The Speaker of the House Award, presented by the Japan Racing Pigeon Association (JRPA), is given to the pigeon that records the national highest meters-per-minute (m/min) velocity among races over 800K organized by member racing unions within the association and with announced distances.
Because this title is chosen from events that are not competed under identical conditions—affected by variables such as regional geography, the day of release, and race-day weather conditions—there is an element of chance. Nevertheless, achieving velocity in long-distance races of 800K and above requires strong bloodlines and meticulous care.
The 2026 (Reiwa 8) national highest velocity holder was identified as the hen 24FA00102 BC, bred by the loft of Saito Masaichi, a member of Yamagata Renmei / Dewa Rengokai. Registered national highest velocity: 1,556.850 m/min.
The pedigree of the award-winning pigeon is given as follows: 24FA00102 BC (hen) — Saito Masaichi loft; notes include overall 32nd place out of 426 birds in the 26-nen regional N race and overall first place in Sakura-sho among 64 birds. On the male side: 17FA05019 BC (bred by Saito Masaichi) — 600K 4th place as a direct youngster / 23-nen Yamagata CH overall 3rd place; also origins such as NL09-1152162 BCW (the line known as Kaoruru/Kaoru). On the female side: 19FA00222 BCP (bred by Saito Masaichi) and "Fair Lady" 17FA05028 BCP are listed in the pedigree.
We congratulate the loft of Saito Masaichi and the winning pigeon. JRPA emphasized the importance of long-distance racing and bloodline work, stating that similar successes will be followed in coming seasons.
