With only a small pool of talent to draw from, Japan have quietly turned to technology to further their quest for sailing Holy Grail. They have also turned to some of the top professional sailors in the world to help train and lead their Challengers.

In 1992, New Zealand's Chris Dickson was recruited to lead Japan's challenge for the America's Cup. Although the team did not quailfy for the finals much was learned and the sport of sailing was brought to the fore front of Japan's sporting community.

With the lessons from 1992, the 1995 America's up saw a different approach from Nippon Challenge. Veteran John Cutler was brought in as helmsman but the remainder of the crew were mostly Japanese. They also brought in Australian Peter Gilmour as head coach for the team and although they had problems with their second boat, the team quailified for the semi-finals but adjustments to the boat actually slowed them down and they failed to progress into the finals.