Home hopeful Kodai Naraoka will expect a stiff test when he starts his campaign at Kumamoto Masters Japan 2025 against India’s Ayush Shetty.

The world No.10 has had a quiet season, with his last semifinal coming at the Canada Open in July. Shetty, on the other hand, has emerged as an exciting young talent, with his victory at the US Open making him a name to watch.

Other interesting first round match-ups in men’s singles include Lin Chun-Yi against Brian Yang, Korea Masters winner Jason Teh against World Championships bronze medallist Victor Lai and HS Prannoy against Leong Jun Hao.

In women’s singles, local favourite Akane Yamaguchi faces Chinese Taipei’s Chen Su Yu, while her compatriot Nozomi Okuhara takes on former BAOJI China Masters champion Pitchamon Opatniputh.

Withdrawals

Men’s Singles: Kunlavut Vitidsarn
Women’s Singles: Riko Gunji
Men’s Doubles: Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi
Women’s Doubles: Allison Lee/Lee Yu Lim, Mizuki Otake/Miyu Takahashi, Yuna Kato/Maya Taguchi
Mixed Doubles: Yuta Watanabe/Maya Taguchi

Promotions

Men’s Singles: Rikei Takei
Women’s Singles: Nana Hisaminato
Men’s Doubles: Daichi Miura/Yuto Nakashizu
Women’s Doubles: Zih Ling Huang/Wang Szu-Min, Teng Chun-Hsun/Yang Chu Yun, Benyapa Aimsaard/Sabrina Sophita Wedler
Mixed Doubles: Zhi-Wei He/Liang Ching Sun

Click here to view the updated draw.

Kumamoto Masters 2025 starts today, with the first qualification match scheduled at 8am Kuala Lumpur time (UTC +8).