While some veterans have shown signs of decline, several young Japanese swimmers have shown they have the potential to raise their level higher.
Multi-event swimmer Kosuke Hagino is inarguably one of the youngsters who will lead the nation's sport for years to come.
At the national championships in Tokyo, which wrapped up Sunday, Hagino had victories in four of the six individual events he entered. He also set two national records (400-meter freestyle and 200-meter individual medley) and registered five personal bests as well.