Kodai Naraoka is among the 3 JPN MS who play in Yonex K&D Graphic IC (USA) this week. And it seems that Naraoka is starting to play MD. He is partnering with Teruki Muto. All JPN players in Yonex K&D Graphic IC are listed here: http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/matches.aspx?id=7E916863-0B49-4CBC-A7A8-9497131AE1E2&c=JPN
I looked at the NBA list before, and I still have absolutely no idea why Ohori Aya is featuring in this event.
As redemption for her 7x early (first round) exit maybe, those early exit only give her less than 3,000 ranking points. If she win this tournament, she will get 4,000 points. Mostly they're the player from Tonami & Unisys, are they sent by their own funding or by NBA? With current status of Naraoka is no more in the national team, I don't think he will be sent to the next WJC. How do you think?
All the players, including Naraoka, are self-financed. Actually, Naraoka's father is accompanying them as one of the coaches. Although there has not been an announcement yet, I think that Naraoka's position on the junior national team should be secure. Unless another extremely strong MS candidate appears, I consider it likely that he will be sent to the WJC.
