Consadole's Team Abe has been confirmed as a participant in the 2026 Karuizawa International, returning to Karuizawa this September as the event's reigning men's champion. Skip Shinya Abe claimed the title at the most recent edition of the event in March 2026, giving the Hokkaido-based club its latest chapter in a long history of success on Japanese ice. Abe is backed by one of Japan's most experienced lineups, with fourth Tetsuro Shimizu -- himself a nine-time World Championship competitor -- alongside second Hayato Sato, lead Haruto Ouchi, and alternate Sota Tsuruga, all under the guidance of coach Bob Ursel. The squad enters the September 17-20 event with momentum, having won the 2025 Hokkaido Bank Curling Classic to open last season, and will face stiff competition from fellow confirmed participants Team Yamaguchi and Team Yoshimura as the newly elevated Grand Slam of Curling Satellite Event raises the stakes considerably -- with the winner earning an invitation to a Grand Slam.