Jay Wilson | Jandals in Japan Podcast
Family Life, Culture, and Chasing The Dream
At just 14 years old, motocross racer Jay Wilson achieved what many riders spend a lifetime dreaming of: he won a world motocross championship. It was a moment that signaled the arrival of a future international star. Yet, as is often the case with elite athletes, the path ahead wasn’t always smooth. Setbacks punctuated triumphs, but one thing remained constant—Jay’s unrelenting desire to win another world motocross championship.
That dream carried him to multiple national championships and a life-changing decision in late 2021 to move his racing ambitions, his wife Misty, and their daughter Poppy to Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The post-COVID move was more than a geographical shift; it began a new chapter for the Wilson family. For Jay, it was as a competitor in the all-Japan motocross championship and as a development rider for Yamaha Motor; for Poppy, it was a new school, new friends and a new language; and for wife, Misty, it was a new culture and a host of new challenges for her own professional aspirations.
Jay’s inspiring story was recently captured when he appeared on the Jandals in Japan podcast. The entertaining series, hosted by ex-pat Kiwis Jayne Nakata and Catherine O’Connell, shines a spotlight on New Zealanders as well as other people doing successful business and other activities in, with and between New Zealand and Japan. The mix of cultural insights, humorous anecdotes, entrepreneurial tales, and personal adventures provide an entraining insight into what it takes to relocate your life to a country that can be a cultural polar-opposite to what you have been used to.
Jay’s natural charisma and brutal honesty make for a must-listen episode that even those with little knowledge about the sport of motocross will find fascinating. Jay shares details of his racing accomplishments since moving to Japan and reveals the emotional journey of moving his family abroad. From overcoming cultural differences to ensuring Misty and Poppy find happiness in their new life, Jay offers a raw and relatable perspective of life beyond a professional racer’s perceived glitz and glamour.
Like almost every competitor, the Wilsons are involved in motocross as a family team. On the Jandals in Japan podcast, Jay speaks candidly about the challenges of balancing his drive for success with the needs of his family.
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Away from the track, the Wilsons enjoy exploring Japan’s rich culture, food, and landscapes. When Jay isn’t competing, the family is out adventuring; from scenic road trips to tasting local delicacies. Their daughter Poppy, already fluent in Japanese and embracing her new home quickly, is a testament to the family’s resilience and adaptability.
Since joining Yamaha Racing Japan, Jay has delivered a series of stellar performances. Initially competing in the 250cc class with a YZ250F, he clinched the All-Japan Motocross Championship in 2022. Over the past two seasons, he’s dominated the 450cc class, winning back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024 aboard a factory YZ450F. However, Jay’s contributions go beyond the podium. As a development rider for Yamaha, he’s at the forefront of motocross innovation. By pushing his equipment to the limits in real-world racing, Jay is helping Yamaha to refine its motocross technology. He is also passionate about nurturing the next generation of motocross talent and technicians by working with young Japanese riders and their teams. Jay is determined to keep Yamaha and Japanese development riders leaders on the global stage.
Tune into Jandals in Japan to hear Jay’s amazing story, and be inspired by a young Aussie who is paving the way for the next generation.