Sei Sato Claims Gold as 2026 All Japan Judo Weight Class Championships Kick Off in Fukuoka
The road to Baku has officially begun. The 2026 All Japan Judo Weight Class Championships opened on April 4 at the Fukuoka International Center, serving as the final and high-stakes selection process for the Japanese squad heading to the World Judo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.
For the athletes competing in Fukuoka, this tournament is more than just a national title; It’s the definitive gateway to the world stage. The atmosphere in the arena reflected that tension, as Japan’s top practitioners fought for the right to represent the powerhouse nation in Azerbaijan.
The first day of competition saw a clash of generations and affiliations, with collegiate standouts facing off against seasoned corporate athletes. In the men’s 60kg division, the story of the day was the ascent of Sei Sato, a third-year student from Meiji University, who managed to outmaneuver the experienced Ryuki Nagayama of Park24 to take the top spot on the podium.
Men’s 60kg: Sato’s Path to Victory
The 60kg category provided some of the most technical displays of the opening day. Sei Sato entered the tournament with the pressure of the Meiji University legacy on his shoulders, but he remained composed throughout the bracket. Sato’s clinical approach was evident early in the competition; in a pivotal first-round match against Taiki Nakamura of JES Elevator, Sato secured a victory using a precise sumi-otoshi (corner drop), earning an “effective” (yuko) score to advance.
The final showdown pitted Sato against Ryuki Nagayama, a formidable opponent representing Park24. Nagayama had entered the final with significant momentum, having dispatched Kenta Sekimoto of JES Elevator in the opening round with a sharp sode-tsurikomi-goshi (sleeve lifting hip throw). However, Sato’s agility and timing proved superior in the gold-medal match, securing the championship and placing Nagayama in second.
For those following the technical nuances of the sport, the 60kg bracket was a masterclass in variety. Beyond the finalists, the early rounds featured high-impact judo, including Yusei Adachi of Tenri University defeating Hiroto Shirogane (Park24) via ko-soto-gari (small outer reap) and Hayato Kondo (Park24) utilizing a harai-makikomi (sweeping wrap-around throw) to overcome Yamato Fukuda of Tenri University with a waza-ari.
Men’s 66kg: Hattori Dominates
The action continued in the 66kg division, where Tatsunari Hattori of Tokai University asserted his dominance. A fourth-year student, Hattori displayed the maturity and strength expected of a senior collegiate athlete, navigating the bracket to claim first place.
Hattori’s victory was underscored by a hard-fought final against Taihei Fujisaka of Park24. Fujisaka, known for his consistency in the corporate circuit, was unable to break Hattori’s defense, leaving the Tokai University representative as the champion of the 66kg class.
To offer global readers some context: the Japanese selection process is notoriously grueling. Unlike some nations that rely solely on world rankings, Japan utilizes these national championships to ensure that the athlete in the best current form—regardless of their previous ranking—gets the nod for the World Championships. This creates a “do-or-die” environment where a single mistake can end a year of preparation.
Day 1 Results Summary
The opening day established a clear hierarchy in the lighter weight classes, with collegiate talent from Meiji and Tokai Universities making strong statements against corporate-sponsored athletes.
| Weight Class | 1st Place (Gold) | 2nd Place (Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s 60kg | Sei Sato (Meiji University) | Ryuki Nagayama (Park24) |
| Men’s 66kg | Tatsunari Hattori (Tokai University) | Taihei Fujisaka (Park24) |
Looking Ahead to Day 2
With the 60kg and 66kg titles decided, the focus now shifts to the remaining weight classes. The Fukuoka International Center will continue to host the final stretch of the tournament on April 5, where the remaining representatives for the Baku World Championships will be determined.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the collegiate surge continues or if the experience of the corporate athletes will prevail in the heavier divisions. All official results and final qualifying lists will be released by the All Japan Judo Federation (AJJF) following the conclusion of the event.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates as the Japanese national team finalizes its roster for Azerbaijan.
What do you think of Sei Sato’s victory? Can the collegiate stars maintain this momentum in Baku? Let us know in the comments below.
