The Asian swing of the LPGA is now about to land in Japan—it’s one final stop before it makes its way back home to the US. The 2025 TOTO Japan Classic, set to be held at the Seta Golf Course from 6th to 9th November, has some really strong names on the field.  Top players like Minjee Lee, defending champion Rio Takeda, and Miyu Yamashita will be contesting for the coveted glass trophy and a whopping $2.1 million prize purse. Yet, there are a few names that remain off the roster, and whose absence on the course will be felt tremendously.

1. Jeeno Thitikul’s pause before world domination

World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul will be one of the big names missing from the field. It’s likely a deliberate decision to take some time off from the course. Her absence in Japan will be felt, as she scored a T10 there back in 2022, her rookie season. But with a season like hers, her break seems justified.

Among 19 starts, Thitikul made the cut in 18. She bagged two victories this year—one at the Mizuho Americas Open and another in the Buick LPGA. Her other notable results were a solo second in the Kroger Queen City Championship, the FM Championship, and the Amundi Evian Championship. The last event she played was the Maybank Championship in Kuala Lumpur, where she registered a T4. All in all, she had thirteen top-10 finishes.

Her next stop will likely be at the ANNIKA and then the CME Group Tour Championship. That is, if no injury or sickness plagues her.

2. Nelly Korda’s break continues

Well, this name might not be surprising to many. Nelly Korda has been on a break ever since she withdrew from the International Crown due to her lingering neck injury. But even without that setback, Japan was never likely to be a stop on her schedule. Even last year, she skipped this event due to a neck injury. Anyway, this year, she’s had a lot on her plate.

Of the 17 events she played, Nelly Korda was able to make the cut in all. She secured eight top-10 finishes. These included the LOTTE Championship (T4), Kroger Queen City (T5), and the US Women’s Open (2), to name a few. Despite it all, a win has remained elusive. This comes after Korda had a stellar 2024 season, with seven wins, including a major.

The reason for this is unknown, but as per Korda, she’s been fighting fatigue and exhaustion for a while now. These are the reasons why she was adamant about taking a rest before stepping into the final leg of the tour. Nevertheless, she plans to return to The ANNIKA, where she’s the three-time defending champion. Maybe she’ll finally bring a trophy home then.

3. Charley Hull’s off time after a redemptive year

Charley Hull played this event back in 2017, where she registered a T2. This time, she is skipping this event. She’s had a year, no less than a roller coaster, and she’s still going on. Hull was able to end her 1,077-day winless drought at the Kroger Queen City over none other than Jeeno Thitikul.

She made 11 cuts and registered three top-10s. She also became the first Englishwoman to ever break into the world’s top 5 since the Rolex Rankings began in 2006. Hull’s absence can be associated with her constant battle with her battered body. She fought illness, fainting on the course, injuries, cysts, and whatnot. But she’s still fighting and will be next seen at The ANNIKA.

With these names missing, the Toto Japan Classic might feel lighter. But for the rest of the field, it will be a golden opportunity to step out and grab that coveted title.