Yoshito Watabe: “I still want to cherish every moment”

With a World Cup career that began back in 2009, Yoshito Watabe has quietly built one of the most consistent and respected résumés in Nordic Combined. While often in the shadow of his older brother Akito Watabe – a World Cup Overall winner and multiple-time Olympic medalist – Yoshito has earned his own accolades.

A bronze medalist at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, as well as at the World Championships in Lahti (2017) and Seefeld (2019), Yoshito has long been a cornerstone of the Japanese team.

Now 33 years old and one of the most experienced athletes on the circuit, he reflects on his first podium, the delayed celebration of Seefeld bronze, and the pride of sharing team success with his brother. As the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games approach, Watabe isn’t thinking about legacy – he’s still focused on improving every single day.

You’ve been competing on the World Cup circuit since 2009. Looking back at your long career, which moment stands out to you the most?
I clearly remember the race in Oslo in 2013. I had a good jump and was able to fight and ski alongside Eric Frenzel and my brother Akito. That was one of the most exciting races in my entire career.

You’ve won several team medals, including Olympic bronze in Beijing 2022 and World Championship bronze in Lahti and Seefeld. What do these team successes mean to you personally?
Team success teaches us what it truly means to be a team. We trust in each other because we’ve worked hard together, and on competition day, we each focus on doing our role. That shared effort makes the joy of success even more meaningful. It's a proud feeling that you can’t really experience in individual competitions.

After Seefeld 2019, the Japanese team was awarded bronze only now, many years later, after the disqualification of team Austria. How did it feel to finally receive that medal in Tokyo, with our Race Director personally handing it over?
I didn’t fully understand what had happened or why it took so long. As an athlete, I had mixed feelings about the situation. I really hope something like this doesn’t happen again. But in the end, receiving the medal is proof that we did our best at the time. I felt grateful once again to our team and staff.

Your brother Akito has been one of the biggest stars in Nordic Combined. How was it for you to compete alongside him, sharing incredible moments together, like your medals in Lahti, Seefeld, and Beijing?
He has always been a great athlete and someone I trust completely as a teammate. When competing, we are more than brothers, and I am truly thankful for everything we experienced together.

At 33 years old, you bring a lot of experience into the team. How do you see your role now, both for yourself and for the younger Japanese athletes?
I’ve had a long career, but honestly, my performance isn’t what I would call “successful” as a Nordic Combined athlete right now. I’m still working on many things and taking on new challenges. Maybe my experience will be useful to the next generation. So, I want to cherish every moment – both the ones I’ve already had, and the ones still to come.

With the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026 ahead, what are your goals for the upcoming season?
I want to improve step by step through the process. And if that journey leads to winning a medal, I would be very happy.