Shoei Junior High Claims Victory at 43rd Ogi Kan-oh Junior High School Judo Tournament
Shoei Junior High School emerged as the champion of the boys’ team division at the 43rd Ogi Kan-oh Junior High School Judo Tournament, securing the top spot in a competitive field of regional talent.
The event took place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Ogi Nori Sports Center in Ogi City, Saga Prefecture, Japan. As a cornerstone of the region’s youth martial arts calendar, the tournament provided a high-stakes environment for junior high athletes to showcase their technical proficiency and discipline.
Boys’ Team Division Results
The boys’ team competition saw a hard-fought battle for the podium, with Shoei Junior High School ultimately claiming the title. The final standings for the division were as follows:
- 1st Place: Shoei Junior High School
- 2nd Place: Ashikari Shonen
- 3rd Place: Yamato Junior High School
- 3rd Place: Arita Keishinkan
The victory for Shoei Junior High highlights the school’s current strength in the regional judo circuit, although the joint third-place finish for Yamato Junior High and Arita Keishinkan underscores the narrow margins separating the top contenders in the prefecture.
Tournament Scope and Schedule
The 43rd Ogi Kan-oh Junior High School Judo Tournament was part of the broader 67th Ogi Kan-oh Judo Tournament series. The event was structured to accommodate different age groups and competition formats over a full weekend of activity.
In addition to the boys’ team battles, the venue hosted the girls’ individual competition on March 21. For those unfamiliar with the format, individual competitions focus on single-athlete performance across weight classes, contrasting with the strategic roster management required for the team events.
The momentum continued into the following day, Sunday, March 22, 2026, as the Ogi Nori Sports Center transitioned to host the 54th Ogi Kan-oh Prefectural Youth Judo Tournament, expanding the competition to include younger practitioners from across the prefecture.
Venue and Local Context
Located in Ashikari-machi San-ozaki, the Ogi Nori Sports Center served as the hub for the weekend’s festivities. The facility is a primary venue for athletic events in Ogi City, providing the necessary space for multiple mats and the spectator capacity required for these community-driven martial arts gatherings.
The tournament’s rigorous schedule began early on Saturday, with doors opening at 8:30 a.m., followed by a coaches’ meeting at 9:15 a.m. And the official opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m., ensuring a disciplined start to the day’s contests.
Key Tournament Takeaways
- Champion: Shoei Junior High School took first place in the boys’ team category.
- Venue: All events were held at the Ogi Nori Sports Center in Saga Prefecture.
- Comprehensive Event: The weekend featured junior high team and individual matches, as well as a separate prefectural youth tournament.
- Date: Junior high competitions were completed on March 21, 2026.
For more detailed information on regional results and upcoming schedules, official updates are managed by the Saga Judo Association.
With the conclusion of the Ogi Kan-oh series, athletes will now shift their focus toward upcoming prefectural rankings and qualifying events for the next season.
Do you follow youth judo in Japan? Share your thoughts on this year’s results in the comments below.
