Defender Trophy Japan Selections and Path to the 2026 Final

Explore how the Defender Trophy begins with Japan’s first qualifier, where Naoki Imamura earns a place in the 2026 Africa final announced by JLR today.

The launch of the new Defender Trophy has marked a major moment for the global adventure community. Defender has officially opened a multi-stage competition inspired by historic Trophy and Challenge events, bringing their spirit into the modern era with a strong focus on meaningful engagement with nature. The first qualifying round took place in Japan, where participants faced tests of physical endurance, navigation, teamwork, and technical problem-solving. After two demanding days, Naoki Imamura emerged as the country’s representative and will advance to the global final in Africa, scheduled for 2026 in partnership with the conservation organization Tusk.

Interest in the new format has been remarkable: according to JLR, more than 10,000 applications have already been submitted worldwide. Over the next six months, additional selection events will unfold across seven countries before 34 finalized competitors come together at the African stage, which is expected to become the culmination of the entire project. Available information shows that the final will not simply be a series of advanced challenges—its conclusion will include a conservation-focused mission under Tusk’s guidance, highlighting the competition’s broader goal and its connection to real-world environmental work.

In Japan, the start of the competition was accompanied by the introduction of the special Defender 110 Trophy Edition, created in tribute to the Camel Trophy legacy. Different markets offer the model in various configurations: the Japanese division released 100 units in Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green, while UK sources report pricing beginning at £89,810. Regardless of regional variations, the series maintains a consistent emphasis on expedition readiness and references to the iconic trophy heritage.

Based on the information found, upcoming Defender Trophy stages are expected to test far more than driving skill and physical strength—they will challenge participants’ ability to collaborate, adapt, and navigate unpredictable environments. As 2026 approaches, interest in the project will continue to grow, and it is already clear that this new competition aims to unite the legacy of classic adventure events with a contemporary perspective where responsibility and conservation take center stage.