Fujinoki Genki Wins 73kg Title at 48th All Japan High School Judo Championships
Tokyo, Japan – March 27, 2026 – Fujinoki Genki of Osaka’s Josho Gakuen High School captured the boys’ 73kg division title at the 48th All Japan High School Judo Championships, held at Nippon Budokan. The victory marked his first national high school crown after a dominant performance throughout the tournament.
Fujinoki defeated Fukui Taishin of Hyogo’s Hodoku Gakuen High School in the final via ippon with a sode tsurikomi goshi at 2:50 of the match. The win capped a remarkable run for the first-year student, who had previously won the national middle school championship with all-ippon victories.
Tournament Path to Victory
Fujinoki’s journey to the title included decisive victories in each round. In the second round, he defeated Nagashima Mitsusei of Ibaraki’s Mito Keimei High School with a sode tsurikomi goshi ippon at 2:50. He continued his momentum through the quarterfinals and semifinals before facing Fukui in the championship match.
The third-place podium was shared by Shioyama Haruo of Fukuima’s Omuta High School and Heihanna Shota of Saitama’s Sakae High School, both earning bronze medals in the 73kg division.
Significance of the Victory
Fujinoki’s win represents a breakthrough moment in his young career. After a period of relative quiet following his middle school success, the victory at Nippon Budokan signaled his return to top form on the national stage. His ability to win matches with ippon techniques throughout the tournament demonstrated both technical precision and competitive maturity beyond his years.
The victory also highlights the continued strength of Osaka’s judo program, with Josho Gakuen High School producing another national champion in recent years. For Fukui Taishin, the runner-up finish represents a strong performance in his first appearance at the national high school finals.
About the Tournament
The 48th All Japan High School Judo Championships took place March 27-28, 2026 at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. The individual competitions were held on March 27, followed by team events on March 28. The tournament is organized by the All Japan Judo Federation and serves as one of the premier scholastic judo competitions in the country.
Nippon Budokan, located in central Tokyo, is one of Japan’s most prestigious martial arts venues. Originally built for the 1964 Olympic judo competition, it continues to host national championships across various martial arts disciplines.
What’s Next
Following the individual championships, the team competition took place March 28 at the same venue. Fujinoki Genki will next compete in regional qualifying events as he aims to defend his title at next year’s All Japan High School Judo Championships.
The All Japan Judo Federation typically releases official tournament results and athlete rankings within days of the event’s conclusion, providing updated national standings for high school competitors across all weight divisions.
For ongoing coverage of high school judo in Japan and updates on Fujinoki Genki’s competitive journey, fans can follow the All Japan Judo Federation’s official communications and reputable judo news sources.
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