International Series Japan Preview: Ryo Ishikawa Leads Home Contingent

Japanese sensation Ryo Ishikawa is once again set to steal the spotlight, leading a formidable home contingent at International Series Japan, which tees off at Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba from May 8–11.

Ryo Ishikawa, now 33, brings a decorated résumé—21 Japan Golf Tour victories and the distinction of becoming the youngest-ever winner of a men’s regular event at just 15 years and 8 months old at the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup—to his debut on The International Series stage.

A Star-Studded Japanese Line‑up

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The 156‑strong field promises fireworks, with Ryo Ishikawa joined by a raft of rising and established talents from Japan:

• Taiga Semikawa, former World No. 1 amateur and the first amateur in 95 years to lift the Japan Open in 2022, later claimed the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup and the Kansai Open Golf Championship.
• Yuta Sugiura, 2024 Japan PGA Championship winner, who also notched an amateur victory at the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament in 2023.
• Takashi Ogiso, champion of the 2024 Hana Bank Invitational.
• Ren Yonezawa, victor of The Crowns and the Yokohama Minato Championship during a brilliant 2024.
• Veterans Naoyuki Kataoka and Taihei Sato, plus ten‑time Japan Golf Tour champion Shugo Imahira.
• Jinichiro Kozuma, Japan’s sole LIV Golf League representative (Iron Heads GC).

They’ll chase not only national pride but also a direct pathway into the LIV Golf League for the season’s top The International Series Rankings performer.

A Global Showcase

Joining these local heroes are international names eager to tame the Chiba breeze: Harold Varner III (4Aces GC), Lucas Herbert (Ripper GC) and Asian Tour breakout star Taichi Kho, winner of the 2023 World City Championship.

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “The local challenge is set to be incredibly strong at International Series Japan – and that’s a huge win for Japanese golf fans. We’re proud to bring world-class golf to one of Asia’s most passionate markets.

“This event offers a compelling mix of international stars, rising local talent, and some of the finest players from across the Asian Tour.

With a coveted LIV Golf League spot on the line at the end of the season, every shot matters and the competition will be fierce.”

Tickets go on sale April 23—secure your tickets HERE and witness Ryo Ishikawa and company light up Chiba this May.