The tournament runs from 30 September to 6 October at Ariake Tennis Forest Park. Alcaraz, who defeated Taylor Fritz in the 2025 final, is the top seed. Other leading names in the main draw include Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Rafael Jodar, Lorenzo Musetti, Brandon Nakashima, Jiri Lehecka and Casper Ruud.
The main draw is scheduled to be made on Monday, 28 September. Qualifying gets under way the same day and continues on Tuesday.
The qualifying draw features several high-profile players. Recent Cincinnati champion Arthur Fils is among those seeking a place in the main draw, along with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Lorenzo Sonego, Kamil Majchrzak and Jaime Faria. Fils is due to open against Martin Damm, while Tsitsipas faces home favourite Yoshihito Nishioka.
Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori is also set to make his final appearance at the event, adding further interest for local fans.
The Japan Open remains one of the key ATP 500 stops on the Asian swing. With a strong mix of established stars and rising talents, the 2026 edition promises competitive tennis as the season moves into its final stages.