 6–0 streak since the season opener. Kawakami finished second, and Minoura completed the podium in third.
Manaka Kawai : « I had a big crash in free practice, and both my body and bike were in rough shape. During the race, the pain and numbness in my hand made it tough to hold on, so I really had to rely on mental strength today. I knew Minoura was closing in and expected her to attack in the corners. Even when she passed me, I stayed calm, watched her lines, and took the inside back before the Dirt Freak Jump. I could feel Kawakami behind me later, but I knew this track doesn’t offer many passing spots. I focused on keeping a steady pace, knowing that any small mistake could decide the race. It was a real test of patience, but winning here at my home track — and in memory of Tofukuji-san — means everything. I’ve already done some practice at SUGO, and I’m feeling confident. I’ll give everything for the final round to secure the championship. »
