The 2026 All-Japan Judo Championships delivered its first major upset on Sunday, as Keiyo Gas standout Tatsuya Hatakeyama fell in the third round of the prestigious tournament at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan. The 28-year-old judoka, representing the Kanto region, was eliminated by eventual fifth-place finisher Ryuya Sato of Nippon Steel, ending his bid for the national title in a tightly contested match.

Hatakeyama’s exit came as a surprise to many observers, given his strong performance in the opening rounds. The Keiyo Gas judoka secured a dominant yūsei (superiority) victory in the first round, defeating Shuhei Kawada of Asahi Kasei with a 3-0 margin. His second-round match against Koki Nakao of the Kinki region followed a similar script, with Hatakeyama again earning a yūsei decision to advance to the round of 16.

Third-Round Showdown: Sato’s Experience Prevails

Hatakeyama’s tournament run came to an end in the third round against Sato, a veteran competitor with Nippon Steel. The match was a tactical battle from the outset, with both judoka trading grip attempts and counter-movements. Sato, a former university champion with a reputation for his seoi-nage (shoulder throw), capitalized on a brief lapse in Hatakeyama’s defense midway through the bout. A well-timed uchi-mata (inner-thigh throw) earned Sato a waza-ari (half-point), which proved decisive in the yūsei decision that followed.

“It was a tough match, but I knew I had to stay aggressive,” Sato told reporters after the bout. “Hatakeyama is a strong competitor, and I respect his skill. I’m just happy to have made it to the top five this year.”

Hatakeyama, who had entered the tournament as one of the dark horses for the title, reflected on his performance with characteristic humility. “I gave it everything I had, but Sato was the better judoka today,” he said. “I’ll take what I learned from this tournament and come back stronger next year.”

Tournament Overview: Tajima Claims First Title

The 2026 All-Japan Judo Championships, held on April 26, featured 45 competitors from across Japan’s nine regions, with Tsuyoshi Tajima of Park24 emerging as the surprise champion. Tajima, a relative unknown prior to the tournament, defeated Sanshiro Murao of JES Elevator in the final to claim his first national title. The victory marks a significant milestone for Tajima, who had previously struggled to break into the upper echelons of Japanese judo.

The tournament’s top eight finishers were as follows:

• Champion: Tsuyoshi Tajima (Park24, Tokyo)
• Runner-up: Sanshiro Murao (JES Elevator, recommended entry)
• Third place (tied): Takumi Ota (Asahi Kasei, Tokyo), Michihiro Arai (Tokai University, Tokyo)
• Fifth place (tied): Ryuya Sato (Nippon Steel, Tokyo), Daiki Obata (Hiramatsu Hospital, Kyushu), Hisayoshi Harasawa (recommended entry, Chofu Industries), Kanta Nakano (Asahi Kasei, Kinki)

Keiyo Gas’s Rising Profile in Japanese Judo

Hatakeyama’s performance at the 2026 championships underscores the growing influence of Keiyo Gas in Japan’s judo landscape. The company’s judo team, based in Chiba Prefecture, has steadily produced top-tier talent in recent years, with Hatakeyama emerging as one of its most promising athletes. His third-round exit, whereas disappointing, is unlikely to dampen the team’s ambitions as it prepares for the upcoming All-Japan Business Team Championships later this year.

Keiyo Gas’s judo program has benefited from a combination of corporate sponsorship and strategic recruitment, attracting athletes from across Japan. The team’s success is also a testament to its coaching staff, which includes former national team members and Olympic-level trainers. With Hatakeyama still in his prime at 28, the judoka is expected to remain a key figure in Keiyo Gas’s quest for national and international recognition.

What’s Next for Hatakeyama and Keiyo Gas?

For Hatakeyama, the focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for the remainder of the 2026 season. The judoka is slated to compete in the All-Japan Weight Category Championships in June, where he will aim to secure a spot in Japan’s national team for the upcoming World Judo Championships. His performance in Tokyo, while not culminating in a podium finish, demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, and selectors will be keen to see how he builds on this experience.

Keiyo Gas, meanwhile, will look to build on Hatakeyama’s momentum as it targets team success in the latter half of the year. The company’s judo team has historically performed well in team-based competitions, and with several young athletes rising through the ranks, the future looks bright for the Chiba-based outfit.

Key Takeaways from the 2026 All-Japan Judo Championships

• Surprise Champion: Tsuyoshi Tajima (Park24) claimed his first All-Japan title, defeating Sanshiro Murao in the final.
• Hatakeyama’s Run: Tatsuya Hatakeyama (Keiyo Gas) advanced to the third round before falling to Ryuya Sato (Nippon Steel).
• Tournament Format: The championships featured 45 competitors, with athletes qualifying through regional selections or recommendation.
• Keiyo Gas’s Role: The company’s judo team continues to rise in prominence, with Hatakeyama as one of its leading figures.
• Next Steps: Hatakeyama will compete in the All-Japan Weight Category Championships in June, with an eye on national team selection.

How to Follow the Action

Fans interested in following the All-Japan Judo Championships and other major judo events can stay updated through the following official channels:

• All-Japan Judo Federation (official tournament results and news)
• International Judo Federation (global judo updates and rankings)
• Keiyo Gas Judo Team (team news and athlete profiles)

The next major event on the judo calendar is the All-Japan Weight Category Championships, scheduled for June 2026. Archysport will provide full coverage of the tournament, including previews, live updates, and post-event analysis.

What are your thoughts on Hatakeyama’s performance and Tajima’s surprise victory? Share your comments below or join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.